My First TV Exposure...

... I coudn't believe, was performing live in an orchestra on a Sunday TV mass.

Yes, I was with the Sta. Isabel College Orchestra playing with Wanda, my violin, last September 9 on ABC5. Bishop Bacani celebrated the mass. On that, enough said.

It was my second time to be in a TV studio (my first was in the "Debate" studio at GMA 7) but it was like my TV baptism. It was, let's just say, divine. Ganun pala yun. Belonging in an orchestra playing for a TV mass in harmony with the school choir was quite an overwhelming experience. I could say that the best way to understand unity is by experiencing it in a musical performance.

And it would be an understatement if I say that we performed very well.

Critiques came out minutes after the mass. Our fellow member who watched us on TV said that we blended well with the choir (despite zero practical contact prior to the event). Sir Cris' fellow PPO (Phil. Philharmonic Orchestra) member sent a text message, "... Galing ng strings mo." Even my housemates who saw me on TV complimented our performance. But above all that, I know we did great. I felt it during the mass, specifically during the communion when we performed "The Majesty of Your Name." It was majestic indeed. Kabog!

Waking up at 3 o'clock in the morning with 2 hours of sleep only to prepare for this event was all worth it. We were all there, my colleagues from all walks of life with a common interest to celebrate the 375th anniversary of Sta. Isabel College, a Catholic school I never thought would be close to my heart - thanks to my teacher. Actually, I have a lot to thank him for. And thank God I found him.

I couldn't believe that walking up the stairs to my Biostatistics professor's office and beholding a violin would bring me to this big part of my life - to be in a chamber orchestra.

Should I decide to enroll for a second degree, bachelor of music? After graduating in my masters, I might. At Sta. Isabel.