Children of the World International Festival
Last night after babysitting for Beatrice and having dinner with William and Marissa and Beatrice at Orchids Restaurant; Babs, Michelle, and I went across the street from Sacred Heart Elementary School for an evening of food, music, dancing, activities sponsored by Sacred Heart School and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.
We sat and ate first, running into friends from FAAP, and observed Irish stepdancing by the Burke school of Irish dancing. We walked around, had Rita's Ice, and visited various booths until I convinced Babs and Michelle that we should learn how to Irish step dance....I was learning a line dance (Siege of Ennis, with which I am familiar), and we left with music on our heart and a skip in our step.
Labels: children, international culture, Ireland, Pilipino culture
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra--Rachmaninoff
This Thursday I attended the PSO's program of Dvorak's Serenade in D Minor, Opus 44, Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (performed with Jon Kimura Parker on piano), then Mozart's "Linz" Symphony. Mr. Parker, after performing the Rachmaninoff was treated to a standing ovation by the audience. In turn, he played "Fantasie on Themes from the Wizard of Oz," composed for piano four hands by his friend, Bill Hertz, a Pittsburgher with familial ties to the PSO. The audience replied with a rousing round of applause before intermission.
Labels: PSO, Rachmaninoff
Oresteia Project II--Carnegie Mellon University
Last night I saw the second part of the Oresteia Project at Carnegie Mellon University: "The Choephorae" and "The Eumenides." Tuesday night's performance of "Agamemnon," was modern and included elements of experimental theater. Last night, I sat with Nancy C (a neighbor) and Jean S (her friend). "The Choephorae" (aka the "Libation Bearers") showed multicultural influences, from Japanese theatre to modern dance to Sufi religious connotations. Quite visceral, it continued the story of vengeance. Orestes, whose father Agamemnon was slain by his mother, is after blood. And in this production, he seeks and finds it.
Eumenides was performed backstage, with modern cultural influences--including multimedia video games, the bombardment of the news, fashionable spas, sixties girl groups, and (in this case, not-so-)placid suburban life. The kaleidoscopic view of Orestes's acquittal through a plethora of cultural and technical viewpoints was a whirlwind--dizzying and spinning us down into views of his guilt.
Vengeance, vengeance, and guilt...the Oresteia Project.
Labels: CMU, theater
Hokie Nation
After last week's tragedy at Virginia Tech, it brought back memories of a similar incident at Wawa's undergraduate campus quite a number of years ago.
I've pondered why I've been asked a couple of times if I've ever felt like hurting myself, and I know my resounding "NO!" every time harkens back to the George Bailey-flashback moment in the movie It's a Wonderful Life where George thinks back to when he helps his brother out to save his life. I know that the Spirit moved me on that day, and that the Spirit moved my brother to do his best to help his dormmates back then.
We've all been put here for a reason, if only to act as a warning to each other.
So I include this missive below from the Hokie Nation from one of my students who is a post-bacc from Va Tech.
Labels: thankfulness
Agamemnon--Carnegie Mellon University
Jo-Anne, Alroy, and I attended the Carnegie Mellon University modern production of Agamemnon last night(, as my first fundraiser for the Pittsburgh Wellesley Club as its new Vice President). Several of the characters had strong performances, and the chorus was rather convincing as madwomen, slaves, and Greek and Hadean citizenry. The story focusses on the return of King Agamemnon at the completion of war. The play addresses not only the heightened emotions of war, but also the strained relations that arise due to extenuating, heinous interpersonal circumstances. A most excellent play that will continue with SRO performances through Sunday.
I hope to see the last two plays of the trilogy tonight.
Labels: CMU, theater
Identity Theft I
I attended a talk by Ron Plesco, Jr. yesterday regarding identity theft. It was organized by the local branch of a financial planning house and the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP). Quite a good talk: An excellent speaker and presentation. Mr. Plesco recommended that one scratch out the numbers on the credit card receipts, if not already masked partially on the receipt.
A victim of identity theft himself, Mr. Plesco had good advice, some of it similar to that provided by the Federal Trade Commission.
Labels: personal finance, RIS
Ama Namin
Ama Namin is the Tagalog version of the Pater Noster a.k.a. the Our Father. Ken has asked me for musical arrangements of Filipino music. Tita Bening's brother, Fr. Perry, provided a CD with "Ama Namin," "Kordero ng Diyos," and "I Believe" (the last arrangement sung by him). The version of "Ama Namin" is a different musical setting than I had heard when travelling in the PI, and is a different version than either Jo-Anne or Gabe, my choirmates from near Manila, find familiar.
I had a chance to meet Fr. Perry at Mass at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. The Mass was for the local medical society.
I find it interesting that the literal translation of the Pater Noster is "give us our nourishment daily (on a daily basis)," as rice is the staple nourishment for most of the country.
Labels: Church, Philippines, Pilipino culture, prayer, singing
Holi--Carnegie Mellon Carnival
This past Saturday I met William, Marissa, and Beatrice for Indian food on Flagstaff Hill and a chance to observe the students at Holi, the East Indian event. We stopped in at the Phipps gift shop to say hello to Shelley, who is William's coworker's (Eric's) spouse. Then we headed to Midway where we won candy and stickers.
Radio Information Service--Volunteer appreciation dinner
The annual volunteer appreciation dinner for the Radio Information Service was held in the Bob and Delores Hope room of the Omni William Penn Hotel. I arrived after the production of Pippin at CMU, and enjoyed a mixed greens salad, ravioli, and tiramisu. I met various other volunteers from RIS at my table, and Gregory, who usually reads in the booth next to mine as I am finishing my shift at RIS. We all enjoyed Tracy's version of "Simon Says." I had a chance to chat with Joanne, Joe and Tina, and Anna afterwards.
Labels: read, RIS
Pippin--Carnegie Mellon Carnival
This past Friday William and I saw Pippin at Carnegie Mellon University. Pippin is the anachronistic story of Charlemagne's son. Pippin was written by Steven Schwartz, a CMU alum who wrote Pippin for Scotch and Soda a while back. When ordering tickets, I explained that my friend Alex from choir was in the production, and was told he was very entertaining (gotta luv gramma!) The whole production was well done, but I must admit that "gramma"'s antics and requests for sing-along were particularly engaging.
Labels: CMU, theater
Babysitting Beatrice...
She has started to vocalize, pass objects back and forth between hands, roll over 180 degrees, sign Dadday, and be her usual, good-natured self. Mom, Dad, and I have babysat with her these past two weeks. "She keeps coming back, so I must be okay," I told some of our friends in Mom & Dad's building. What a joy to play with her!
Labels: Beatrice
Pittsburgh Diocese Pastoral and Finance Council conference
Last Saturday Nilda and I carpooled to the conference for Pastoral and Finance Councils for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Dave, Vickie E., and Ed H. were there, too. The conference was a good way to reflect upon how we have grown as a council and to consider the direction we want to move in the future. Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley said the opening prayer and remarks, and Mary Ann Gubish also had a chance to address the crowd. We had break-out meetings in the afternoon, where we discussed problem solving and future directions. A useful day, especially after our recent retreat (see photo). 
Labels: Church
Isang Mahal
Last Friday I attended a Philippine Nationality Room (PNR) fundraiser organized by the Pitt Filipino Students Association VP, Marissa Angeles. I had actually run into Marissa earlier that week in the hall at my work building; she was excitedly promoting the event (held at the School of Public Health auditorium) by word-of-mouth and also encouraging email missives. The fundraiser on the evening of the thirteenth was dubbed Isang Mahal, "one love, one culture, Filipino." Approximately 60 students, fellows, faculty, PNR committee members, and FAAP members attended the event. The program included:
Philippine Nationality Room (PNR) architect, Warren Bulseco, who spoke about the PNR project and who brought beautiful architectural renderings for the crowd to consider;
Marissa Angeles, who spoke for the Gabriela Network, the largest and oldest Philippine-US women's solidarity organization, which raises awareness of illegal trafficking of women and children;
Two members of Ill-literacy, from California who conducted performance poetry and spoken word that touched our hearts and souls;
Gawad Kalinga ("to give care"), a global campaign to build 700 000 homes in 7000 communities in seven years as a way to address poverty in the Philippines and the world...the organization addresses the whole community, not just the physical structure of the house...the organization sent representatives from New Jersey;
Student Action for Veterans' Equity, SAVE, an organization committed to full equity for Filipino WWII Veterans. Supporters were given brown ribbons to wear and were asked to contact their members of congress to support the bills currently in Congress, HR 760 and S 57. Equity has been supported for several years by Sen. Ed Kennedy (D-MA).
~~~If you support these bills and are registered to vote in Pennsylvania, call or write your Senator or member of Congress. Phone numbers for our Pennsylvania Senators are:
~~Bob Casey Toll Free: (866) 802-2833
~~Arlen Specter 412 644 3400
and, finally, the ambient Philadelphia-area rock group, Miss Vintage, who wowed us with their talent and blended, layered sound.
My friend Jo-Anne and I stayed after the event to chat with Marissa, with a couple of other FSA officers, with the poet/performers of Ill-literacy, with the reps from Gawad Kalinga, and with the band Miss Vintage. Stopping by Five Guys for a late-night snack, we later saw a couple of the guys from Miss Vintage at the neighborhood eatery.
Labels: Philippines, Pilipino culture, PNR
Sweet Charity
William, Marissa, and I enjoyed Easter Dinner at Mom and Dad's. Beatrice hung out with Lola and Lolo while the three of us went to see Sweet Charity at Heinz Hall. Molly Ringwald starred, and she and Guy Adkins were brilliant as Charity Hope Valentine and as Oscar Lindquist, respectively.
It was great to finally see Beatrice after her open-heart surgery last week. She is healing nicely.
Labels: Beatrice, Broadway
Holy Week celebrations--Easter Triduum 2007
Holy Week 2007 included singing by the St. Paul Cathedral Choir.
~Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper was presided by Fr. Donald Breier.
We sang:
Lift High the Cross
Gloria (Notre Dame Mass) by Isele
Ubi Caritas-Durufle
At that First Eucharist
God is Love--A.G. Murray
Ave Verum Corpus--Charles Gounod
Pange Lingua Gloriosi
and
Jesu, Dulcis Memoria-Tomas Luis de Victoria
At the end of Mass, the Sanctuary is made bare, with the total focus on the Blessed Sacrament. People left quietly.
~Good Friday Afternoon Celebration of the Lord's Passion was presided by Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley.
The Choir sang:
Into your Hands I Commend my Spirit-C. Waddell
Jesus, Remember Me-Jacques Berthier
various sung responses
Were You There?-Spirtual
De Profundis-Mozart
O Sacred Head Surrounded-Clairvaux/Bach
Attende Domine
Paschal Lamb Who Suffered For Us-Carl Schalk
After the service, there was stripping of the Sanctuary, including the Blessed Sacrament altar. My parents went to Stations of the Cross in the evening.
~Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil Mass 2007
The 40-50 catechumens joining the Church this evening at St. Paul Cathedral were in for a wonderfully beautiful ceremony. The Mass was presided by Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley. Much of the Mass elements were similar to the Easter Vigil Mass from last year. Daphne Alderson and Linda Ortenzo cantored, Don Fellows directed the music, Ken Danchik accompanied us on the organ, and Jennifer was my partner (in crime!). Judi and I met at the water cooler ["We're the women at the well...(John)"] and I received birthday wishes and a card from the choir. Barbara lectored, and passed a gift card and book of sayings to Ornella for a Buon Compleanno! I saw Ornella and congratulated Isabella and Melissa and Ed H's friend after Mass. I met up with Maggie and Chuck, Marianne and Bob's friends, and hugged Daphne. The Mass was three hours long, and we were all very tired after the celebration.
~Easter Sunday 2007
St. Paul Cathedral Choir sang:
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Gloria (Peter Jones)
Psalm 118
Alleluia in the Easter Sequence (Anne C. Dohms)
Alleluia (J. Chepponis)
Renewal of Baptismal Promises/Springs of Water (DKF)
Hallelujah! from the Mount of Olives (L.von Beethoven)
Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven and Voices Raise (Bach)
Acclamations from the Community Mass, and
Litany for the Breaking of the Bread (Isele)
Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus (C. Schalk)
Handel's Hallelujah! from the Messiah
Sung Blessing and Dismissal
Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Charles Wesley, text)
and the postlude was the Toccata from Symphony V by C.M. Widor
Labels: Choir, Church, family, Mass, St. Paul Cathedral
Birthday 2007
7 April 2007 (7-4-7)
Woke up before 7am, listened to the radio, tapes, and my 2005 Birthday tapes. Organized my work files at home. Showered and dressed, wearing magenta and the necklace Miranda made for me June 2006. Brought my photos from Jan-March 2007. Went to M+D's to look up digital cameras online (on the Internet). Viewed pics from Joyce! (again) Typed up day's events up 'til now (just shy of 8:30am).
Graded papers from school--finished the bulk of the grading for all papers. William, Mom, Dad, and I went to Buca di Beppo for my birthday lunch--Barbara was our waitress. We had fried calamari, lasagna, eggplant parmagiana, and salmon and veggies in pesto cream sauce. MMMmmmMMM!
Next was a trip to Costco for Easter munchies and birthday tart/torte. William and I tried the gummy vites.
We headed home, where I took a nap (~1.5 hr), then headed to Church for the Easter Vigil Mass, which lasted 3 hours. More on that in the next posting...
Labels: Birthday, Choir, Church
Happy, chatty girl...
...Beatrice came home from the hospital yesterday with her Daddy and Mommy. William said she was smiling and chatty, probably from all the oxygen getting to her! William's blog post details the condition and the procedure...I mentioned to my students during our anatomy and physiology laboratory that I have a niece with PDA. I like the National Library of Medicine site William chose to link...I printed out the same for my students to consider two weeks ago in lab. But, none went to look at it...(once you're born and you don't have a congenital condition, why show interest?) which I found interesting, since many are pre-med, pre-pharm, pre-vet, pre-nursing, AND pre-occupied with their grades. And there lies the truth: Perhaps, seeing that their grade did not depend on knowing about patent ductus arteriosus, they focussed on the anatomy on which their grades depended.
Labels: Beatrice, work
The procedure went well...
...at the hospital today. Only the original condition was handled, with no additional complicating conditions! Beatrice was in good hands, with the head of the department leading the surgical team at 7:30am this morning.
Mom and Dad went to 6:45 am Mass this morning, and then said the Rosary and chaplet afterwards. I went to 8:15am Mass this morning, and did the same after Mass.
We are sooo happy (relieved?) that now she's in recovery phase. "The hard part is over..." I met others in choir whose friends or children had the same condition.
Labels: Beatrice, family
