| Front row from left:
Irma Labre,Beth Rosas,
Jun Rivera, Edwin
Umali Elvie Leone,
Alice Alcazaren,Vicky
Herrera,Emilie Turalba
Johnny Jackson - alternate instructor Back row from left: Ernie Rosas, Ed Alcazaren, Rod Herrera, Venir Rivera Last back row: Riz Pecana, Bong and Edward Tumanut Not in picture: Amy Valera, Sonia Tumanut, Cora Zamora, Susan Labre, and Joe and Tess Laoruangroch |
This is surely the most fitting statement for the PNAGKC choir members who have been rehearsing since September 29 for our only fundraising event this year ... to sing Christmas carols to friends and families. This is a project of the Ways and Means Committee and funds raised from this endeavor will help support various humanitarian community services. Honing in to the sounds of the melodic blending of voices, remembering the lyrics of the old time Christmas carols, and keeping the high and low notes in tune, are among the many challenges our carolers cope with. Equally challenged are our music instructors. Ed Tumanut, (Sonia’s son) is our pianist and he cues us on proper enunciation eg: “nature” (not the Filipino way...NET-TEOR); Amy Valera -- is our voice arranger and conductor , who has painstakingly recorded all the SATB(soprano, alto, tenor,bass ) voices on tapes for our self- study music instruction course. This year, we are also fortunate to have the guidance of a professional with musical talents, Mr. Jose Ping Bayani. An alternate instructor, Johnny Jackson fills in to carry on the tune. We practice weekly in the homes of our gracious hosts (Tumanut, Herrera, Rosas, Alcazaren, Pecana, Labre and Rivera) who take turn in preparing nutritious dinner We all agree that this activity, (eating) strengthens our diaphragms and vocal cords.
In spite of everyone’s hectic schedule, why do we do it? Why travel the long icy road on chilly December nights to sing carols? We do it because when we take these nostalgic journeys to the homes of our friends, we bring to them the spirit of Christmas through our songs . It also gives us the opportunity to reminisce the good old days and the memories of Christmas past that we hold so very dear to our hearts. The jollity of sharing, singing, the deepening warmth of friendship and camaraderie, and for whatever other reason it may be, this activity seem to uplift everyone. It give us a fun break from the many demands from whatever lifestyle we have chosen to take. Singing Christmas carols requires tremendous commitment and responsibility. And our involvement in this one of most fun and worthwhile activity PNAGKC undertakes, confirms our dedication to PNAGKC and its many goals.
This year, we plan to sing to the residents of Woodbine Nursing Home and to many old time friends and supporters. We would like to sing carols in your homes, if you want us to, please let me know.
To all carolers, PNAGKC supporters and friends, my heartfelt thanks!
| Beth Rosas, Chairperson Ways and Means Committee |
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| "Now, don't be shy!!! Give it all you've got" | "If only I can remember that tune!" |