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And me testing out the download to "It's My Life:"

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This is a poignant Earth Day for the world this year.

Pope Francis went home to Jesus on the eve of this annual holiday of environmental advocacy.

Let us pray that we increase numbers of God's creation by taking better care of the earth. Let's start here with permaculture.

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Happy Easter!

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St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 (Johann Sebastian Bach; Disc 3 on Spotify link)

Monteverdi Choir & London Oratory Junior Choir (Chorus Master: Patrick Russill) (Mvts. 1, 35) / English Baroque Soloists

John Eliot Gardiner, conductor

Vocal Soloists:

Tenor [Evangelist]: Anthony Rolfe Johnson

Baritone [Jesus]: Andreas Schmidt

Soprano [Nos. 18, 19, 33, 77; Pilate's Wife]: Barbara Bonney

Soprano [Nos. 12, 57, 58]: Ann Monoyios

Contralto [Nos. 10, 11, 36, 60, 61, 77]: Anne Sofie von Otter

Countertenor [Nos. 33, 47, 69, 70; 1st Witness]: Michael Chance

Tenor [Arias, No. 77; 2nd Witness]: Howard Crook

Baritone [Nos. 28, 29, 65, 66, 77; Peter; Pilate; High Priest; 1st Priest]: Olaf Bär

Bass [Nos. 51, 74, 75; Judas; 2nd Priest, Pontifex]: Cornelius Hauptmann

Soprano [1st Maid]: Ruth Holton

Soprano [2nd Maid]: Gillian Ross

Fun Facts

According to Annette Isserlis, she was dividing time playing viola with the EBS in this recording and the Taverner Players in theirs for Handel’s Messiah. Chance shared with her in one 2023 episode of her podcast, Tea With Netty, a memory in which American citizen Monoyios pleaded with the USAF colonel to suspend military aerial training for an hour so she could record the aria, “Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben.”

Chance recorded several takes of “Erbarme Dich” (and possibly “So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen,” his duetto with Bonney; “Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgatha!;” and “Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand”) in between rounds of golf. Confessing to Isserlis, he deemed the highlight aria, though his recording of it was one of the very best renditions sung by a countertenor - if not, any gender alto singer - EVER, as very annoying to record multiple takes.

FORE.

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I have too many to mention, as the Philippines has its own share of commercials. My latest offender is:

I'M TRYING TO WATCH AN EARLY MUSIC CONCERT, NOT A KID RIDING HIS HOMEMADE STATIONARY TRICYCLE OR RUN THROUGH HIS HOMEMADE OBSTACLE COURSE!

What is ya'll's most hated commercials? "Kars 4 Kids" grates on my nerves like nothing else! Loud, off-key singing, kids playing fake instruments. I honestly think there are people who might otherwise donate a car to them who are researching anywhere BUT them to donate their car, just because their commercial is so damn annoying. It's been running forever, so I guess there are a few misguided souls who think it's "cute."

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It’s that time of year again, early and baroque music lovers!

Being in middle and high school in the mid-to-late 2000s, I would watch EWTN (I didn’t watch it much despite me being Catholic) only for their In Concert series, hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw. Lent during those years offered so much, including appropriate broadcasts of classical music performances.

Of course, among those are the St. Matthew and St. John Passions - both composed by Johann Sebastian Bach and both performed by the King’s College Cambridge Choir and Brandenburg Consort, under the baton of the late Sir Stephen Cleobury.

For today, let’s highlight the 1994 performance of the St. Matthew Passion.

(Watch via this link - YT won't let me embed, sadly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1lpv1kKwgo.)

Just as Floridians in the 2000s would brave the face of Jim Cantore seen on The Weather Channel each hurricane season, especially if prepared well for a landfall and necessary evacuations, I as a countertenor fangirl would eagerly look forward to Michael Chance singing “Erbarme Dich” on my small screen! Rarely would I have to not watch that broadcast of the St. Matthew Passion when I would be obliged to accompany family on running errands. Welp.

And when else is appropriate to share some teenage memories seeing the broadcast - square on Ginong Chance’s 70th birthday? Many happiest of birthdays to my teenage crush! Hope his son and now-absolute favorite countertenor ever, Alex (Ginong Chance is a VERY CLOSE SECOND), says hi to me!

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Judge Paul Sacco’s MANILA Music Immersion Mixtape II

In several cities, officers would bust the drivers whose cars would go “boom” and slap hefty fines and jail sentences.

However - in Ft. Lupton, CO - garage bandos and boom car drivers have been treated to Judge Paul Sacco’s hourlong music marathon of kids’ songs, oldies, and classical music in order to instill in them respect for others’ sound preferences and promote consideration for the community since 1996, him using music as a form of rehabilitation rather than punishment.

If you think his additional playlist - chockful of other oldies hits AND Original Philippine Music (OPM) bangers - can make garage band guitarists more considerate for others…

Imagine how many other songs he’d add to the playlist. And I did the manifestations in my third Spotify playlist in the series!

Imagine boom car drivers squirming to Sharon Cuenta’s “Mr. DJ” and Charlene’s “I’ve Never Been to Me.” Or garage band drummers pledging to muffle their instruments and pad their rehearsal spaces in consideration of other neighbors after muddling through Boney M’s cover of the spiritual “Rivers of Babylon” and Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.”

Included in the playlist is soprano Sylvia McNair singing “All the Things You Are.” As an early music buff, I imagine Judge Sacco including a classical track that involves a countertenor.

Of course, including such into the playlists of the music immersion program could enhance its impact by exposing participants to a unique and less familiar vocal style. Introducing things like that could serve the dual purpose of broadening their musical horizons while providing an experience that is both educational and thought-provoking.

But one countertenor isn’t enough, I thought. So I included a duo between two of them: ASHLEY STAFFORD AND MICHAEL CHANCE. But you have to listen to the WHOLE PLAYLIST to find out!

My aim of the three playlists is to introduce genres that differ significantly from the harmonically simpler structures of contemporary pop, rap, and rock music from recent decades. In addition to teaching them consideration of others’ audible spaces, Judge Sacco’s program also encourages offenders to engage with more complex musical forms.

Listening to unfamiliar and complex music requires active cognitive processing, as individuals attempt to understand and interpret new sounds and structures. This mental engagement can lead to a deeper appreciation of musical diversity.

Exposure to various musical genres, including pre-2010 OPM ballads and the Kenny Rogers and Anne Murray 1989 duet “If I Ever Fall In Love Again,” introduces listeners to different cultural contexts and histories, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation of global music traditions.

Encountering new and diverse music can evoke a range of emotional responses, challenging listeners’ preconceived notions and potentially leading to a more open-minded approach to different musical styles.

Best listened with Spotify Premium.

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Daughter of Top 5 Under-The-Radar Wedding First Dance Songs

First of all, respect to the couples who will be sashaying Ed Sheeran's "Perfect;" Nat King and Natalie Cole's "Unforgettable;" and Etta James's "At Last" at their wedding receptions as their first dance songs.

Though nothing against them, I do have sympathy for many DJs and wedding planners alike who would cringe or have their eyes twitch whenever their couples would request either one. Why? Most couples than not have ALREADY made it their first dance songs.

As in the first installment, sometimes wedding guests are tired of the above songs being played at wedding receptions. Here are more ballads that deserve much exposure in those “something borrowed” events.

#5. "Let Me Be Your Wings" - Barry Manilow and Debra Byrd

Let me be your wings Leave behind the world you know For another world of wondrous things We'll see the universe and dance on Saturn's rings Fly with me and I will be your wings.

Sure, the 1994 Don Bluth animated feature - Thumbelina - seemed like a good alternative to flicks of the Mouse's princess franchise. But critics panned the film for the lack of a cohesive plot and cheesy songs, having them run towards their Disney OGs.

It even became the first animated film EVER to win a Golden Razzie (for Worst Original Song, courtesy of "Marry the Mole"). That was until the award nominators forced The Emoji Movie to chew on 4 of them.

But coming from a millennial who ACTUALLY enjoyed watching it, the saving grace could be "Let Me Be Your Wings." The song being lifted up by love, sharing dreams, and finding a world where anything is possible together - what could POSSIBLY much dreamier than this?

If you love Peabo Bryson's and Regina Belle's 1992 vision of a whole new world, consider "Let Me Be Your Wings" as a viable alternative.

#4. "Got to Believe in Magic" - David Pomeranz

Got to believe in magic Tell me how two people find each other In a world that's full of strangers; You've got to believe in magic Somethin' stronger than the moon above 'Cause it's magic when two people fall in love.

As mentioned in the first installment, "King and Queen of Hearts" is a David Pomeranz ballad that deftly dispatches teachers with rulers, raring to separate couples at Filipino school dances dancing too closely.

But another ballad from the 1982 movie Zapped! would also send Filipino school dance-chaperoning teachers and clerics to the dance floor and have them admonish couples to "leave room for the Holy Spirit:" "Got to Believe in Magic."

Blame the lyrics, which speak about love being destiny, fate, and magic. It would make for a wedding first dance anywhere in the world that is outside the "At Last" set where the couple wants to celebrate their journey together. The 1999 reworking of the soft rock ballad makes it easy for couples to sway gracefully, even if they aren’t trained dancers.

Not even Sheeran's "Perfect" can best the timeless, nostalgic grasp it has.

#3. "After All" - Al Jarreau

There, there was a time I knew That no matter come what may, love will prevail And then, inside the dreams I knew Came the question lovers fear: can true love fail? Then I would miss the childhood wish And haven't I sung to you Of the knight in armor bright Faithful and true to you Darling, after all I will be the one to hold you in my arms After all, I will be the one to hold you I will be the one to hold you in my arms In my arms...

Does Al Jarreau's 1984 ballad sound like the perfect first dance soundtrack for a fairytale wedding reception? It surely does.

With its soft jazz and R&B influences, the song has a rich, soothing sound - and lovely lyrics that tell a story of enduring love, overcoming challenges, and finding each other again - that makes for a graceful and intimate first dance. Besides it being a timeless '80s romantic slow jam, it feels both timeless and unique.

#2. "Suddenly" - Billy Ocean

Suddenly, life has new meaning to me - There's beauty up above And things we never take notice of You wake up, and suddenly - you're in love.

Now that Billy Ocean mentioned the visions of couples "holding hands as they walk along the shore," "Suddenly" is a musical first dance selection for a shore-side wedding or at a venue overlooking the sea.

Also another brilliantly sentimental mid-80s slow jam, "Suddenly" tells the story of someone realizing the depth of their love and how their life has changed because of it. Unlike songs like "At Last" or The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody," it could be next to hen's teeth as a first dance song at weddings, making it feel more unique and personal while still carrying that classic, timeless feel.

Does it make you feel the ethereal beauty - up above?

#1. "Never Gonna Let You Go" - Sergio Mendes, Joe Pizzulo, and Leeza Miller

I'm never gonna let you go, I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever – Gonna try and make up for all the times I hurt you so, Gonna hold your body close to mine – From this day on, we're gonna be together Oh, I swear this time I'm never gonna let you go.

Lyrics about romantic commitment? Check. '80s electric pianos, sentimental synths, and soft verses that can make anyone sway? You bet.

One of the reasons why "Never Gonna Let You Go" is a rare bird in the world of wedding first dance songs - according to Rick Beato - is that the chord progressions (Sergio Mendes, who arranged the song in 1983, was a Brazilian bossa nova artist) are multiple times as complex as "Perfect" or "Unforgettable."

Some former and current wedding band sidespeople took to the comment section and shared interesting memories of covering the song. One quipped, "We prayed that the bride and groom NEVER requested this to be the song for their first dance!"

"We'd bring along 5 wire music stands if anyone asked for something like this," another wrote.

"As a the sole wedding keyboard instrumentalist in our trio, I dread the day this song will get requested," another recalled wryly.

But nevertheless, it makes for a great first dance song.

Honorable Mention: "Please Be Careful With My Heart" - Jose Mari Chan and Regine Velasquez

You are my first romance And I'm willing to take a chance That 'til life is through, I'll still be loving you I will be true to you Just a promise from you will do From the very start, please be careful with my heart.

Nothing screams hugot more than this 1989 English-language OPM ballad by Jose Mari Chan and Regine Velasquez.

"Please Be Careful With My Heart" emphasizes gentleness, care, and devotion, which are perfect themes for a lifelong partnership. Lines like, "So, I know just how you feel/So, I know just how you feel," reinforce the wedding vows in a soft, romantic way.

With it a great first dance song in nuptials that have taken place in the Philippines since the early '90s, it doesn't mean that American couples-to-be can't take cues from it, di ba?

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And here’s the tatay’s 2005 recording of the mentioned aria with the Purcell Quartet for reference:

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SAME!

Mentally I am here

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#TombTok (Tweaked AI Image)

I'm not a huge fan of AI, BUT if I want to post an image generated by it on any given social media platform, I would always tweak the image with personal touches.

I made this work of digital art in response to the Supreme Court's decision to urge China-based ByteDance to cease the availability of downloads of the app TikTok in the USA tomorrow earlier today, Philippines time.

The recent decision sent shockwaves through the digital landscape. This ruling, made in response to concerns about national security, aims to curb the influence of China-based ByteDance, the parent company of the popular app.

It follows a series of investigations and debates over the potential misuse of user data by TikTok. Lawmakers, cybersecurity experts, and even parents have raised alarms about the app's data collection practices, suggesting that sensitive information could be accessed by the Chinese government.

This has fueled a broader discussion about the control and regulation of technology companies, especially those with international ties.

In addition to the immediate halt on downloads, the Supreme Court's ruling mandates that current users will gradually lose access to the app. This phased approach aims to minimize disruption while addressing the underlying security concerns.

The Court has also called for a comprehensive review of other apps with similar data privacy issues, signaling a potential shift in how digital platforms are governed in the future.

In response, I enhanced the AI-generated image of the tomb through GIMP (a free photo editor) via adding two inverted torches with bows apiece anchored by the TikTok logo. I further tweaked the image using an artistic form of faux HDR to give it a mournful depth.

As Victorian funerary symbolism attests, the images of the two TikTok logo-emblazoned inverted torches flanking the tomb's entrance alludes to the users repurposing their content on other platforms as the app becomes unavailable by tomorrow.

I too also will delete the app in solidarity with the Fil-Am influencers who are deeply affected by the ban. May they be successful in other platforms.

Correction: TikTok was actually released in the USA in 2017. But anyway, I listened to the whole of BWV 198 (the 1989 Monteverdi Choir/Eng. Baroque Soloists recording) today in honor of the app's run stateside. Whether you hate countertenors or love them, Michael Chance's account of the alto aria best suits the mood of several influencers' reactions today.

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Josquin Desprez / Piffaro, Adieu mes amours I Chansons Et Danceries, 1996

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The OG Passacaglia

Since 5th grade, George Frideric Handel has been my favorite composer. And I have since known for sure that he is a lot more than the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah, his Water Music, and…

THIS FINAL MOVEMENT OF HIS G MINOR HARPSICHORD SUITE!

Here it is, early music lovers! If you have heard enough reels using the piano arrangement Johan Halvorsen’s violin arrangement of the Passacaglia from his G minor suite, this OG performance on a REAL harpsichord will SURELY refresh your jaded ears. Close your eyes and listen. REALLY LISTEN.

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TW: blood, guns, crying family members, white caskets, funerals

Ironically, Peter, Paul, and Mary's reworking of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" for this 1997 PSA is my favorite of the group's songs. It even beats out "Puff, the Magic Dragon," TBH.

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First fell in love with this choral theme from Henry V via the Logos School secondary school choir's rendition they did in 2020.

This is my tribute to 39th U.S. President and champion for alternative fuels and energy resources, Jimmy Carter. That man, who died last Sunday at the ripe age of 100, inspired us to be more conscious of energy use.

It's also a wonderful way to close out 2024 and open a newer, more energy-conscious 2025.

May he rest in peace.

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Meet Olivia Organ!

Olivia Organ has a thing for Renaissance through Classical sacred vocal music. But she also loves instrumental music composed in the timeframe, specifically pieces originally written for churches. Her jams are Italian Renaissance motets and German Baroque cantatas.

If you don't know, here's her disposition:

8' Gedeckt 4' Chimney Flute 2 2/3' Quinte 2' Principal

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Dear parents of the Philippines: you DON’T NEED TO have your kids vocally torture you from September 1, 2025, to January 6, 2026 like that! You have been suffering enough, and will be doing so until January 6!

The Kodály Society of the Philippines is growing, and 2025 marks their 40th anniversary! The Kodály Method will teach children solfège and breath control as well as songs filled with brain enhancement, rather than brainrot!