UPCC Batch 1990 at 25: Day 2, GCF Batangas and a Family Reunion

Good morning! The ladies were up and about already putting primer and foundation at around 6:00 a.m. (Okay, was I the only one who put primer on?)

We were expected to be at Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF) Batangas City at 7:00 a.m. to have breakfast.  But when we saw the putong puti that Virna's mom sent to us that morning, we couldn't help but partake of some. You know, I have been away from Manila for a while now, so I miss all those kakaning Tagalog that I used to eat when I went to my parent's hometown in Laguna--putong puti, champoradong may tuyo, sumang latik--and all of these were served by our gracious hostesses. I was in food dreamland at Villa Crisanta!

...No coffee, but we were alive and looking fab!

After less than thirty minutes of driving from Rosario to Lipa, we arrived at GCF.

GCF Batangas people were so warm and friendly. I think I have never shaken hands with so many people that early in the morning. We went straight to the buffet table--because some of us were unashamedly hungry. But first, we pray. (Lowell, ba't may plato ka na, ha?)

Eating time again!!!

Our performance at GCF Batangas was sort of a litmus test for us--it was the very first time we would be singing together in public again after 25 years. Were we nervous? Not at all. 

Without any bias, based on our less than five practice days, I thought we sounded well, given the limited time we had to practice. What I like about the UPCC Batch 1990 is that we have a strong support system and more than two decades of lasting friendship that we give one another the needed moral boost. 

We sang some sacred songs like Angelus (San Pedro), The Majesty and Glory of Your Name (Fettke), Alleluia (Wagner), and A Gaelic Blessing (Rutter), and some secular songs Kumukutikutitap, Simbang Gabi, L'Important, C'est L' Rose, and Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas. Thanks, Lex for conducting! 

So was it perfect? Not at all. We had a lot of booboos, actually. We didn't start at the right key for L'Important. We boldly sang Simbang Gabi without any piano accompaniment (and for those familiar with the piece, that's actually not a good move to make). Our star soprano, Cynthia, almost fainted at the end of the performance because she was sick a day before we went to Batangas. And the funniest "award"?, well, someone missed two songs because of an emergency. Clue: Tenor siya!

But through it all, none of us were disconcerted. From the training we had 25 years ago, we put our ol' professional foot forward and confidently performed to the best of what the situation had in store for us. 

We all knew that the best part was that, we were singing with our fellow UPCC 1990 members again.

Whew! We passed the first hurdle. Look! We even had gifts from GCF Batangas. (Check out the mini-bayongs on the chairs). 

After saying goodbye (and yes, making multiple handshakes again) we were off to the Guico ancestral house. We had to park our cars at the town plaza and walk a few meters to Lionel's abode. 

Then, we saw a buco juice vendor, and we HAD to (did we really have to?) take pictures in front of it. Sa dami namin, natabunan na si Manong at ang buko istand!

Ang init! Hindi sanay ang mga lola na maglakad sa arawan...ng naka-wedges (ako lang ba yun?) at naka-shocking na kulay na mga georgette blouses (si Lowell at Sara yun!) 

In the Chorus tradition, dadayuhin namin gaano man kaliit na barangay, basta makakain lang at makakanta. Parang nasa Europe lang, di ba?!

Lionel's family received us in their charming home and fed us with sumptuous lunch. (I can't forget the empanada!!!!)

Mabusog lang ng konti, tawanan at kantahan na naman! 

All recharged and ready to sing again! Our next stop was at the Macatangcay/Guico's family reunion, to serenade them with some Christmas carols and Chorus favorites.

Would you believe that aside from free lunch, we were also given aguinaldo by their family! Salamat po, ambabait ninyo, tenkyu!

We went back to Villa Crisanta for a much needed rest. Wait, ang sabi, rest, hindi lafang! Junk food bingeing again!

Instead of stuffing ourselves with food, some of us opted to take a dip in the pool with Leo and Glynna's boys.

Walang katapusang kainan! Dinner time na naman! 

It was our last rehearsal before the next day's Dinner-Concert. We tried to cram our brains with the lyrics and choreography of the Broadway and Filipino songs, especially the most feared, Hibang sa Awit. Did we really have to do the dance of this song, I was asked. Oo naman, that's the title of our concert, kaya umayos kayo!!! Hahahaha!

We capped the night with a birthday greeting to Cynthia. Happy birthday, my dear Bianang!

Oh before I forget, I can't close this day without revealing that some drama happened amid the chikahan and tawanan. As in, natakot akong hindi matuloy ang Dinner Concert! Ganun katindi! Did I hear someone was blaming it on the red wine and a crush ng bayan professor for buying the alcohol? Hehehe! But as the saying goes, what happened in Villa Crisanta, stays in Villa Crisanta. If you weren't there, then sorry, you missed another "historical" Chorus experience. 

Nope, I ain't tellin'. My lips are sealed this time...

To be continued...