Long live, fair Oriana!

The first and last time I have been to England was in the summer of 1994. I was very young then. I was with the Philippine Madrigal Singers led by National Artist for Music Andrea Veneracion (1928-2013). We were on a four-month long tour to Europe, US, Canada & Japan.

We only had one concert in London that time thanks to the Philippine Embassy who sponsored our stop. I remember staying at a hotel in the city, we were allotted ten pounds a day for ten days that some of us ate at McDonalds almost everyday or bought food from the supermarket to save money from our per diem so we could go shopping! After all, beggars can't be choosers.

Fast forward twenty-five years later, my Air France flight landed at Heathrow Airport at around 13.30hrs from Paris Charles de Gaulle via New York JFK. Clearing immigration was a breeze. If you are holding a blue passport, you just need to swipe and scan, then off you go. The elevator going to the subway (Piccadilly line) was right at the same level of the arrival lobby so the transfer going in to the city is not a hassle. Nowadays it is easier to use card for paying transit fares instead of exchanging currency. I bought an 'oyster' card at a self-serve machine, loaded it with ten pounds which I thought was enough to get me into the city.

The 'oyster' is like the TAP card in Los Angeles where you can use it on subways, busses, trains, etc. Just load the pre-paid card with money depending how often you think you will use it. Just tap the card in the turnstile and et voila. You need to have this otherwise you won't be able to get through the platforms, or risk getting penalized with a steep fine.

I realized that flying in to London City Airport is better for it is much closer to the city center. It is actually less than an hour to Essex compared to Heathrow which is all the way to the west (like LAX to downtown). Another option is the airport in Southend-on-Sea (SEN), east end of the city.

I was meeting my Auntie Fe that afternoon, she was waiting for me at King's Cross Station. We then took the City Line going east to Essex. We met her husband Uncle Brian who was waiting for us at the station in Grays. Visiting their lovely home, I was shocked to see the high tech shower-- on and off push button, control of the water pressure and temperature. I wish we have something like that in Cali.

Hanging out at their beautiful backyard and garden you can see the Thames river from a distance. My Uncle stuffed me with biscuits and the 'authentic' British tea while catching up with endless stories about family, politics (yes, Brexit and Trump!) and immigration issues. Uncle Brian used to be a police chief at Scotland Yard. Auntie Fe used to be the head nurse at a hospital in the central London, where they met back then. Now they are both retired and enjoying life to the fullest. Too bad I wasn't able to see my cousins. They were working that weekend. The next day we drove to a nearby town-- Leigh-on- Sea, where they showed me what used to be parts of the old London docks during the time. We walked a little further east along river Thames to the direction toward the English channel.

I had a blast for three days, I got to rest and recharge my batteries after a grueling concert season. But some good things never last. On my way back to the city, there was a huge delay due to a fire at a nearby station, so my Uncle and Aunt drove me to Barking station instead. So I took the train to Hammersmith supposedly going to the city center, but kudos to the super efficient London transport system I was able to divert my route in time to catch up with a good friend Pompeyo Robert who was vacationing but was flying back to Australia the following day. I had known Robert for many years way back when I used to do workshops in the Philippines. The year I worked with his Ilocos Norte High School Choir was also the same year they bagged the championship at the NAMCYA. Thank you 'kabsat' for the company and the cold Weißbier.

After our short but sweet rendezvous at the St. Paul's Cathedral area, I braved the Monday evening rush navigating my way to my first rehearsal.

Note to self:

"Never bring a big luggage if you anticipate taking public transportation in London."

There are stations on the underground tube that still have no escalators or elevators (or either not working). After exiting the train I had to carry and drag my luggage to transfer to another line, and coming out of the station. Also according to my friends, locals seldom or hardly drive into the city on weekdays because on top of the steep parking fee, you might have to pay extra for congestion charges. Unbelievable!

After almost an hour on the subway I finally arrived at Arnos Grove where Haraya was expecting for me. Getting acquainted with some of the members, most of them are either nurses or working in the medical field at different hospitals around the city. They have sang with various college and university choirs in the Philippines before migrating to England. Haraya rehearses at least once a week and share with each other the gift of music and friendship. I had the pleasure of working with them in preparation for our concert at St. John Smith Square that weekend. Karlene has been doing a great job training and developing their talents and skills. We made beautiful music that evening. They sounded really, really good!

All smiles with Haraya after our first rehearsal (June 17, 2019)

I stayed at Karlene and Alexis' lovely home (whom I have not seen since 2007) for the the rest of my time in London. Few more finishing touches (they are renovating) and the house will be close to perfect! Btw, what's with the push button shower? I ain't complainin.' Jus sayin.'

After the awesome Monday night rehearsal with Haraya, I had two days off to prepare (and get my shit together) for the big weekend-- more rehearsals, a workshop, and the gala concert. Those two days allowed me to review my music and solidify things out to be effective for my double duties: conducting and singing with the Madz Alumni & Friends. I needed to know what I was saying when directing singers, reminding them of the phrasing, nuances and overall groove of the music. Also, I needed to be at the top my game because there were only two of us in the second basses (and a baritone) to serve as the foundation for the whole ensemble. As a true professional, I trusted my training and extensive experience, and with Alistair & Michael we were able to hold the fort down. I also had time to see my friend Laurence Santa Ana from elementary days. He treated me to a lunch buffet, showed me where they lived and met his three kids.

Rehearsal with Madz Alumni & Friends in London (June 20, 2019)

At the first rehearsal, I felt a little tension as we figured out the divisis, solo assignments, getting the balance right and spitting out correct pronunciation. But afterwards when the fog had cleared up we started having so much fun even if it was the first time making music with each other. I was so happy see my friend Belle. Last I saw her was in 2012 when I joined the Pacific Chorale's concert tour to Paris. Local singers Emma, Michael and Alistair were Karlene's gig mates in London. Meg (Madz alum), Renee, Benjie, Mark and the ever-so gifted Yasashi-i from Indonesia completed the 'Asian squad.' Finally, the ice broke during the break. Coffee, tea and biscuits, anyone?

The sound coming out of the 11 singers was just amazing. It was huge! Through the roof! Powerful yet not forced. To me it was actually a very warm sound. Although each individual voice was a solo caliber, we all understood the concept of the 'blend and balance.' Each of us are seasoned enough to know what it means to "listen louder than you sing."

Some members of Haraya (JR, Kim, Vit, Vivien, etc.) seeing Belle and I off at St. Pancras International Train Station as we head our way to Paris via the EuroStar bullet train.

At St. Pancras International (June 24, 2019)

To be continued..