Day 30 - May 30th

I made it to the finish line. Thank you everyone who has been a part of this journey. I am grateful and honored I have joined and became a part of this challenge. To all my teachers at BDC, you are my inspiration. To all the students and my fellow challengers, thank you as well.

Daily Practice #30
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Just warmed up using the Daily Vocalization CD at Ripley-Grier Studio.

Health-Conscious Meal #25

Green Salad from Whole Foods

Fitness Class #19
Type of Class: Advance Beginner Theater
Instructor: Lainie Munro

Outside Studio 2 after taking class with Lainie.

Our quote for today :)

Fitness Class #20
Type of Class: Basic Ballet
Instructor: Joy Karley

First time I took her class and modesty aside, she complimented the way I did in her class. Thank you, Joy! 

Charitable Deed #5
Delivering post cards to various restaurant in Manhattan to promote eating healthy and to fight Celiac Disease as part of the M.O.V.E Project.

First stop: Souen Restaurant at 13th St. in Union Square

at Peter's Restaurant on 1st Ave. between 83rd and 84th st.

The stranger whom I kindly asked to take a photo did not include the logo name of the restaurant but here I am standing outside. 

So, I took a picture to prove I delivered the post cards at this place.

Lilli and Loo's Restaurant at Lexington Ave. between 61st and 62nd St.

at Friedman's in Chelsea Market. I delivered the post cards yesterday.

Day 29 - May 29th

Today, I just took 2 ballet classes with different teachers. I miss taking this class and it's been six weeks since I last took it. The Basic and Beginner classes just don't fit and match my schedule the past six weeks but I'm glad it did today.

Health-Conscious Meal #23

Breakfast: Fruit Yogurt Granola

Health-Conscious Meal #24

Lunch: Energy Salad from Whole Foods and Coconut Juice

Daily Practice #29
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Just focused on vocalization and warming up my voice at Ripley-Grier Studio.

Fitness Class #17
Type of Class: Basic Ballet
Instructor: Dawn Hillen

Fitness Class #18
Type of Class: Beginner Ballet
Instructor: Liane Plane

Day 28 - May 28th

I am able to get my much needed sleep last night and I am grateful for that. I decided to just relax and prepare myself for my demo track recording and last voice lessons. Maestro Kurt Robinson helped me warmed up my voice and gave me his last pointers in maximizing my experience for my demo track recording. We worked on "Don't Cry Out Loud" and "Infatuation". I really had fun recording my demo track. We ran to the whole song 4 times so that Lane will have plenty of choices to work on when he do the mixing. I think I did my best on my first and last attempt in recording my track. I am satisfied with the outcome. Maybe, it may not be perfect but I know that I've done justice to the song and I've done my homework with my voice teacher and vocal coach. I was also comfortable singing it in the recording booth. Except for my minor itchy throat which I was able to manage by the help of water. I went back home to dress up for the Japan Benefit Concert then proceeded to Ripley-Grier Studio to do my daily practice. Indeed, my voice came out and I was able to execute the vocalization in a relax manner without pushing any bit of it. I worked on exercises that was not covered in my voice lessons earlier and polished some corrections during my voice lesson. I feel blessed that this challenge is almost over and I am looking forward to the finish line satisfied with what I will accomplished. Now, I can face the world again with a new outlook as it taught me a lot about myself, dealing with others in a positive way, and I've gained more patience and being optimistic about things when faced with a difficult and challenging situation. This challenge is indeed self-rewarding only if one will put his/her self  into it, dedicate, and commit him/herself regardless of any situation he/she must encounter and face. I am happy and proud of what I have accomplished so far. Proud in a manner that I was able to do things which I think I will not be able to do at first. But because of my perseverance, hard work, not loosing hope no matter what, and of course keeping my faith and prayers...I was able to come this far. With that being said, I would like to give myself a pat on the back. And thank you, Lord for everything!!!

Health-Conscious Meal #22

Celery Heart with Hummus

Daily Practice #28
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization, did exercises that was not touched during my voice lessons.
I practiced and used studio 16H at Ripley-Grier Studio.

Private Voice Lessons #4
Minutes: 60
Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization, Don't Cry Out Loud, and Infatuation.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture again with my Maestro. Please pardon me.

1 New Demo Recording
Song/Piece: Don't Cry Out Loud (in the style of Melissa Manchester)
Recorded at Moon Lab Studio
Record Producer/Mixing Engineer: Lane Schneier
(I will try to upload the demo track later tonight as I have to finish this quickly to be able to attend the Japan Benefit Concert. For the meantime please enjoy looking at the photos)

Lane, mixing my track.

That's Lane, such a nice guy :)

Moi in the recording booth.

* I have Lane's permission to post his photos in my blog.

My Demo Track

Detailed Breakdown of my Daily Challenge

*30 DAILY PRACTICE SESSIONS

Day 1  -  30 minutes --------------- Telephone Hour, Because

       2  -  30     "       --------------- Don't Cry For Me Argentina

       3  -  30     "       --------------- Because (alto part)

       4  -  30     "       --------------- Because (alto part - review)

       5  -  30     "       --------------- Because (alto part - polishing unclear sections)

       6  -  90     "       --------------- Infatuation

       7  -  30     "       --------------- Infatuation (review), Because (run-through alto part)

       8  -  30     "       --------------- Daily Vocalizations Ex 1-9, working on finding my chest voice shifting

                                                        to head voice and vice versa

       9  -  30 minutes --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-16, Infatuation (review)

      10 -  30     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization focusing on finding my chest tone,

      11 -  30     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization working on my chest and head tone, Infatuation

      12 -  40     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-12, run-through Infatuation and One Race

      13 -  60     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-15, Infatuation and One Race (polished)

      14 -  30     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization, polishing Isang Lahi (One Race)

      15 -  30     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization, Isang Lahi (One Race)

      16 -  60     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization, Meadowlark

      17 -  60     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization, Isang Lahi, Meadowlark

      18 -  60     "       --------------- Vocal Technique Class at BDC, Rolling In The Deep 

      19 -  90     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-16, Meadowlark, Isang Lahi, You'll Be In My
                                                       Heart, Rolling In The Deep. 

      20 -  180   "       --------------- Vocal Technique/Performance Class, Daily Vocalization, Rollin In
                                                       The Deep, Someone Like You, and Meadowlark.

      21 -  40     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-16.

      22 -  60     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-16, Don't Cry Out Loud

      23 -  60     "       --------------- Daily Vocalization, Rolling In The Deep, Don't Cry Out Loud

      24 -  60     "      --------------- Daily Vocalization, Rolling In The Deep

      25 -  30     "      --------------- Daily Vocalization Ex 1-15.

      26 -  120   "      --------------- Daily Vocalization, 21 Guns

      27 -  120   "      --------------- Vocal technique Class, Daily Vocalization, Forget You, Don't Cry Out
                                                       Loud.

      28 -  30     "      --------------- Daily Vocalization

      29 -  30     "      --------------- Daily Vocalization

      30 -  30     "      --------------- Daily Vocalization  

4 PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS

Lesson 1  -  May 07, 2011

            2  -  May  21, 2011

            3  -  May 25, 2011

            4  -  May 28, 2011

* 2 COACHING SESSIONS

Session 1  - 30 minutes ---------- Tuesday, May 24, 2011

             2 - 30      "      ----------- Friday, May 27, 2011

*1 LIVE VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Sang during an East-Asian Event and Concert sponsored by the M.O.V.E. Project.

Piece: Isang Lahi (One Race)     Date: May 21, 2011

*1 LIVE PERFORMANCE

Watched "Catch Me If You Can" A Broadway musical at Neil Simon Theatre on May 24, 2011 at 7:00pm.

*1 LIVE NY INDUSTRY AUDITION

Show: Here Lies Love

Audition Date: May 24, 2011 from 10:00am until 6:00pm

Audition Piece: Rolling In The Deep by Adele Adkins

Link to the Audition Info: http://www.playbill.com/jobs/find/job_detail/37078.html 

*1 NEW DEMO RECORDING

Date: May 28, 2011
Demo Track: "Don't Cry Out Loud"
Recorded at: Moon Lab Studio
Mixing Engineer: Lane Schneier 

* 25 HEALTH-CONSCIOUS MEALS

Meal 1  -  Fat Free Blueberry Muesli with Organic Low Fat Yogurt and Navel Orange

         2  -  Junior MAOZ Falafel Sandwich (vegetarian) and Carrot Juice

         3  -  Organic (whole wheat) spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Seafood blend, Celery Hearts and

                 Carrots, and Navel Orange

         4  -  Brown Jasmine Rice (1 cup), Steamed Brocolli, and Grilled Chicken

         5  - 2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread w/crunchy unsalted Peanut Butter and Blueberry Preserves

               made w/fresh blueberries, 1 navel orange, 1 cup of Columbian coffee w/raw honey and fat free milk

         6  -  Cream of Tomato w/Chicken and Orzo Soup, Cantaloupe, a slice of bread, and H20

         7  -  Greek salad w/Balsamic Vinegar, Banana, H20, and Fresh Orange Juice

         8  - Sauteed Lean White Chicken and Organic Firm Tofu mixed w/organic carrots and bell pepper

         9  - Organic Apple, Sun-dried tomato and Arugala sandwich, Larabar Food bar, and H20

        10 - Green Salad with Fat Free Raspberry Vinagrette, Naked Smoothie Power-C Machine

        11 - Organic Sweet Galia Melon, H20, and Fat Free Blueberry Muesli w/Low Fat Organic Yogurt

        12 - Prawns in Citrus Sauce with Brown Rice 

        13 - Sauteed String Beans with Carrots and Snow Peas on Lean-White Chicken

        14 -  Salad Meal from MAOZ, Carrot Juice

        15 -  Milkfish on a Tamarind Broth with Vegetables

        16 -  Gourmet Smoked Salmon and Cucmber Juice

        17 -  Flavored Yogurt Parfait

        18 -  Tuna Sandwich  on a Whole Wheat Bread, Banana, and 

        19 -  Maple and Fruit Oatmeal and Low Fat Milk..

        20 -  Chicken Noodle Soup and Coconut Water with Acai and Pomegranate

        21 -  Ampalaya with scrambled egg, Brown Rice, Canataloupe

        22 -  Celery Heart with Hummus

        23 -  Fruit Yogurt Granola

        24 -  Energy Salad and Coconut Juice

        25 -  Green Salad

* 20 ENERGIZING DANCE OR BODY CONDITIONING CLASSES @ BDC

Class 1  -  Beginner Jazz ------------------------------------ Sue Samuels

         2  -  Basic Tap --------------------------------------- Julie Garcia (subbing for Germaine Salsberg)

         3  -  Advance Beginner Musical Theater -------------- Jim Cooney

         4  -  Beginner Theater -------------------------------- Lainie Munro

         5  -  Basic Tap --------------------------------------- Germaine Salsberg

         6  -  Basic Tap --------------------------------------- Lainie Munro (subbing for Miller and Ben)

         7  - Beginner Jazz ------------------------------------ Sue Samuels

         8  - Basic Tap ---------------------------------------- Germaine Salsberg

         9  - Advance Beginner Musical Theater --------------- Jim Cooney

        10 - Advance Beginner Musical Theater --------------- Jacob Brent (subbing for Jim Cooney)

        11 - Advance Beginner Musical Theater --------------- Jim Cooney

        12 - Beginner Theater --------------------------------- Lainie Munro

        13 - Advance Beginner Musical Theater --------------- Jim Cooney

        14 - Basic Tap ---------------------------------------- Germaine Salsberg

        15 - Advance Beginner Musical Theater --------------- Jim Cooney

        16 - Basic Tap ---------------------------------------- Germaine Salsberg

        17 - Basic Ballet --------------------------------------- Dawn Hillen

        18 - Beginner Ballet ------------------------------------ Liane Plane

        19 - Advance Beginner Theater ------------------------ Lainie Munro

        20 - Basic Ballet --------------------------------------- Joy Karley

(Tap (6); Jazz (2); Musical Theater (9); Ballet (3) = 20 classes

*5 CHARITABLE DEEDS

Deed 1  - Cambodian Fashion/Art Exhibit - May 20, 2011

         2  - Dance Parade to raise funds for Japan!

         3  - East-Asian Event

         4  -  Delivering Post Cards to various restaurant in Manhattan (Part I)

         5  -  Delivering Post Cards to various restaurant in Manhattan (Part 2)

(All of my community service was under the M.O.V.E. Project)

Day 27 - May 27th

I woke up and planned to attend a dance class today but I ended up not doing it. My body feels like I need more time to sleep and rest but I know I cannot do that right now. Anyway, I attended a vocal technique class with my Maestro. Something's bothering my throat. It's a bit itchy and I can feel some annoying mucus inside (pardon me for saying that) which hinders my singing with full-voice. I don't like that feeling because I can't do what I can do. In a way, a little frustrating but I have to let go and just do the best I can in terms of vocalizing. I kept on coughing and clearing my throat while in class. On the other hand, I love the new piece we've learned. After that, I went to Ripley-Grier to practice some more. I was not satisfied with my vocalization and felt that I needed more time to practice for my voice to come out. I vocalized for 20 minutes and the remaining10 minutes, I worked on a song for my demo track. I ended my challenge with a vocal coaching session. I have learned many things from Tim. There were lots of things he pointed out and helped me in interpreting and singing the song the way it should be sang.

After my vocal coaching session I met up with Stephanie, my fellow challenger and watched her first live vocal performance. We both enjoyed the experience. Especially her, who performed that night. We decided to go back to that place in the future with some friends. It's going to be fun!!! It's a good training ground and the crowd were very supportive.

Health-Conscious Meal #21

Ampalaya with Egg

Brown Rice

Cantaloupe

Daily Practice #27
Minutes: 90 + 30 = 120
Songs worked on: attended a vocal technique class with Kurt Robinson and we worked on "Forget You", Daily Vocalization, and "Don't Cry Out Loud".

2nd Coaching Session
Minutes: 30
Songs worked on: Don't Cry Out Loud
Vocal Coach: Timothy Hanson

Day 26 - May 26th

Health-Conscious Meal #20

Asian Salad with Fat Free Dressing and Toasted Almonds

Daily Practice #26

Minutes: 120

Songs worked on: "21 Guns" from American Idiot with my 6 fellow challengers and Maestro Kurt Robinson. We worked on each section and voice parts and ran through it several times. This piece was supposed to be included in the Japan Benefit Concert this coming Saturday. Unfortunately, our practice did not match the Broadway standard so, we dropped the piece. 

Charitable Deed #4

Did an awesome job distributing and delivering post cards/brochures to promote gluten free food to various area in Manhattan. This is still under the M.O.V.E. project.

My first stop, Mozzarelli's Pizzeria

Second stop, Whole Foods in Union Square.

I have to go to their manager's office and I was asked to show some proof and I showed Nicole's text to me. The manager was the one who took the photo. I told him I am doing a challenge and I need to show some kind of proof that I've done this task. The store manager was very helpful.

 3rd stop, Lula's  Sweet Apothecary

Lula is selling non-dairy ice cream and they had me taste their cotton candy flavor :) Yum-Yum!!! 

Fitness Class #16

Type of Class: Basic Tap

Instructor: Germaine Salsberg

with my 3 fellow challengers: Sylvia, Lauren, and Ireland who happened to be taking the same class.

Day 25 - May 25th

Daily Practice #25

Minutes: 30

Songs worked on. Just warmed up my voice and did Daily Vocalization 1-15 to prepare for my voice lessons.

Private Voice Lesson #3

Worked on Don't Cry Out Loud. Kurt gave me pointers on how to maximize and take advantage of my recording for the demo track in order for me to enjoy the experience. We run through some songs and had me study again "21 Guns" from American Idiot in preparation for the Japan Benefit Concert on Saturday. This time, I have to study and learn Heather's part. Next piece to study is "I Got The Sun In The Morning" form Annie Get Your Gun.

with my Maestro

Day 24 - May 24th (continuation)

I had a fabulous night taking my 1st coaching session with Tim. I've learned so much and with only one song to sing, there's so many things to consider in order to become a total performer in terms of memorizing the song, musicality, and communicative expression. Then after that, I went to Neil Simon Theater to watch "Catch Me If You Can". Ha,ha,ha!!! yes folks, I ended up watching this show instead of  "Sister Act". Why? because I had 40 minutes left when I finished my first blog earlier and I have to be back at the studio by 6pm to have my session with my vocal coach. And Neil Simon Theater happens to be nearer the subway station where my stop is rather than walking a few minutes to buy my ticket for Sister Act. Anyway, I can always watch it some other time or next week, maybe. Catch Me If You Can was a fabulous show in many ways. I could go on describing and putting so many adjectives here but I am pressed for time to finish this blog before midnight. I would rather suggest to see it for yourself to find out. The Chorus girls on this show were amazing!!! I love the shoes they're wearing. Yeah, I have to say that...lol!!! And what a bonus and I could never imagine I will meet Rachelle Rak in person and had a picture taken with her. I bet Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz will get an award for TONY this year. And Kerry Butler? OMG! I love her solo song in this show. Maestro, she's using a Full-Voice. Let's just wait and find out next month :) So much for that, I will now go on to the breakdown of what has left with my challenge for today. Some photos to follow folks as it takes so much time to upload pictures. For the meantime, I will just finish my blog. Thank you, everyone!!!

1 Live Performance
Title of the Show: Catch Me If You Can (musical)
Venue: Neil Simon Theater

with Amazing Rachelle Rak

Holding my ticket and playbill :)

1st Coaching Session:
Minutes: 30
Songs learned: Don't Cry Out Loud
Vocal Coach: Timothy Hanson

with my vocal coach.

Day 24 - May 24th

Last night I slept for six hours I think but I still feel sleepy and my body is aching. That will not stop me from what I have to do and fulfill today. I woke up and printed my head shot and made my theater resume I have to bring with me for the audition. The audition venue is the same place where I practice so that is convenient. I managed to do my daily vocalization and practiced the song used for the audition. When my time was up in using the studio (while I was still packing my stuff to get out of the room), someone knocked at the door and it was a joy to see a fellow challenger who will be using the same room that I used for practicing. Finally, the audition proper. I just can't wait for it to be over. I haven't been into any audition for such a very loooooong time. It's feels like going back to square 1 again and yes, I am nervous but with good adrenaline. I am more comfortable performing in front of people rather than auditioning :) :) :) But I have to fulfill the challenge so I have to overcome that uncomfortable feeling. Tonight, I will have a session with my vocal coach. Then I will go straight to the theater to watch "Sister Act" the musical if I get a ticket. I will go for a rush student price so I can save money. After doing this blog, I will drop by at the box office and check if there's a ticket available. I will upload the pictures later as I have to fulfill 2 more challenges for today. I have to go now, see you later :)

Health-Conscious Meal #20

Chicken Noodle Soup

Coconut Water with Acai and Pomegranate

Daily Practice #24
Minutes: 60
Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization Ex 1 -16 and "Rolling In The Deep".

with my fellow challenger, Sylvia :)

1 Live NYC Industry Audition
Title of the Show: HERE LIES LOVE
Link to the Audition:  http://www.playbill.com/jobs/find/job_detail/37078.html

This is it, I am not stopping here and will continue to audition whenever there's an opportunity. 

At studio 16U/Ripley-Grier; May 24, 2011 marks my very first audition for NYC Industry.

*Finally uploaded my photos :)

Day 23 - May 23rd

I am very exhausted today for not having enough sleep although I have a voice. I took 2 dance classes at BDC .  I am also having a hard time uploading pictures. Please bear with me and I will upload pictures later. It is probably  the connection.


Health-Conscious Meal #19

Maple and Fruit Oatmeal

Low Fat Milk

Daily Practice #23

Minutes: 60

Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization," Rolling In The Deep" and "Don't Cry Out Loud. Preparing for an audition.

Fitness Class  #14

Type of Class: Basic Tap

Instructor: Germaine Salsberg

Fitness Class #15

Type of Class: Advance Beginner - Musical Theater
Instructor: Jim Cooney
Sorry folks, I forgot to take a picture with Jim and later on found out that Lauren and some of my fellow challengers were looking for me for a group picture taking with Jim since we all took his class. I was really exhausted and just rushed to dress up as I have to run to Ripley-Grier to practice afterwards. My body feels like giving up but my mind says NO you can't, lol!

* Finally, I am able to upload pictures now. Thank you for your patience :)

Day 22 - May 22nd

Health-Conscious Meal #18

Tuna Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread

Banana

H20

Daily Practice #22

Minutes: 60

Songs worked on: Completed and concentrated fully on Daily Vocalization Ex 1 -16. Recalled Kurt's correction and reminder about vocalizing on your own during Vocal Technique class. Worked on the lyrics and proper pronunciation and avoiding choppy sound when singing. Things one must watch out and observe in order to not develop bad or wrong habits. Basically self-correcting myself and listening closely to what I do for each exercises. I now find Ex 15 and 16 easier without pushing my voice and the sound I produce. It's more fluid and flowing when I do the exercise. Worked on my song for demo track, "Don't Cry Out Loud" making sure each melody is sung correctly. I played the melody on the piano and observed each note values corresponding each word/syllable. Tomorrow, I will start memorizing and working on the song as a whole to prepare myself on musicality and expression.

By the way, I came to a pictorial shoot for my head shot. It was fun!!! There will be a continuation next week. I am blessed to have good friends in the industry who brings out the best in me. Thank you, Bobot and Pep. Oh! and the make-up artist, Trevis...you are awesome!!! What a light hand you have that I felt relax when you were doing the make-up and I just wanted to close my eyes and sleep :) Gracias to Juan as well for assisting during the shoot. Love you all!!!

Straight from the pictorial and still wearing my make-up while practicing my song for demo track :) :) :) 

Day 21 - May 21st

Health-Conscious Meal #17

                                                                   

Flavored Yogurt Parfait

Daily Practice #21

Minutes: 40

Songs worked on: Just focused on Daily Vocalization Exercise 1 - 16. Practiced at Ripley-Grier Studio.

Private Voice Lessons #2

Worked on Adele's song, Rolling In The Deep and Someone Like You, studied and worked on a song for demo; "Don't Cry Out Loud" by Carole Bayer Sager. I forgot to take a picture with my Maestro, sorry :(

Charitable Deed #2

Dance Parade to raise funds for M.O.V.E. Project

In the morning I served as a liaison to run errands in preparing materials needed for the dance parade. In the afternoon, I distributed flyers to spectators and help educate and promote the M.O.V.E. project while walking and parading from 22nd Street  and Broadway towards downtown while BDC Dancers were dancing in the street. 

with Philip, M.O.V.E. member before we started distributing flyers.

this is the yellow bus we used for the parade with BDC Banner and MOVE on the other side :)

Charitable Deed #3

East-Asian Event

Set up a table about the Philippines to educate guests and presented a video about the country. Provided flyers and brochures for guests. The purpose of this event is to raise the awareness/knowledge about East-Asian countries, promote brotherhood, and to have a sense of community amidst the various cultures. This is a fund-raising event sponsored by M.O.V.E. The presentation is the first part of the event where guests can tour different tables from different countries and know more about their cultures.

The Philippine Table for East-Asian Event

with  a fellow Filipino who prepared "turon", a filipino delicacy food for guests to try out.

1 Live Vocal Performance

I sang "Isang Lahi" (One Race) during the M.O.V.E. East Asian Event held at Pearl Studio. The song talks about love, peace, and unity. I posted a YouTube link and English translation on my previous blog. Nicole Johnson distributed a copy of an English Translation I provided so guests can relate to my song. It was an honor performing with other great artists present during this event. It was attended by M.O.V.E. patrons who supports the project. The second part of the event is the concert where performers rendered their number in relation to their culture.

My Live Solo Vocal Performance 

Day 20 - May 20th

Health-Conscious Meal #16
My first time to try this juice, I love it!!!

Gourmet Smoked Salmon

Cucumber Juice

Daily Practice #20

Minutes: 90 + 90 = 180

Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization in Vocal Technique Class at BDC with Kurt Robinson, Rolling In the Deep and Someone Like You by Adele Adkins, Took Vocal Performance Class and sang "Meadowlark" from The Baker's Wife. 

Adele's songs suits me, I enjoyed learning and singing these two songs. I now have a new favorite artist to add on my list. As for the vocal performance class, I was overwhelmed with nervousness although I tried to hide it. I have to worked on this and my total performance as a whole. My teacher's feedback is very helpful. Things that I have to reflect upon in doing my next homework for next week's class.  

Charitable Deed #1

Cambodian Fashion/Art Exhibit sponsored by: M.O.V.E. 

I basically helped out in the preparation of food (cocktail, pica-pica) and tracking down guests who came in by letting them sign their names on the list as we collect their donations upon entrance. I tried doing some sales talk and encouraging/persuading the guest to buy the merchandise. The sale turned out well and the merchandise looked good on them. It was nice to see younger crowd who attended this event showing their concern to help Cambodia. A short video was presented by the hostess; Serena Dee and M.O.V.E. Director; Nicole Johnson regarding the red light trafficking in this country and how children and their families were affected by it. Miss Dee talked about her experience during her travel in Cambodia and how she was moved and affected by it. Photos of her travel were displayed on the wall. Both speakers encouraged their guests to help by donating and asking their parents to give as their first prospect. The artist, Miss Jackson was also present to support and witness M.O.V.E. project for Cambodia. This project is trying to raise $20,000.00 by September, 2011 to help build a school and educate the children affected by the trafficking.

with Nicole Javanna Johnson, M.O.V.E. Director

with Miss Turks and Caicos 2011 Latrice Jackson, the painter of this artwork behind us.

some guests parading their purchased Cambodian Merchandise

 and here's Nicole talking about the project for Cambodia.

(In respect to M.O.V.E. project and Nicole Javanna Johnson, I have her permission to post all the photos here)

Day 19 - May 19th

As usual, I went to Ripley-Grier to do my vocalization and practice. Today I spent and focused more time on my vocalization and polishing all the songs I've learned so far. By following the principle of not pushing your voice too hard, I am amazed of the outcome. I can testify it is true, the less effort the better the quality of voice will come out. When I was singing "Meadowlark" it was easier to shift my voice from chest to middle and then head tone and vice versa. I have noticed that the quality of sound is much better and I don't find it too difficult to sing the high and sustained note. By not opening my mouth too wide and just keep it relax, I can produce the quality of sound that I needed to hear with less effort. Same goes with "Isang Lahi" (One Race) which is  already high then has to modulate towards the third stanza and end of the song. I would say, I still need the guidance and feedback of my voice teacher as there are some sections in the song that only my teacher can guide me better. I just sense that something is wrong but cannot figure it out yet. I reviewed Adele's song and studied a new song from Tarzan which is called "You'll Be In My Heart". For daily vocalization, I worked on producing a better sound doing vocalization 15 and 16. It sounded better than my last practice. I finished all the exercises and was satisfied with the outcome of my practice.

Health-Conscious Meal #15

Milkfish on a Tamarind Broth with Vegetables

Daily Practice #19

Minutes: 90

Songs worked on: Daily Vocalization Ex 1-16; Meadowlark from The Bakers Wife; Isang Lahi (One Race); You'll Be In My Heart from Tarzan; and Rolling In The Deep by Adele Adkins.

Day 18 - May 18th

I would say I have accomplished many things today in terms of fulfilling my daily challenges. I will be very honest that I can feel a subtle tension with some of my fellow challengers but I am not negatively affected by it. It may just be a feeling but it has to come from something/somewhere. I think it is just the nature of it as we are all competing (should I use that word?) or maybe a better word to use is that a  CHALLENGE is a CHALLENGE. But will it justify that you snob, ignore, or cut your fellow challenger? I don't think so. We are all on this journey to learn and become better. We should be supporting each other. Winning is not everything. At the end of the day, regardless of how talented a person is...if a person will not hone his/her whole persona and good character, a talent is NOTHING. Well, that's just my point of view. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Attitude counts a lot in many things that we do and I mean having a good and positive attitude especially in dealing with a challenging situation. Various occasions and situations will really test what kind of person you are. I have seen and dealt with some true colors and found out different personalities in doing and fulfilling this journey.  And that what makes life and the challenge more interesting. Challenging as it may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel as the popular quote would say. It is really up to us how we will maximize our potentials and the talents that have been given to us. Some are born with it and some have learned it and continuously learning and honing their talents. Bottom line of these events in our lives is that, have we really maximize it or not? Have we use it to affect others for the better or inspire others to do the same? I will leave that question for you to answer as no one can judge no one.

For my challenge today, I started with taking my vocal technique class with my Maestro Kurt Robinson, then followed by an awesome teacher, Lanie Munro doing the Beginner Theater, and proceeded straight right away to the Full-Voice meeting with the organizers and committees of the challenge. After that, I had a nice and healthy dinner by myself. I took a little break, read a good book, a little chat with some classmates waiting for Jim Cooney's Advance Beginner Musical Theater class. Here's the breakdown folks...

Health-Conscious Meal #13

I cooked and prepared my lunch today :) All products are from Trader Joe's

Sauteed String beans with carrots and snow peas on lean-white chicken 

Brown Jasmine Rice

Plums and H20

Health-Conscious Meal #14

For my dinner: Salad Meal from MAOZ

Freshly squeezed Carrot Juice

Daily Practice #18
Minutes: 60
Songs worked on: Vocal technique class at BDC doing the Daily Vocalization and worked on Adele Adkins' "Rolling In The Deep.

Fitness Class #12
Type of Class: Beginner Theater
Instructor: Lainie Munro

I always feel blessed and fortunate learning with great teachers at BDC. I was surprised with what Lainie did to me today. She showed and made me feel special in front of the class. How flattering and what a humbling experience. It was unexpected. Lainie, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart :) 

A very timely quote, don't you think? That's our quote for today's class. I must also thank Lainie's wonderful and lovely assistants. We used the music of Henry Connick Jr. from the Album "Recipe For Love"

Fitness Class #13

Type of Class: Advance Beginner Musical Theater

Instructor: Jim Cooney

I have to acknowledge Jim as he said to me, "Hey, I have that shirt too." He liked the shirt and smiled at me.  We finished the second half choreography of "Positoovity" from Disney's Little Mermaid, 2008. It was fun and liberating as Jim allowed us not to only work on the steps but also exploring our characters and how to effectively impart our message to the audience when we dance and perform.