Ria Osoriohttp://www.riaosorio.com/index.htmlBlog Feedenrvo@riaosorio.comCopyright 2008 Maria Rosalina Osorio2009-11-02T20:11:55+08:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:57:48 +0800riaosoriohttp://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesAdd to Any Feed ReaderClick here to subscribe to my blog via RSS:Bob Aves Group @ National Museum of Singaporervo@riaosorio.comNone2009-11-02T20:11:55+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/BobAvesGroupatNationalMuseumofSingapore.php#unique-entry-id-97http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/BobAvesGroupatNationalMuseumofSingapore.php#unique-entry-id-97here at their website.

The music is an intersection of different cultures and heritages of the Philippines. Traditional kulintang music, Spanish influences, and Western jazz idioms blend seamlessly to form a new brand of Philippine jazz.

I played for two days. The first day was for Bob’s performance-lecture at the National Museum. The second day (photos below) was at the front area of the museum. A few meters away, there was a tent where Filipino treats were sold - lechong kawali, Crispy Pata, bibingka, San Miguel beer, all the good stuff.

I regretted very much that I didn’t bring a camera with me. During the times that we weren’t playing, Tusa and I got to go around our area a bit. I enjoyed walking around the city. Singapore is so clean and organized. No need to get scared while crossing the streets. The food is good, and relatively cheap, too.

Fortunately, here are some photos from the gig by my mom’s (and now also my) friend, Edsel Tolentino.



Bob, main man, w/ octavina
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Bob Aves, Jorge San Jose (drums), Simon Tan (bass)
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Tusa Montes, Bob Aves, Jorge San Jose, Simon Tan, Ria Osorio
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Jorge, Simon, Ria
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One, two, three, and...
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....Bow!
The Bow




Many thanks to the organizers and staff of the National Museum of Singapore for inviting the group to play.




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Later that night, we were invited to dinner by Johnny Gaerlan, a Singapore-based Filipino bassist, who plays regularly at the Indo Chine, one of the swanky restaurants in Singapore. We we treated with a nice view by the riverside. I had duck soup. (Again, no photo to show for it. A camera will be at the top of my gear wishlist from now on.)



From L-R: Johnny Gaerlan, Edsel Tolentino, me, Bob Aves, Grace Nono, Jorge San Jose, Simon Tan.
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Regarding Bob’s music, I see myself adopting the same spirit for my arrangements and compositions. Lately, I work a lot with larger ensembles. Using large ensembles like the big band and the orchestra, I want to be able to continue along this direction that was opened up to me by Bob Aves and Grace Nono (since I started playing with them around eight years ago), as well as mentor and friend Maestro Angel Pena. Was able to take the first baby steps towards this direction when I was commissioned to write music for the official video of the Philippine Supreme Court. With the help of Bob’s sampled gongs, and the traditional material available to me, I tried my hand in combining gongs and the orchestra (Manila Symphony Orchestra). Will post music clips here when I get my copy of the video. This is an exciting avenue to explore, as the possibilities are endless.


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At the 2008 Jarasum Jazz Festival, Korea

Our Zhu Jia Jiao Tour

Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort, Cavite

Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort, Cavite (part2)]]>Samu't Sari: A Benefit Concertrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-10-29T11:58:09+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/SamutSariBenefitConcert.php#unique-entry-id-96http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/SamutSariBenefitConcert.php#unique-entry-id-96




November 4, 2009. Samu’t Sari is fund-raising concerts for musicians in the Philippines who have suffered losses during typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana). Your ticket purchases, or participation, will help our colleagues a lot. Plus, it’s an exciting lineup of pieces!


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Tentative Program (since a lot of musicians are joining, this list can still grow):
Brahms, Academic Festival Overture
Chopin, Piano Concerto no. 1 Mary Anne Espina, piano
II Romance – larghetto
III Rondo – vivace – 9:53
Bernstein, Glitter And Be Gay, Joy Abalon Tamayo, Soprano
Johnny Alegre:
Natural Jazz
Beacon Call
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Jovianney Cruz, piano

Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy
Bernstein, Three Dance Episodes from On The Town
Williams, Excerpts from Star Wars
I. Main Title
II. Across The Stars
III. The Imperial March
Beethoven, Excerpts from Symphony No. 9, 4th mvt

Pop Artist:
Reymond Sajor

Choir:
Globalink Choir

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]]>Just a Few Updatesrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-10-16T14:16:54+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/e48608244979eeeae392890aa18ef58f-95.php#unique-entry-id-95http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/e48608244979eeeae392890aa18ef58f-95.php#unique-entry-id-95Cafe World are the closest thing I will ever get to playing Sims. Though I’d love to buy the Sims 3, it’s something that would be very unwise for me, considering my work load. There was a time in college when I’d spend around three to five hours in a day playing that game.. gaah. I wish I could get that time back. At least with games like Cafe World, some progress still happens during the game even if you log out.

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Got a 5pm call time today at Pagcor for the big band gig.

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“-Ber” months are well under way. Got word from Gerard that busy, busy months are ahead. We’re looking at arranging for the Hongkong Philharmonic Orchestra again (woohoo!) plus arranging for Lea Salonga’s “Your Songs” concert with FILharmoniKA. Exciting! While I am still waiting for the assignments to pour in, I’ve been leisurely poring through scores of different kinds of music along with their mp3’s - classical music, broadway, big band, and some of my colleague’s works.

I’ve also been accepting more than the usual number of playing gigs lately, as I’ve been trying to save up for the trip to Hongkong (hopefully to hear those arrangements live) and have also been buying stuff for my running and biking. Would really like to get a heart rate monitor.

Regarding my current bike, I’ve already written a blog post with photos. But my husband Dex says I could improve on the photos, so I’ll wait for that before posting it.



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]]>Arrangement for INC Choir - Video and Notesrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-10-16T13:02:51+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ArrangementForINCChoir.php#unique-entry-id-94http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ArrangementForINCChoir.php#unique-entry-id-94
I’d like to feature here one of my arrangements for the 95th Anniversary. “Mga Alipin Sa Malayong Silangan” (“Servants from the Far East”) was composed by the National Artist, Lucio San Pedro. The Tabernacle choir already had their own arrangement of the song, and my task was to write the orchestra part to accompany the choir.

Here is a video of the song: (please wait for it to buffer first and then scroll to the 1:00 mark)’








Alipin Sa Malayong Silangan


So how do I tackle an assignment such as this? I’ve tried many methods, but here’s a simplified and generalized workflow that I use a lot:
1. First, internalize the material given. Take into account not just the melody, but the lyrics as well. What is the message? Who is the audience? In this case, the material is a song of praise to the Lord God. From internalizing the material, I can get a good overview of the outline of the arrangement already. If the line goes “Praise Him, Praise Him,” repeatedly, then that will probably be a majestic section. (Unless the client or artist specifically calls for a more intimate or tender treatment). On the other hand, the verses where the song seems to be narrating a story seem to call for more subdued devices. More on that later...

A side note on internalizing a given song: If I have been given an audio file of a song to rearrange (meaning there is already an existing arrangement) and I am required to make a completely new and original arrangement, I usually don’t like spending much time listening to the old arrangement. Instead, I play the audio file a few times, notate the melody on paper or software, and work on it from there. The reason for this is I find I’m freer to think of new environments for the song in question when I’m not too familiar with the old arrangements. But for songs that I’ve heard hundreds of times prior to rearranging them, well, that’s a story for another blog post...

2. Make a rough outline or sketch of the arrangement. Following my notes from the previous step (e.g. where I determine the peaks and valleys of the songs to be roughly located), I do a quick sketch of the arrangement. I like doing this step on a condensed score staff paper, with the melody written out in one of the staves. This way, I don’t need to flesh out everything at once. It gives me free rein to jot down contrapuntal lines that come to mind, not necessarily fully orchestrated at this point. If the song/melody is the FOREGROUND, here now the PRIMARY BACKGROUND begins to take shape. Lines or blocks of music which support and enhance the melody. The BACKGROUND usually consists of many levels. Also, the foreground and background usually shift from one instrument or instrument group to another. And instead of writing out the full orchestration, I can just specify here, “string pads” or “horn beds” or “majestic brasses”, something along those lines.

For this song, if the section called out for a majestic treatment (such as the repeated “Praise Him, Praise HIm”, or “Purihin, Purihin,”) I’ve put in trumpets, trombones, horns, cymbals and drums.

3. After the rough sketch, I flesh out and fill in the details using notation software. Here is possibly the most tedious part of the orchestration process, but it also can be the easiest in terms of need for ideas - since I have already plotted out the whole song in a sketch. I already have the major counterpoints in place, the accompanying devices, and the only thing left now is to decide (with more detail) what instrument gets to play what. Here is where I decide how many string parts are needed for a particular section, or how I will voice them.

Here is also the stage where I still tend to consult orchestration books. Sometimes I forget about the ideal ranges of instruments, especially if I’ve not written for them for quite sometime. (Of course, the consulting part is skipped when I’m really in a hurry - and I just tend to go with the stuff I know instead of trying out new things).

Many times, stages two and three overlap. Sometimes I like to do sketches up to three sections, and then if I’m running out of ideas, I try to flesh out the sketch. And then, from that fleshing-out, I get more ideas for the remaining sections. I also use the playback function of the software here, but only to check for errors, and also to get a general overview of how the piece is coming out.

4. Lastly, I play back the arrangement on the software, and try to revise. Sometimes I need to erase certain parts, in order to lend more clarity to the arrangement, and also to make the “big” parts stand out more. For instance, if I find that one of the sections is a really busy one in terms of accompaniment, I would delete notes from the previous section in order to not overcrowd the melody. I’m still of the school of thought in music where the main melody is the main feature of the arrangement.. All else is written to enhance, clarify, and solidify the message. This does not mean that arrangements should be oversimplified. My most favorite arrangements are those that have the depth and complexity, but they feature the melody so well, that it can only be magic.


Also, check out Gerard Salonga’s arrangement of Sumilang Na, which has become one of my most favorite arrangements for the year. Been also studying the score for this one.



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MIDI vs Live Recording: An Orchestration Exercise
On Johnny Alegre Eastern Skies part 1]]>My First Duathlon (Sprint Distance)rvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-09-26T14:13:06+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MyFirstDuathlon.php#unique-entry-id-91http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MyFirstDuathlon.php#unique-entry-id-91
Aside from a few trails with friends, plus biking around the village and Ayala Alabang, I haven’t really had ample saddle time for this event. Add to this, I had a mountain bike instead of the appropriate road bike. Was really in this for the experience, and to have fun...

(Photos by Jingle Buena)



Early morning! Me, Arnold Buena and King Fernandez. Arnold is an accomplished composer/arranger.
early am pic




Another musician friend in the race! Hannah Romawac-Olives of Sessionroad.
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Off we go!

(photo below courtesy of Thumbie Remigio)
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Having an easy run and trying to practice my Chi-Running form
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Transition to bike portion. Lagoooooooot! See, I was able to overtake a lot of people during the 1st run. But knew I was about to get smoked.... Smile pa rin!
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At the bike turnaround...
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This is funny! Got this photo from Thumbie Remigio’s site. Mountain biker trying to keep up with roadies! I was trying to mimic their position on the handlebars to minimize air resistance. It tired my arms out a lot. Deo P., a strong triathlete who is very helpful in the forums, once advised, “Leave the roads to the road bikes and the trails to the mountain bikes.” NOW I know why.

On a side note, I’d do this again, in spite of it all. I don’t see myself becoming a road biker anytime in the immediate future, but I’d still join duathlons occasionally for the fun and physical training. Why not? It’ll add to my fitness for the trails, and help me get fit for cross-country mountain bike racing in the future. With some more saddle time, I think I can aim for a pretty decent finish next time. (Of course I still plan to ride trails mostly)
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Finishing. Haaay, salamat! Around thirty minutes shy of the 3-hour cutoff.
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King, me, and Arnold at the finish line. King is really strong - he finished this event in an even heavier mountain bike than mine.
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Thanks to Powerade and organizers for a successful event!






Splits:

Run1: 0:41:42 (including transition 1)
Bike: 1:30:05 (including transition 2)
Run 2: 0:25:08
Total: 2:36:55

I placed 15th.... out of 16 females! Yahoo! Hehehe. But the important thing is, I finished...




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Race List
Photos from Dirt Weekend
Thoughts on My Two Months into Running
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Earth Run-16k
Greenfield City Run - 5k
Running My First 5k Race



]]>Haay September Na...rvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-09-24T23:04:42+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HaaySeptemberNa.php#unique-entry-id-90http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HaaySeptemberNa.php#unique-entry-id-90
It’s hard because I want to write interesting things, maybe some more orchestration or MIDI tutorials, maybe some album and band reviews, and definitely stuff I learn and experience in music, . For my hobbies such as running and biking, I want to write nice accounts of what happened, during my training and racing. Unfortunately, I don’t have the discipline for really churning out weekly content.

So now, just to not let this week pass without any new content, I’ll just post a rundown of my September so far.


Moved to a “new” space in the office (mid-August pala ito)
- once a resident of the third floor, my suite is now in the fourth, where I now have access to “my own” vocal booth. Yahoo!
- my third move ever since I started working in Carmel House Studios.



Recordings for Aiza Seguerra
- new album coming up! It’ll be a Singapore release.

here’s a video with me on piano (from the last album release)





Flow gigs
- continued playing for Flow, a musical/dance/acrobatic show in Pagcor. Full big band setup here, and my father Mel Villena is the musical director.

Learn more about Flow here


Singing Bee gigs
- am still writing for SInging Bee, the evening game show. I write music sheets for the band, for those songs that stop in the middle, and contestants have to complete the lyrics.


SingingBee




Arranged music for our company’s choir
- Globalink’s choir, whose album is in the works.


Attended big band clinics at Ten 02 Bar
- with the intention of honing my big band arranging skills, and of course hanging out with the cool musicians. Sometimes I played piano too.



Now arranging music for Eat Bulaga’s Bulilit Birit
- Yup, I’m doing this at the moment, and just taking a break from it.. need to submit the arrangements tomorrow afternoon.


Attended the iBike clinic
- there are some photos here

Attained my best 10k time so far
- At Ayala Eco-Dash race. And this was unintended (1hr. 3 mins. for the 10k). I think I would’ve done better if I hadn’t been biking the whole day before.

Joined my first Duathlon (sprint distance: 7k run, 30k bike, 3.5k run)
- dismal finish, but the point is, I finished! Now I know what I need to train for, for next time.








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Whew, I think that’s a lot so far! No wonder I don’t get to blog much. I think it gets even crazier when the -ber months are well underway.



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This Week’s Tasks...




]]>Photos from Dirt Weekendrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-09-19T14:09:23+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PhotosFromDirtWeekend.php#unique-entry-id-89http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PhotosFromDirtWeekend.php#unique-entry-id-89
photos from http://dirtdawg.multiply.com/

Drills: proper warm-up, jumps (which I haven’t succeeded in yet), switchbacks (on muddy tracks), turning, rolling, pump track with berms.



Happy participants. That’s me, 5th from left. Nag lakas-loob sumali sa advanced group.
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Carlo...
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Michael, new acquaintance, noob. Noob nga ba talaga?
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Dex practicing downhilling. On his first time with a mountain bike, and a rented one.
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My 2nd time on the downhill (70 degree angle). Nervous, hoping I don’t fall off to the side like on my first attempt.
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Yehey! Thanks to Bans, Tena, Arjuna and Jay for coaching us.
DSC-0483



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]]>MIDI vs. Live Recording: An Orchestration Exerciservo@riaosorio.comNone2009-09-03T22:13:34+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MIDIvsLIVEAnOrchestrationExercise.php#unique-entry-id-88http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MIDIvsLIVEAnOrchestrationExercise.php#unique-entry-id-88music video in Youtube.)


MIDI VS. LIVE arrangement

Now, here are the two “realizations” of the arrangement I did for this song:


The first one is a MIDI version. The bulk of the samples are from the Vienna Symphonic Library, with a few Kirk Hunter Strings and some East West instruments. It doesn’t have vocals yet here... Also, I posted my draft mix, in order to illustrate some stuff that could be improved on (which I will go into detail later). Listen to this one first.

Divine Idylle MIDI version ©Carmel House Studios, 2009

(Pardon the copy-protect thingy, I had to insert annoying “reminders” throughout the mp3 clips so as to discourage unauthorized use)




The second one is a live version, recorded by FILharmoniKA at Carmel House Studios. I sang a demo vocal in it, in French. (I did my best, ok?)

Divine Idylle LIVE version ©Carmel House Studios, 2009



To be able to compare the two, side by side in your own DAW or sequencer: Set the tempo to 90 BPM, create an audio track for each mp3, then start them at bar 1. Just mute or solo one track if you’re listening to the other.



COMPARING THE TWO, SECTION BY SECTION

Now let’s look at how the MIDI version could’ve been improved on, based what we’ve heard from the live orchestra version. (Or if there are parts of the MIDI orchestration which I prefer over my live orchestration)


1. BAR 2 onwards: MIDI version has too much reverb on the snare drum
- this was pointed out to me in one of the orchestration forums I frequent.

2. BAR 2-10: I spent a lot of hours automating the MIDI string tracks in order to have them imitate the sound envelope of a large string section’s attack and decay (on slow-moving lines), and I thought I was able to make a convincing sound, till I heard the live version. I think strings are one of the most difficult instruments to realize in MIDI! Because even when you’ve got the sound envelope right, there are a vast number of other factors to consider: String players usually don’t perform their vibratos at the same time, and at the exact same speed, and there is some sort of “sympathetic vibration” going on.. their overall sound is just massive and lush.

A technique that a mentor of mine shared with me, which helps a lot in MIDI orchestration is this: DON’T quantize your arrangements, as live players don’t play at the exact same millisecond anyway.

3. BAR 2-5: MIDI version used an English Horn.. but an English Horn was not available during the live session, so I had a Clarinet substitute for the English Horn lines. I think it worked nicely, though.

4. BAR 6: The attack of the Trumpet Ensemble on the MIDI version could’ve been less biting.. the live trumpet players were able to adjust to the mellow treatment of the strings on that particular line.

5. BAR 9, live version: Wrong note on the brasses.. whoops!

6. BAR 23: Hmm, I don’t know whose sound I prefer over the other here, the MIDI trombone ensemble, or the live one (a matter of preference in mixing). I sometimes like that “brassy” sound to the trombones in that register (which I did in the MIDI), even in a ballad setting.

7. BAR 27: I revised some string lines for the live version here because in the MIDI version, they just seemed to “drift off”.

8. BAR 36: Again, something I find difficult with MIDI strings: attaining a soft and “round” sound. Too often, the string samples are too bright or too striking. For a soft passage, one has to play the samples softer, but the softer velocity layers in samples don’t have that intensity or life which live players bring to the session. I’m sure there are workarounds here (maybe use a small cello ensemble along with the viola part?). VSL already contains some of the “darker” string samples out there, but will still need a lot of tweaking to achieve a convincing mellow sound.

9. BAR 44-45: Okay, that MIDI oboe didn’t quite pass the test for “almost sounds live”. Notice how in the live oboe recording, there are small, almost unnoticeable “breaks” in the line, which occur during the player’s key-switching. In my effort to make my MIDI oboe sound legato, I forgot that small but important detail, thus making the MIDI oboe sound really MIDI, as if a keyboard was playing the notes (which is what we really want to avoid in MIDI orchestration). I wonder if using an Oboe Legato patch could’ve solved the problem?

10. BAR 46-49 Now here’s one part where I liked the MIDI strings, because they seemed to have life in them. But the line would’ve worked better if the string reverb was brought low, even if only in this part.

11. BAR 50-51 The woodwinds in the MIDI were too “up front” and too loud to be convincing.

12. BAR 52: Another instance where I prefer the mix of my brasses in the MIDI over the live one.. I would’ve liked the trumpets to “blare” a bit, especially in that register, but they were somehow drowned out in the live version. I wanted the brasses to be up front here because they were a “response” to the woodwinds in bars 50-51. Again, this is a matter of preference rather than a textbook rule.

13. BAR 55: In the MIDI version, you could still hear the woodwind lines, but notice how they were drowned out in the live version (or to put it better, they “blended” well with the other orchestra instruments that they doubled in unison). As an arranger, I would’ve liked the woodwind lines to have been heard, but in reality, they would’ve really been smothered by the rest of the orchestra in that register, also because of the dynamic level of that part of the piece. I’d admit that this is where my weakness in mixing lies.. in MIDI, I sometimes make the mistake of highlighting a certain passage in order to make it come out, even if by “live orchestration standards,” the passage could not have floated over the rest of the orchestra. (Unless, of course, we are talking about a soloist, in which case the instrument will really have its own separate mic).

14. BAR 78: I forgot to put the crescendo mark on the brasses (which was there in my MIDI), so they just sort of drifted off in the live version. But I think the “drift off” worked better.

15. BAR 81-84: Hmm. It’s only now that I realized I forgot to put all my cymbal washes into the live version. He he! Too bad, it would’ve really added to the effect I’ve intended.

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There.. hope you liked this mini-analysis!


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Theme from Ipis Man
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]]>Quick Change. The CompanY With Jon Santos Livervo@riaosorio.comNone2009-07-12T14:41:21+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TheCompanYWithJonSantosLive.php#unique-entry-id-86http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TheCompanYWithJonSantosLive.php#unique-entry-id-86

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Quick Change Artists!


For more than two decades, Asia’s premiere vocal group – The CompanY and irrepressible funny man – Jon Santos, have proven to be the quintessential quick change artists. As seasoned artisans of their craft, it is their chameleonic abilities to reinvent and adapt that have made them credible, dependable and effective powerhouses in the arena of the live concert stage.

On July 31 (Friday) and August 1 (Saturday) – The CompanY and Jon Santos will showcase their best showstoppers in a musical comedy revue entitled “QUICK CHANGE” to be held at Star Theater, CCP Complex. “QUICK CHANGE” is the debut production of Ambient Media Events and shall also feature upcoming artists: Reymond Sajor (Wycopa Grand Champion) and Jez Salcedo.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld (call 891-9999), Star Theater (call 512 5031), The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu ( call +63 32 253 1111). Online tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph
“QUICK CHANGE” refers to the concerts’ multi genre music that explores different eras, styles and influences. The shows’ repertoire runs the gamut from big band to standards, from classical to rock, from a cappella showstoppers to Brazilian grooves, and more. “QUICK CHANGE” also refers to the concerts’ visual and theatrical elements – change of characters, change of costumes and looks, etc. Miss Ria Osorio leads the 8-piece band composed of the members of Gerard Salonga’s orchestra, FILharmoniKA. “QUICK CHANGE” is directed by a team of highly respected veterans in Philippine theater, namely: Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Chari Arespacochaga and Manman Cangsico. Band arrangements by Beth Martin, JD Villanueva, Ria Osorio and Moy Ortiz.

“QUICK CHANGE” is brought to you by: Ambient Media Events, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Solar Entertainment Channels: Second Avenue, ETC, JackTV, Yellow Cab, Urban Groove, Arnel Papa Jewelry, Hat Mama, TJMaxMusiclab, Brainchild Productions, 92.3 XFM, RJ 100, 105.1 Crossover, 106.7 Dream FM.
For a truly classy, sassy and brassy evening of great music and hilarious comedy, “QUICK CHANGE” is that concert experience you’ve been waiting for all year.



QuickChange1



QuickChange2


QuickChange3




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]]>Thoughts on My Two Months Into Runningrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-06-10T19:35:02+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThoughtsOnMyTwoMonthsIntoRunning.php#unique-entry-id-83http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThoughtsOnMyTwoMonthsIntoRunning.php#unique-entry-id-83
1. Strength training works! In my case it has helped me a lot in running. All those squats, deadlifts and lunges help when pushing off the ground. In my experience, as I improved in my strength training for my legs, I’d also require less effort to maintain a faster speed at a longer time. Exercises that strengthen the core (abdominal muscles, obliques) help maintain a good form throughout running. They also keep the body from twisting when powering up hills or speeding down hills. I’d like to think my strength training played a huge role in my strong finishes, and getting that extra kick as the finish line is near. Can strength exercises reduce the risk of injury? Studies say so, but I can only speak for myself after a few more months into this.

Take note, I say “strength training” and not “bodybuilding”. Strength training does build some muscle, but the name itself implies a focus on building strength, not trying to bulk up and look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I’m pretty sure I can beat that guy in the 5k, what with all that muscle weight slowing him down.

2. I have yet to find my best stride/footstrike.

3. I’ve set goals for the 5k because I wanted to take baby steps in endurance running. Training for the 5k (or for a best 5k) requires less mileage than training for the longer distances, or the marathon. But it certainly does not require less effort! The difficult part of the training is doing the sprint and tempo workouts.

4. I haven’t decided yet what I will train for next, after my 5k PR attempts.

5. I love it!



- - - - - - - - -

Mizuno Infinity 5k race results are posted here. I got in at 64th place out of 994 runners, 7th among the females. I didn’t realize there were that many 5k runners that day! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised. The 5k still remains the most popular race distance because it is beginner-friendly, and yet many elite athletes like to challenge themselves with it. Other runners use the 5k for speed work when training for longer distances.

Won’t you like to sign up for a 5k race today? Click here for a list of running events in the Philippines.

]]>Mizuno Infinity Runrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-06-10T15:09:14+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MizunoInfinityRun.php#unique-entry-id-82http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MizunoInfinityRun.php#unique-entry-id-82
For a newbie like me, I think I followed a moderately hard training plan. This plan included long runs, tempo runs, easy runs, and the workout which I have a love/hate relationship with... sprint workouts. The different types of runs each fell on a certain day of the week, but I switched days based on my schedule. Dex and I have strength training thrice a week. If I had pushed myself a lot during strength training on one day, I’d either reduce the mileage on the scheduled run that day, or exchange the difficult run for an easier run (and make up for the more difficult run on another day). Sometimes I had a run scheduled on a certain night, but then friends would call up, and running night would become sushi night. Can’t have it all, can we?

I joined other races prior to this, but they were all part of the training plan, and none of them were PR (personal record) attempts. Instead, they were supposed to be long runs at a comfortable pace. But sometimes I failed to stick to the “comfortable pace” part of the plan, and ended up racing harder than intended.

THE STARTING LINE. I squeezed in the crowd to get near the starting line as much as possible. In the past runs I’d have been content to stay at the back, but I made an exception that day.

THOUGHTS DURING THE RACE. Almost none, haha! Unlike 15k races and such, the 5k is too short for the mind to go into a reflective state. It was just “put one foot in front of the other as fast as you can” for me.

NEAR THE FINISH LINE. I’ve been expecting a 28 minute finish, but I got in at 25:50. Yahoo!!!

AFTER THE RACE. Surprise! Mizuno Phils. announced that the race was a time trial. Read about it here or check out the Mizuno Philippines Website. All runners who participated in Mizuno Infinity June 2009 are qualified for the race on January 10, 2010, and prizes will be awarded to those whose times show the greatest improvement.

I was pleasantly surprised, though I also had a few misgivings. Why did I have to pick this race to set a PR (aside from the flat course)? Then again, if I join the race on Jan. 10 just to beat one of my slow paces, that would kinda be missing the point, right?

January 10, 2010 is still exactly seven months away. I think I have time to train. Bagging a prize for this one would be a long shot - but it would be fun to see how far I can beat myself.



]]>Running With The Meatballrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-06-04T22:46:36+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/RunningWithTheMeatball.php#unique-entry-id-81http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/RunningWithTheMeatball.php#unique-entry-id-81

Meet Meatball, “Meaty”, our 5-year-old Pitbull. Friendly around people, dangerous around other animals (especially dogs, and cute, furry creatures):
06042009(003)



Words of the wise: A tired pitbull is a happy pitbull. I’m sure he will be snoring in his sleeping chair in a few minutes.
06042009(002)


We went out for a light jog around the block. Nice weather for jogging - most of the stray dogs aren’t roaming around, probably because of the storm. Brought my umbrella with me to ward off other doggies who might attack. Not to protect Meaty from them, but the other way around.

Meatball is the wrestler in the household. Often he is unaware of his own strength. There was a time when he wrecked our screen door in his excitement, because my mom was calling him from inside our house. He jumped through the screen like it was just a set of heavy curtains.

We had a nice workout tonight, and we quit before Meaty got too tired. There have been times in the past when he would get too overworked, and then would just opt to lie down on the concrete, and it would be very hard to get him back on his feet. Not really built to be an endurance runner, but who knows? Maybe it will be good to train him for his first 5k run. Although a nice, furry little animal could get him doing sprints, anytime.


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My Bodyguard]]>Earth Run - 16krvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-06-02T10:51:50+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/EarthRun16k.php#unique-entry-id-80http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/EarthRun16k.php#unique-entry-id-80

Earth Run, set in McKinley Hill - famous among runners for its uphills and downhills.



RACE PREPARATION

We signed up for Earth Run exactly 2 weeks prior to the event. I signed myself up for the 16k run, and signed Dex up for the 5k (in spite of his protests). In the couple of weeks that followed, Dex and I added hills to our running sessions. I also added sprints to my routine - 400 meters at Ayala Alabang (with recovery jogs in between), along some of the slopes, just to get the feel of how it will be to try to run fast on uphills and downhills. As for our treadmill sessions, I started running mine with inclines, and kept this up for 2 weeks.

My goal for the 16k was not to set a hard-to-beat personal record for myself, but just to finish and to make it part of my “long runs” (training for a 5k PR). But I found that it was not easy to maintain an “easy pace”, as I found myself really “racing” on race day...



RACE DAY

Dex was only able to sleep for around 2 hours before the race. For the first time before a race, I was able to sleep for 5 hours - even though it was an interrupted sleep, as our dog kept barking during the night. Prior to this, I only slept for 2-4 hours before race day, probably because of pre-race jitters.

Our friend Rap decided at the last minute to join the race too. Since he is part of Greenpeace, he was able to run together with the VIP runners (those who ran with banners).



STARTING LINE

As I was waiting for the race to start, I was praying that my regular training at Ayala Alabang with Dex would get me through this one, with hopefully a strong finish.

As the countdown to the start began, the light drizzle turned into heavier rain. This was my first time to experience running in the rain.. it did make me feel a little bit hardcore!

Gun fired and we were off. 3k, 5k, and 16k runners were all clumped together at the start, so it was kind of chaotic at first. But as the race progressed, the lines thinned out.



MUDDIED THOUGHTS DURING THE RACE

Arguing with myself about my own pace: “Huy, slow down, this is supposed to be a training run”, vs. “I can’t slow down, I don’t want to be left behind!”

About when to take my walk break: “I promise, you can take a walk break in 20mins” vs. “No walk breaks! No walk breaks!” (But I finally took some breaks at some water stations)

Along the road (maybe around the 8th km), I was fighting off some stitches on my side by forcefully exhaling, and then forcefully inhaling. During one inhale, the stench almost knocked me out... garbage truck nearby! Eww!

At around the 11th km, a girl runner was clearly using minimal effort, but her strides were longer because she was tall, and so I couldn’t overtake her. “Ang daya, ang daya!” Hehehe.

At around the 12th km, I had begun to experience some soreness around my lower back from all the uphills. Passing some sari-sari stores along the way, “Hmm.. I wish I had brought some money with me. A midrun snack would be nice. Liempo? Lechon?...” My lungs could definitely take in some more hard work, but my back might not.

At around the 13th km: Some kids who had finished the 5k race were cruising along the sidewalk, shouting, “Malayo pa! Malayo pa!’ Great. Thanks for the boost, kiddos. Hehe. Here, I already settled for a light jog, maybe at my recovery pace.

At around 14th km (but I wasn’t aware of this during that time), I passed Dex and Rap at Starbucks. They called my name and cheered for me. At that time, I thought the finish line was near, so I launched into a sprint. Guess what? The finish was still around 2km’s away! Mid-sprint, some marshalls warned us, “Malayo pa, may iikutan pa kayo na building” and pointed to a building that seemed far-off. I thought they were joking. They were not.

At the last km marker, I settled for a comfortably hard pace, then just picked up the pace halfway through.

Directly in front of me was a scene that made me smile (and gave me an extra boost) - two guys sprinting like crazy, trying to outrun each other to the finish line.



FINISH LINE

At the finish line chute, I realized that one of the guys who were sprinting like crazy was runner-blogger Sammy (a.k.a. Running Ninja). (Read about his own Earth Run adventure here). We exchanged hi-5’s and he said we finished at around 1:41. And that this was not bad for 16k first-timers.

As I passed the chute, they were giving away some freebies. I realized that the other chute had more giveaways than the one I passed. So I tried to persuade the crew from the other chute to give me some extra freebies. “Sorry ma’m, these are for the runners that passed this chute”. Fine. So I asked the crew from my chute to get me some extra freebies. “Sorry ma’m, pang kabilang line lang yun”. Rats! All this hard work and I couldn’t even get a free iced tea! Hehehe.

We hung around the venue a bit, for me to cool down, before walking to the parking lot.


Dex and me. With my post-race Chuckie (comfort drink/recovery drink)
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Rap with his Greenpeace banner:
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I can see now why this is my friend Lauren’s favorite distance. It’s a combination of endurance, speed, a little bit of pain, mental wars with yourself and some moments of clarity along the way. This could well become my favorite race distance in the future, too.



POST-RACE


Upon Dex’s request, we ate at Pancake House.



My halfway-eaten Sunrise steak:
Photo_053109_001



My halfway-eaten Chocolate Marble Waffle:
Photo_053109_003


THE REST OF THE DAY


- Went to accompany Dex at the Security Escort Battalion, Army Firing Range, where he competed at the Revolver Division. Rap and I watched one of the stages. I was telling Dex’s comrades of how Dex had already raced a 5k race with hills prior to the competition (kumbaga, partida!). But they would only kid him about how he should’ve gone for 16k like his wife. :)

- Rap and I went around Market Market while waiting for Dex to finish. I picked up my race certificate from Market! Market!, we had lunch at Sbarro, and then browsed the sports outlet stores.

- When Rap and I were heading back to Serendra, Dex called me asked to be picked up. He sounded desperate for a beer. So we picked him up at the Army Firing Range.

- Dex and Rap had some beers at The Roadhouse Grill while I checked myself in at The Spa. Yup, expensive, but I knew I needed a massage.

- I opted for Swedish Massage because part of the description said, “for sore muscles.”

- The P850 for the Swedish Massage was worth every penny, because The Spa had really nice amenities, and I even enjoyed a jacuzzi and hot shower before the massage.

- After my spa time, I caught up with Dex and Rap at The Roadhouse Grill and ordered The Wrangler’s Pork Steak, which I now highly recommend.




DSC04411

(image taken from http://foodtripmanila.blogspot.com/2008/04/texas-roadhouse-grill.html)


On the way home, I measured the distance from the Serendra parking lot near R.O.X. to our house. Where does 16k end? At Sucat, near Max’s Fried Chicken House. So now I can say that I can run the distance from Serendra to Sucat (not that I’d want to do that, though).

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THE DAY AFTER

Surprisingly, my lower back remained pain-free (though it was really sore during the race). My quads and hamstrings are feeling tight and sore now.

We learned today that Dex placed 5th in the revolver division, out of 14 participants. Yahoo! He might have done better daw if it weren’t for two things:
1. equipment malfunction in the middle of three of the stages
2. fatigue after the race





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Race List
Greenfield City Run - 5k
Running My 1st 5k Race]]>Greenfield City Run - 5krvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-04-25T02:24:18+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/GreenfieldCityRun5k.php#unique-entry-id-79http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/GreenfieldCityRun5k.php#unique-entry-id-79



I pushed myself a bit this time, as I was aiming for a personal record. But no, I ran the 5k a bit slower than I did at the Airspeed Run. My official time here was 34 mins. and 47 secs, an average of 6mins and 57 seconds per kilometer. I finished 9th out of 256 females. A very big advantage of this was that I did not have to wait in a long line for my turn at the Photovendo. He he.

To narrow down the causes of my slower pace, I decided to check the Airspeed run results again. What I found out was that the women who ran both races all had a better race pace at Airspeed. So either the Greenfield track was not as flat as it seemed (maybe there were some roads that were at an incline), or maybe this particular 5k was in reality a bit longer than 5k.

This inspires me to include some inclines in my training.

Or maybe, my slower pace could be attributed to lack of sleep. Had only four hours of intermittent sleep the previous night, due to my very erratic sleep schedule during the whole week. Erratic sleep schedule is something I really have to live with, I guess. I am first and foremost a musical arranger, after all.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

The Greenfield and Airspeed races were both organized by the team of Coach Rio de la Cruz. I think I’d like to keep going to their races, because they start on time, they’re very organized, and so far my official times were accurate (well, according to my stopwatch). The official times are also released within two days. Some races take more than a week for the official times to come out.

What I liked about the Greenfield Run:
- At around km 4.20, a marching band was playing. This gave runners a boost. In my case, it helped me run my last stretch a bit faster.
- The goodie bags that were handed to finishers contained lots of goodies, including a 15% discount card for Timex watches.
- Official time could already be downloaded from the site the day after the race.
- The scenery was great (beats running in between buildings and busy roads), the greenery was soothing to my eyes.
- Fresh air
- Got a copy of The Bull Runner magazine :)
- Photovendo




- - - - - - - - -

I’ve been reading up on how to run correctly, and techniques for training. I find that there are contradicting pieces of advice everywhere. Examples of these are:

1. Correct running posture: Run tall vs. Lean forward slightly

Run tall:
- imagine a piece of thread pulling your head up, plus another one pulling your chest slightly outward
- in my experience, this one is more relaxed

Lean forward slightly:
- propels you forward more efficiently, but the advocates of running tall says this could result to overstriding.


2. Footstrike: Heel, ball, or midfoot?

- I think with this, you have to find out for yourself.

3. Correct leg action: Emphasizing “pull” where the quads lift the leg forward, vs. Emphasizing “push” where the leg pushes from the ground, propelling the body forward.

- I’ve tried both of these. “Push” in the first race, and “pull” in the second. I don’t know which is better. Maybe a combination of both?



Maybe it all boils down to what works for you.

(EDIT: April 27, 2009: After a few days of trying “run tall”, I’m convinced that it’s the better alternative, and running with the body positioned in a forward motion will tires me out easily. This was also the position I tried at the Greenfield Run.)

- - - - - - - - -

So, what’s next for me?

I’m set on joining the Southern Race ATC Fun Run, not to set a personal record this time but just to run. And run for a cause too! I’ve convinced Dex to join me in this one. :)



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- - -

Related posts:

Running My 1st 5k Race
2009 Progress Tracker

]]>Race Listrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-09-23T14:19:10+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ProgressChart.php#unique-entry-id-78http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ProgressChart.php#unique-entry-id-78

September 20, 2009 Powerade Sprint Duathlon 7k run - 32k bike - 3.5k run
VENUE: Macapagal area

Run1: 0:41:42 (including transition 1)
Bike: 1:30:05 (including transition 2)
Run 2: 0:25:08
Total: 2:36:55


----------------------------


September 13, 2009 Ayala Eco-Dash - 10k - my best 10k so far
VENUE: The Fort
TIME: 1:03:44
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 6:23


----------------------------

August 8, 2009: UP Run (forgot the name) - 5k
VENUE: UP Academic Oval
TIME: 27:30 (no official time)
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 6:22

My first race using the Chi Running techniques I’ve been practicing. The coach warned that run times will really be slower during the next few weeks, or maybe months.

----------------------------


June 7, 2009: Mizuno Infinity Run (surprise time trial) - my best 5k so far
VENUE: The Fort
OFFICIAL TIME: 25:50
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 5:10

----------------------------

May 31, 2009: Earth Run - 16k
VENUE: McKinley Hlll
OFFICIAL TIME: 1:42:31
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 6:24

- This was supposed to be a “long easy run” but I decided to push myself anyway. A difficult route that had lots of uphills and downhills.


------------------------------


May 17, 2009: Market! Market! Power Miler Year 2 - 8k (5miles)
VENUE: Market! Market!, The Fort
OFFICIAL TIME: 00:53:44
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 6:43

- Another “long run” where I didn’t push myself much.. at last, I was able to sleep more than four hours before the race!
-------------------------------

May 10, 2009: Botak Paa-tibayan Run - 10k
VENUE: The Fort. Passed a flyover across Edsa, going to Buendia, then back
OFFICIAL TIME: 1:06:38
AVERAGE MINS PER KM: 6:39

- Planned to do a “long run” here, in keeping with my 5k program.

-------------------------------

May 3, 2009: Southern Race - 5k
VENUE: Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang Village
OFFICIAL TIME: 00:34:21
MINS PER KM: 6:52

- Just aimed for a tempo run here. There were some inclines in this run.



-----------------------------

April 19, 2009: Greenfield City Run - 5k
VENUE: Greenfield City, Sta. Rosa
OFFICIAL TIME: 00:34:47
MINS. PER KM: 6:57

- I pushed myself harder in this race than the first one as I was aiming for a sub-30. I wonder why I was slower here? Maybe the ground wasn’t as level as it appeared. Or maybe it was because of lack of sleep. Also, I might need to revise my training schedule and activities. I loved this race though, nice scenery.



----------------------------------

April 5, 2009: Airspeed Runs For a Cause - 5k
VENUE: Around Mall of Asia
OFFICIAL TIME: 00:32:27
MINS. PER KM: 6:29

- My first, no pressure. I just aimed to finish.. so I was happy about my time.











]]>Running My First 5k Racervo@riaosorio.comNone2009-04-06T11:08:31+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/RunningMyFirst5kRace.php#unique-entry-id-77http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/RunningMyFirst5kRace.php#unique-entry-id-77Lauren and Elaine, have been avid runners since last year and have already completed half-marathons (21k). It also looked like they were having loads of fun in training and running the races. Aside from them, I have a few office mates who have also participated in fun runs this year. So I decided to sign up for the Airspeed Runs for A Cause race around Mall of Asia to try it out.

A month prior to this, I’ve already told my gym trainer that I plan to run a 5k race. So she raised the difficulty level of my treadmill routines, and always made me run even after an hour of heavy workout. Heavy workout in my case, as well as with most females who are into weight training, is lifting medium weights with lots and lots of repetitions. During the days where I did not have heavy workouts, I did some high intensity interval training on the elliptical at home, interspersing 30 seconds of full effort cycling with 1 minute easy cycling (recovery) periods. I read that this builds endurance, makes the heart stronger, and is an excellent complement to weight lifting when done during the off days. This was very manageable since the interval training periods lasted for only 20 minutes each, and gave me more energy/enthusiasm for my day.

During the race itself, I was nervous if I could finish well, and so strived to run in a pace I could maintain till the end. And then I planned to just run at a faster pace during the last kilometer or so.

Alas, I failed to study the route map well, and so I was startled when suddenly, after rounding a corner, the finish line was already before me. Only then did I run faster (when I could’ve done it earlier).

So I could say I did finish well for a first timer - my official time was 32 mins. and 27 secs. (6min and 29 secs. per km), 25th among 255 females and probably the 130th out of all the 571 runners. But as I was cooling down I couldn’t help but regret that I didn’t really run my best. Simply because I didn’t study the route map, and didn’t take note of the distance markers along the road. I would’ve noticed the markers, I guess, had I not been chatting with a fellow runner (who was doing the 10k) during the 3rd and/or 4th km. I decided to engage in friendly conversation, thinking that the finish line was still far ahead, and thinking that chatting would help me “forget” the distance.

My booboos, as well as the general good feeling of finishing, are giving me extra motivation to keep training for and running these races. So for now, my goal is just to find my best speed for the 5k.

And of course, to have fun :)

Thanks also to my husband Dex who accompanied me to the event, even though he didn’t run. He was there as my cheering squad. He he :)



Airspeed from Photovendo

AirspeedPic


By the way, I’ve decided to create a list to track my progress, much like Lauren’s, so I’ll be posting that after my 2nd run.

And also, I can readily say now that my decision to keep taking my fitness seriously is not motivated by a desire to be sexier or thinner (even though those are also good goals). At this point, I don’t think I’ll be losing any more weight, or getting any thinner - my body is not the really the lean type. There’s just a good feeling one gets from seeing improvements in oneself, and in one’s health. For instance, I started out with my shoulder presses at 5 pounds per arm, and 20 repetitions would already tire me out. But now I could easily handle 10 pounds per arm, and not yet tire out after 40 repetitions (alternating with other shoulder exercises, at that). I also sleep better at night, even though I get 6 hours of sleep in a day at most. Last but not the least, I can eat all the Crispy Pata I want without worrying that I’ll be bogged down by the excess fat the next day, because I’ll be burning it up.

I’m looking forward to my training for the runs. :) Running is now a big motivation for me to be better in my workouts.



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]]>Theme From Ipis Manrvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-03-26T16:16:59+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThemeFromIpisMan.php#unique-entry-id-76http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThemeFromIpisMan.php#unique-entry-id-76
Ipissignal

http://benjvillena.multiply.com/journal/item/27 (image by Paolo Tiongson) To view all images, scroll down till the comments section.



At dahil idol ako ni Benj (hehehehe), ginawan ko siya ng theme. Based sa suggestion ng pinsan ko na si Miggy na gamitin ang Bahay Kubo sa theme. (Upon my cousin’s suggestion, I based this theme on a popular Filipino folk song, Bahay Kubo)

Download Theme from Ipis Man

©2009 Ria Osorio


P.S. Ginawa ko na rin siyang venue para ma-test ang mga bagong software na naka-install sa laptop ko - Kontakt 3, Stormdrum. :) (I also used this as a venue to try out Kontakt 3 and Stormdrum samples converted from Kompakt)



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]]>Thank You For Inspiring Me.rvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-03-02T22:36:07+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThankYouForInspiringMe.php#unique-entry-id-73http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThankYouForInspiringMe.php#unique-entry-id-73

Hiromi Uehara at her workshop, March 1, 2009. PI Jazz Festival. Rockwell, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Thank you for inspiring me to play the piano again. I’ve been neglecting it for a long time, being a full-time arranger now.

- - - - - - -

I first heard of Hiromi and her music through good friend Karel Honasan, who lent me her CD back when she was still relatively unknown. Karel got to see her a lot during his stay at Berklee College of Music, Boston.

- - - - - - - -

A member of the audience asked how much time she spends practicing the piano in a day. Her answer went something like this: “I love the piano. People spend four to six hours on the Playstation and nobody minds them. If I spend the same time playing the piano, people say, ‘You work so hard!’ but nobody compliments the people who play Playstation”. Something to that effect. I couldn’t remember how she said it exactly. But that confirmed what I’ve been thinking about for the past few months - piano practicing shouldn’t be regarded as a chore. From this day on, the piano will be my Playstation. Though these days, I cannot afford to spend more than two hours a day on the instrument - most days it might even be less than that - I will still play.

- - - - - - -

In the evening, Dex and I watched the concert at the Rockwell Tent, too. The tickets were sold out, and we didn’t get a chance to buy any. However, as serendipity allowed, we bumped into our friend Moses Aragones who had tickets with him, and the some people he was supposed to watch the concert with weren’t able to come. I loved the set of Hiromi with Sonic Bloom.

- - - - - - - -

In the meantime, back in my daily life, I am working on the musical score of two projects for the month of March.. One is an audio visual presentation about the Supreme Court, and the other is a short film by my good friend Trinka Lat. The AVP for the Supreme Court is exciting for me because I get to play with ideas involving the orchestra and Philippine Kulintang music. I’ve been wanting to do that for quite sometime. Let’s see how it goes. The short film by my friend is also an exciting project for me because it will officially be my first time to score a film. I’ve scored cartoons over the past few years, but never a film. Apart from those two, I’ll also be playing piano for Flow, the dance musical at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), where my father Mel Villena is the musical director.



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]]>Gig With Bamboo at Lovapaloozarvo@riaosorio.comNone2009-02-12T23:54:33+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/GigWithBambooatLovapalooza.php#unique-entry-id-72http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/GigWithBambooatLovapalooza.php#unique-entry-id-72Ok, I don’t have any pictures to show for it yet (maybe I’ll just wait for people to upload videos and photos), but I had a great time playing with Bamboo at the 2009 Lovapalooza. I know I’m a full-time arranger/composer now, and I’m more into scoring, arranging for albums, writing for orchestra, than actually performing, but it’s really nice to be able to perform live once in a while. And I know that while my first love is jazz, I’m also into rock and pop. And I think I should explore.

I do miss playing jazz, and playing in a trio/quartet. Ever since I got my piano again (inherited it from my family), I’ve been playing at home a lot. Maybe it’s time to take my playing out on the road again.

Yeah, yeah, maybe’s, what if’s and wishes. “Well done” is better than “well said.” Let’s see if I’ll really do this.

I’ll leave you with a video of my last gig with Bamboo before this Lovapalooza event. It’s been two years since!





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]]>Porcupines and Solidarityrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2009-01-29T18:38:21+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PorcupinesAndSolidarity.php#unique-entry-id-70http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PorcupinesAndSolidarity.php#unique-entry-id-70blog of Paulo Coehlo.

- - - - - - -


Reader Alvaro Conegundes tells that during the ice age many animals died because of the cold. Seeing this situation, the porcupines decided to group together, so they wrapped up well and protected one another.

But they hurt one another with their thorns, and so then they decided to stay apart from one another.

They started to freeze to death again. So they had to make a choice: either they vanished from the face of the earth or they accepted their neighbor’s thorns.

They wisely decided to stay together again. They learned to live with the small wounds that a very close relationship could cause, because the most important thing was the warmth given by the other.

And in the end they survived.]]>Dinner With Rodrin and Adjengrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2009-01-29T18:38:24+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/DinnerWithRodrinandAdjeng.php#unique-entry-id-69http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/DinnerWithRodrinandAdjeng.php#unique-entry-id-69



Adjeng and Rodrin, our friends
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Menu. I like that the place also offers individual set Italian meals - an appetizer, plate of cold cuts, salad and the main course. That makes it attractive for first-timers to sample what the place has to offer.
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Dex and me. Munching on cheeses, cold cuts, and bread, with wine
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Group pic. As you can see, the dining tables are surrounded with walls holding packs and bottles of Italian food and ingredients. It made the ambience homey for me, a nice place to just hang out and talk with friends. Minimal, if any, background music, which I prefer on nights like this.
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Porcini Risotto. It has truffle oil. I love the taste and texture. Creamy, but not too much, and the mushrooms were perfect.
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Pasta with Porcini Mushrooms. (Adjeng, where's the pic of the Chicken Breast w/ Pesto? Nakalimutan mo ba kasi nag-dive ka na agad? Hehehe joke!)
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Tartufo for dessert. Dark chocolate ice cream. Yum!
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Panna Cotta for dessert, too.
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Yehey!
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Yehey! Thanks again Rodrin and Adjeng, the night was lovely. Let's do this again soon, and also try out places we haven't been to.

All photos courtesy of Adjeng.

We received these from them too:


For Dex
wild at heart


For me
captivating


For me from Adjeng
pocket bible

Thanks Rodrin and Adjeng!

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FIlharmoniKA at the Filfest




]]>Community and the Filipino, and Musicrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2009-03-24T17:02:20+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/CommunityandtheFilipinoandMusic.php#unique-entry-id-68http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/CommunityandtheFilipinoandMusic.php#unique-entry-id-68
Some tribal groups don't have a name for it, because it is not something which is separate from daily social activity. Music is something they DO, not really something they perform while an audience merely watches. It’s not something you have to buy, or dress up for, line up for or purchase tickets for. It’s interactive, it’s a community activity and everyone can participate..

I think the practice of music as a community activity is not exclusive to the tribes in the Philippines. We also have that in the city.

Now we know where the Filipino’s love for KARAOKE stemmed from. :P




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]]>More Lee Hom Wang clips from HKPO Concertrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2009-01-21T00:37:38+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/336dc9bfa900e9fa2200d9c6bf9d4a6b-67.php#unique-entry-id-67http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/336dc9bfa900e9fa2200d9c6bf9d4a6b-67.php#unique-entry-id-67
Descendants of the Dragon - arranged by JD Villanueva





A Simple Song - arranged by me :)



Thanks, Clarissa! :)

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Lee Hom Wang Clips from HKPO Concert
Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong

]]>Lee Hom Wang clips from HKPO Concertrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2009-01-10T08:28:11+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Lee%20Hom%20Wang%20Clips%20from%20HKPO%20Concert.php#unique-entry-id-66http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Lee%20Hom%20Wang%20Clips%20from%20HKPO%20Concert.php#unique-entry-id-66
My arrangements: (I also did A Simple Song but couldn't find the video)

Falling Leaf Returns to Its Root (Luo Ye Gui Gen)



Heroes of Earth (Gai Shi Ying Xiong)



This is one of Gerard's arrangements. The other two were Jingle Bell Rock and Last Night.

Open Your Heart (Fang Kai Ni De Xin)



This one is Marvin's (as well as Forever Love)

Mi Mancherai


I couldn't find JD's yet, will update this as soon as I do.



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Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day One and Two
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Off to Hong Kong

]]>Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kungrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-28T13:32:15+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDaySix-SaiKung.php#unique-entry-id-64http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDaySix-SaiKung.php#unique-entry-id-64

Photos courtesy of Jacky Vargas.


View from the bus
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Dex was like a little kid when he saw these large aquariums.
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Walking to Chuen Kee seafood restaurant
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Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant
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Jacky with the various seafood
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Mantis Shrimps
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Squid
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Alaskan King Crab, the deadliest catch in the world, because of the stormy seas they live in
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Lobsters
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More crabs
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Clams.
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Uni, sea urchins.
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Perfect seafood companion
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Squid
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Chicken
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Crabs. My favorite!
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Lobsters
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More shells
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Mantis shrimps
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L-R: JD Villanueva, Jonathan Clarke, Ria Osorio, DJ Salonga, Gerard Salonga, Jacky Vargas
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This time with Dex...
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- - - - -

After the lovely seafood lunch, we hiked to Jon's house in the hills. I thought he was joking when he pointed to the house from a distance. But the hike was enjoyable (it wasn't steep), and the air was cool. We hung out there till evening, and became a fan of Rose's grilled chicken wings. They were really delicious! Too bad I have no more photos from there, because Jacky wasn't able to go with us.


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Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House



]]>Hong Kong Day Five - Disneylandrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-27T16:06:48+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayFive-Disneyland.php#unique-entry-id-63http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayFive-Disneyland.php#unique-entry-id-63
Photos courtesy of Jacky Vargas.


Antonio
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Disneyland Band. Most of their members are our friends in music.
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DJ and Antonio
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I rode the Space Mountain. Because no one wanted to ride with me, I went alone. Guess what? They had a separate line for single riders, and there was no wait for me at all.
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Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung

]]>Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restorvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-27T16:01:11+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayFour-ShoppingandTyphoonShelterResto.php#unique-entry-id-62http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayFour-ShoppingandTyphoonShelterResto.php#unique-entry-id-62
Photos courtesy of Jacky Vargas.



Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
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Mussel soup
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Onion chives, Jellyfish
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Crab, covered in black beans, fried garlic and seasoned salt
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Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung




]]>Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concertrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-27T15:04:55+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayThree-OceanParkandHKPOConcert.php#unique-entry-id-61http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayThree-OceanParkandHKPOConcert.php#unique-entry-id-61Jacky's Multiply Site.


Day three, we were in Ocean Park from morning till afternoon.




In the double decker bus.

Dex and Ria
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Jacky and JD
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View from Ocean Park entrance:
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Jacky, Ria, JD
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Jacky and me.
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We went to the aviary
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This duck looks really exotic (and delicious) he he
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Me and Jacky posing beside the Mine Train, which we rode later.
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Mine Train. I enjoyed the view during the ride, when the train wasn't swooping downward.
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Entrance to the Atoll Reef. Here, Jacky is pointing to the Philippines on the map. According to the legend on the map, the Philippines is coral country (coral reefs are indicated in orange)
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Fantastic sea creatures. God is amazing :)
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Someone once told me that the Sea Horse is the only species whose male members carry the unborn offspring in their womb. The females inject the eggs into the males' body. Hmm, I wish humans had that option! He he.
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Many Nemo's in their sea anemone homes. These anemones are poisonous to other creatures.
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More fishies.
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Shark!
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Cable car time. JD's favorite part of the trip! (Not)
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- - - -

In the evening, Dex and I watched Lee Hom Wang in concert with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, conducted by Gerard Salonga. We didn't have Jacky with us, so all I have are these pictures taken before the start of the show:


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I'll just find the YouTube videos and link them here.


- - - -

After the show, we went out for a few drinks.


JD and DJ
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Ria and Jacky
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From left: Gerard, Michael Priddy (bass trombonist of HKPO), Dex, Jonathan Clarke (principal trumpet player of HKPO), and Rose (Jonathan's wife)
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Gerard and giant beer!
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Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day One and Two
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung


]]>Hong Kong Day One and Tworvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-25T00:37:46+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayOneandTwo.php#unique-entry-id-60http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/HongKongDayOneandTwo.php#unique-entry-id-60
Pictures from the airport and shuttle, 1st day:

I was already lightheaded by this time after a week of sleeping only 2-4 hours a day.

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JD with his inaanak, Antonio


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We watched rehearsals at the Tuen Mun town hall. This pic was taken outside of the hall.
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2nd day (December 22)

My birthday! It didn't feel like it, as we postponed celebrations, but this was a happy day nevertheless.


We went on one of the packaged tours included with our travel package. A big, big, tourist trap (meaning you end up shelling out more than what you've planned for). Well, this warns us against packaged tours next time. But we did get to do a bit of sightseeing.


Me and Dex in the Sampan (fishing boat)
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Jacky and JD. JD, we learned later, was nervous about this ride pala. He he.
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Jumbo Palace, giant floating restaurant. There are three of these in the world, and one is in Manila Bay.

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Jacky
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- - - - - - -


After those, we went to the TSL jewelry store where Dex bought me some jewelry for my birthday. Then we headed off to the Hong Kong Cultural Center to watch rehearsals. The orchestra sounded really good, they nailed a full length concert in just two short rehearsals, and I'm very happy to be part of this project. Lee Hom Wang is very talented as well - he can play lots of musical instruments well, he writes lovely songs and he's a really good performer all in all. (Google him to see how popular he is all over Asia)

Many thanks to Gerard for this opportunity!



Gerard!
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Gerard Salonga and Lee Hom Wang
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Me, Dex, JD, Gerard and Michelle
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For more photos, visit Jacky's Multiply Site and Gerard's Multiply Site

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Off to Hong Kong
1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsum
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung



]]>1st Day in HK - Rehearsals and Dimsumrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-21T21:12:50+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/1stDayinHK.php#unique-entry-id-59http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/1stDayinHK.php#unique-entry-id-59
Too bad we weren't able to get pics of the orchestra during rehearsals. Tomorrow we'll try to do so during the break time.


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Off to Hong Kong
Hong Kong Day Three - Ocean Park and HKPO Concert
Hong Kong Day Four - shopping and Typhoon Shelter Restaurant
Hong Kong Day Five - Disneyland and Morton's Steak House
Hong Kong Day Six - Sai Kung
]]>Off to Hong Kongrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-19T15:07:16+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/OfftoHongKong.php#unique-entry-id-58http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/OfftoHongKong.php#unique-entry-id-58Gerard Salonga conduct the Hong Kong Philharmonic for Lee Hom Wang's concert. I am so excited! I've just finished two of the three arrangements I'm making, and haven't been sleeping for the past week (I'm lucky to get 4 hours of sleep these days).

Lee Hom Wang is a performer of many talents. Aside from singing and dancing, he also plays Electric Guitar, Drums, Violin, and a lot of other instruments. I really like the songs that were assigned to me to orchestrate for his concert.

Will be updating when we get there. :)]]>Video Happyrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-13T10:52:53+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/VideoHappy.php#unique-entry-id-57http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/VideoHappy.php#unique-entry-id-57Tubesock. I find it very useful because I get to watch my favorite videos taken off YouTube on my iPod, over and over if I need to (like I did with the various concert performances of Lee Hom Wang, as reference for my arrangements for the his concert with Gerard Salonga and the Hong Kong Philharmonic).

Yes, I know there are freeware versions of this, but why not make a programmer/developer happier this season by actually paying for his efforts?]]>Things I Learned in a Forumrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-11-19T22:48:12+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThingsYouLearnInAForum.php#unique-entry-id-54http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThingsYouLearnInAForum.php#unique-entry-id-54
(Copyright Carmel House Studios)








I got some pretty straightforward and brutally honest comments. Yes, I think I needed to hear them. Being a musician whose specialty is writing for live players rather than working with virtual instruments, I suddenly realized that I need to put more effort into the latter if I am to make convincing mock-ups for film scores or whatever.

I posted the link here because this can be very beneficial for those who are beginning to work with virtual orchestras.

Visit the forum topic here

Musically, there was nothing wrong with the pieces, but the mockups do sound very MIDI, and not at all real. There is still so much more for me to learn with regard to MIDI orchestration, and though I did get some experience during the past few years, I am still a newbie at this.

If you read the advice, I guess deep down I knew I needed to work on those things, but many other projects needed attention at the time, so I wasn't able to improve on the mockups anymore. (Stop making excuses...) Most of my gigs are for live players. Still, working with a virtual orchestra is an art which I'd like very much to improve on.

Next thing I want to know is if there is an efficient way to automate samples using Logic, with the samples all residing in external PC's and their own standalone samplers - Gigastudio and Kontakt. As of now, I haven't stumbled upon an intuitive workaround. There are ways to do it but they're not that straightforward. Hmm. Maybe I need to buy new gear?

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This Week's Tasks, Plus Some Tidbits About My Dad
Bob Aves Group @ Caylabne Resort Part 2
]]>It's In the Genesrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-12-08T18:01:02+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ItsInTheGenes.php#unique-entry-id-53http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ItsInTheGenes.php#unique-entry-id-53Lea Salonga's May 2008 Concert, My Life on Stage.

May 2008. I only had less than a full day to finish the music and orchestration, but this had been one of the serendipitous times when everything just seemed to fall into place. Maybe it is true, that deadlines are the best inspiration.

Direk Freddie made some awesome lyrics. One look at it even without the music, and it already sounds like a song.

A few hours before this was due for submission and rehearsal, I suddenly got sore eyes. I couldn't see the notes on the computer anymore and I had to forego rehearsals. So Gerard and the orchestra rehearsed without me. Later that day I realized that the sore eyes had been a false alarm. There was no virus. I guess my body was just reacting to the stress. Yet I don't view stress negatively as I used to. Stress is beneficial, if not downright necessary, for certain tasks. Especially in performing or creating. Just try not to be in that state everyday, I guess, so there'll be balance.

In hindsight, maybe I unconsciously willed the sore eyes into existence, so I'd have an excuse to disappear - as I was really worried about the music not turning out well. He he.

But turn out well, it did. Lea and Gerard Salonga, plus FILharmoniKa - what could go wrong?

Notice here that Lea enters without any lead-in or pitch reference. That's why I could forego putting an intro. My golly.


(Lyrics below the video. Video credits go to bubbliehappy2)




IT'S IN THE GENES
Words by Freddie Santos
Music and arrangement by Ria Osorio

It's in the genes I tell you
It's in the genes, I know
It's in the genes, they compel you
To know exactly where you want to go

It's in the genes forever
It's in the genes, no choice
It's in the genes, whatever
Whether kicking up or acting out, or tuning in your voice

Maybe who knows, there could have been other choices
If I had a different DNA
But then again though, looking at all other choices
Every single one just pointed me this way

So now I'm here as always
And what a life it's been
On center stage, not just the hallways
It goes whatever stage of life I'm in

As a little girl, an awkward teen
A singing actress in between
Someone in love, a wife and mom
How good to know where it all comes from

It's in the genes that says it
It's in the perfect page
And this whole life, God bless it
Will always find its life on center stage

On stage, my life, my life
Thank goodness for genetics!
On stage


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What I've Been Doing This Week
Arranging Muscles
]]>Books I Have Read This Yearrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-11-10T15:54:35+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Books_Ive_Read_This_Year.php#unique-entry-id-52http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Books_Ive_Read_This_Year.php#unique-entry-id-52These are books I've finished this year. These are a lot, for me, considering I barely have time these days. I've managed to sneak in reading time during car trips, while waiting in line, before bedtime, and in-between arranging and orchestrating.


(Click on pics for more info about the books)





twilight series Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. Four books. I am now a fan of Stephenie Meyer's storytelling, stories, and characters, after reading these. If you like Twilight, it's very hard to put it down once you've started. But if you hate it, I doubt if anyone can convince you to read the whole series. Looking for a certified page-turner, with lots of romance, and vampires and such, get into these. I was sure that they were written for girls and women only, but then witnessed my husband enjoying the stories too. Though I won't go so far as to characterize these as great writing, it's really great storytelling.


wuthering heightsWuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I picked up the book (or rather, the ebook) because it was mentioned a lot in Twilight's Eclipse. It piqued my curiosity about these "dark characters". I loved the book, the cadences and pacing of old English - even the maidservants spoke in a tongue that sounds regal to these ears - and I liked the story and development. It's mostly dark and understated, which I enjoyed especially after a long hectic day.

pride and prejudicePride and Prejudice. Even watched the movie. I liked the book better than the movie. It has a good story, although it isn't story-driven, but more dialogue-driven. I believe that the witty exchanges make this book a masterpiece. This is one of England's best-loved literary pieces of all time. Also, something I plan on reading again.

everything's eventualEverything's Eventual, short story collection by Stephen King. These stories are strange and border on the horrifying, but are good for readers like me who like a bit of strangeness but not extreme horror (I can scare myself enough with my own imagination at night without the gruesome horror stories, thank you very much). This collection includes 1408, which was turned into a movie, and an excerpt from The Dark Tower. Stephen King writes fiction like no one else, and I'd say if you like fiction, missing out on Stephen King is missing out on a lot. He has a lot of non-horror fiction stories (Shawshank Redemption, Hearts in Atlantis, etc.)






nodame4nodame5nodame7nodame6Nodame Cantabile series by Tomoko Ninomiya, books 4-7. My favorite manga. These comicbooks revolve around music students and musicians, specifically orchestra musicians. The main character, Megumi Noda, is an extremely talented piano player with a twist: she can only play everything in a Cantabile style. Also she is very messy, disorganized, and all in all is an oddball. She is in love with the budding orchestra conductor, Shinichi Chiaki. I love the illustrations, the dialogue (although I am very sure it is much better in Japanese),


gs1gs6gs3gs2gs4gs5Griffin and Sabine Series by Nick Bantock. Six books. Jaja lent these to me (and I haven't returned them yet because Dex wants to read them). These are collections of letters and postcards sent from one character to another. I think these would be a great series to own. And I really enjoyed this series because of the rich artwork and unique story. I've read the whole series twice, and I'd read it again, to fully appreciate the artwork.

the hostThe Host by Stephenie Meyer. While Twilight is about Vampires, this one is about Aliens. While the sci-fi is not as compelling or as thorough as Michael Crichton's, again, this one is a great story. It was hard to put down my Treo (again, I read this in ebook form) once I started. Tear-jerking in some moments, too.





the namesakeThe Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. The young author is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of all time. Her works so far revolve around topics such as settling in a foreign land, roots versus new identities. I love her sensitivity, pace, the way she describes things (such that there could not have been better ways to write it). I also loved her short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies. Both books received numerous prestigious awards. Again, someone I'd read over and over.




I'll just update this post when I get new books to read before the year ends. Thanks for visiting! Also, I'd appreciate recommendations.


(Images courtesy of Amazon, Stephenie Meyer website.)
]]>You Know You're A Music Major If...rvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-11-03T16:29:49+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/You_Know_Youre_A_Music_Major_If....php#unique-entry-id-51http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/You_Know_Youre_A_Music_Major_If....php#unique-entry-id-51Teresa's Multiply.

The ones that are true for me (at least in my perspective) are in bold and my side comments are in italic


You know you’re a music major if:

*You try to talk to your non-music major friends about your classes but you give up because they just don't understand

*You had to convince your parents that your life would be ok if you majored in music instead of business - and to think my parents were both music majors! I had to convince them that I was really, really serious about it

*You're pretty sure you're probably going to be kind of broke for the rest of your life because you majored in something you actually liked - yes and I'm still ready to be if it comes to that

*You’ve ever had to sing to yourself in class to understand the point the teacher was trying to make

*Someone’s cell phone goes off in class and people try to name the interval, including the professor

*You took more semesters of keyboarding than you can count, and you STILL can't play the piano

*You're pretty sure it's going to take you more than four years to graduate college

*Everybody in your department knows everyone else, if not by name then at least by face and instrument

*Two people in your department start dating, and it’s all anyone can talk about for the next week - and I was even rumored to be dating guys I didn't date... too many times!

*You’ve ever turned down a good time because you had to practice - but many times, practicing/writing music IS the good time :)

*You actually know what “juries" mean, and no, it has nothing to do with the law - NO I DON'T KNOW WHAT "JURIES" IS

*Recital attendance credit will be the death of you

*You actually have some classical music and show tunes on your iPod

*You know the difference in between baroque, classical, and romantic music, and that Beethoven did not write all three - But didn't Beethoven's music kind of overlap in these three?

*You know the beauty of manuscript of paper, one packet can last you for years - one packet didn't last me for long... Compo majors kami eh

*Your reputation has become defined by your instrument or voice part

*You understand there is a silent war between the vocalists and the instrumentalists - or many times it's between composers and performers

*You've wondered if God created more than one semester of music theory simply to torture you - I loved theory (but can't remember half of it now)

*Your classes are randomly interrupted by the sound of someone loudly practicing down the hallway - although I seldom thought of them as interruptions. Come on, it's a music school! Practice comes first!

*Someone says the words “sight-singing and ear training" and you feel a sudden urge to cry
-
*Even if you try to stay under the radar, most of the professors in your department actually know who you are

*You decided to skip one your classes for the day, so you had to skip them all. They were all in the music building and you would get caught by the professor who’s class you were skipping

*You have more than one class with the same professor on the same day

*You've ever turned a pop song into an opera or classical piece

*You get excited when key modulations occur - only if they're done in good taste

*You know what a key modulation is

*You've ever had to write a paper that was more than five pages long on a freakin piece of music

*You feel like less of a musican just because you'll be getting a B.A. in Music instead of a B.M. in whatever - I got a B.M. but it does not make me feel "more" of a musician

*You understood what that just meant

*You're brave enough to eat lunch in the music building when you're skipping a music class to eat your lunch. You don't know where else to go.

*You've pretty much been in classes with all the same people since your freshman year - at least till third year

*You would count your private instructor as one of the people who know you best in this world - not really. But they have more insight into some important things about me that don't occur to others

*You've been in music history for a few semesters now and you still haven't bought those NAWM cds - eh ang mahal nun para sa student! Pag-iipunan ko yan pramis (gotta get the anthology). I still have the cassette tapes I copied from the library though.

*You know what NAWM means - no I had to google to learn the abbreviation.

*Sometimes you pretty much hate making music, but it's such a part of you that you know you're not changing your major

*You’ve ever gotten dressed, slept, or gotten busy in the music building

*You could consider the music building as one of your residencies - at that time, yes

*When you tell people you're a music major they give you a sceptic look and ask "What do you plan on doing with that . . . teaching?" If you say no, they look kind of sad for you - more commonly: People ask you WHY you need to study music in the first place, di ba basta may talent ka, ok na yun?

*You keep catching yourself randomly conducting music, even if it's "Money Maker" or "Bye Bye Bye" - yes even if I have bad conducting skills

*You've ever laughed at a really corny joke that used a musical term - Michael Williams's unintended SPORTS SANDO joke

*You've ever MADE a really corny joke that used a musical term, then actually laughed at your own stupid joke

*Meter changes in pop music make you cheer - if done in good taste

*You even realize a pop song just had a meter change

*The most common pick-up lines you hear are "You want to play a duet sometime?" and "Do you need an Aural Skills tutor?"

* You associate Beethoven Symphonies with certain moods during your day

* You laugh when TV ads come on that have instruments in them and you know that the person is holding it wrong.

* You know that the person on TV playing the music but rather, Joshua Bell, or YO-yo ma dubbed over the person. - exaj naman Joshua Bell or Yo-yo Ma, papayag ba yun sa ganun?

*You’ve ever spent more than an hour in the music reference/musical scores section of the library - yes, libre na, airconditioned pa

*You know where the music reference/musical scores section is

*You and your library’s local copy machine are very, very good friends

*There's all kinds of randomly assorted furniture around your department's building

*You own some type of clothing or accessory that clearly indicates that you are a musican: Anything with a musical note or symbol all over it, anything that says "Rock on," a guitar tshirt, and you're a freakin singer! - but most of them end up getting worn by my husband


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This is Fairly Accurate...]]>Time For Some Nonsenservo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-10-29T09:50:56+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Time_For_Some_Nonsense.php#unique-entry-id-50http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Time_For_Some_Nonsense.php#unique-entry-id-50


You are Strength


Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.


This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.


What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.




Got this from my cousin Nina's site.


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Ten Years Ago, etc.
This is fairly accurate...


]]>At the 2008 Jarasum Jazz Festival Korearvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-10-18T00:28:28+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Atthe2008JarasumJazzFestivalKorea.php#unique-entry-id-47http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Atthe2008JarasumJazzFestivalKorea.php#unique-entry-id-47


Andy Peterson Inc. from Malaysia. Their music is a mix of progressive rock and chanting (Indian origin), very energetic and great vibe. These guys were also a great hang.
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Bob Aves group onstage.
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Joe Lovano and John Scofield, et al, played in the same event (though in a much bigger stage). We also saw Jojo Mayer, drummer extraordinaire.


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We had loads of Korean food. What I love about Korean cuisine is there are usually a lot of colorful and interesting vegetables.




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I also loved the Korean Barbeque.
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No time for me to finish chewing my food before posing for the shot:
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We were really blessed with our guide for the whole event - Kim. He was very accommodating and made everything easier for us.
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Here was the view from Tusa's room. (Plus the empty Sho Tsu bottles from the night before)
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This was the view from my room. It made up for the fact that we were bunked in a motel. He he :)

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This became my favorite drink. It's a milk drink with veggies.
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Related posts:

Our Zhu Jia Jiao Tour
Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village World Music Festival
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort Part 2
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort in Cavite

]]>For Google-Dependents Like Mervo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-10-14T14:56:37+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ForGoogleDependentsLikeMe.php#unique-entry-id-46http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ForGoogleDependentsLikeMe.php#unique-entry-id-46


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New Friends]]>Our Zhu Jia Jiao Tourrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-10-14T14:56:33+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/OurZhuJiaJiaoTour.php#unique-entry-id-43http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/OurZhuJiaJiaoTour.php#unique-entry-id-43in my last post that we met a Filipino fellow in Zhu Jia Jiao who offered to tour us around the town.

Ramil Cueto has been based in Shanghai for about four years. His wife Julia was born in Zhu Jia Jiao and grew up there. So when Ramil offered to tour us around the old town, we couldn't resist! We have had some difficulties in ordering food and going around the town in general. They met us at our hotel at night, and we walked to the heart of the town.



Walking to the old town. These were Ramil, Jorge and Simon, back view.
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We passed by some lovely scenery.
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They took us to a charming restaurant.
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Julia and Ramil ordered food for us. Guess what we found out from Julia while they were ordering food? It was Ramil's birthday that day!




Jorge and Ramil
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Group pic by Simon. Jorge, Ramil, Ria, Julia and Tusa
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The food arrives.


Lotus plant,with sticky rice inserted into the holes. It tasted sweet and refreshing.

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A local water plant (tasted a bit like turnip), with pine nuts.
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Escargot. These were huge, and ground pork was stuffed inside.
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Ramil went out for a while and came back with this. Tsong tsu, a sticky rice delicacy. It had pork inside, plus a sweetish sauce. Yum! It also cost only 2.5 RMB (about 15pesos)
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And now, the main attraction...
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Hairy crabs! They were delicious, and had lots of aligue (crab fat)
March of the crabs. March, march, march into our stomachs.
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Simon and crab
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Everything was so delicious.


After dinner, we walked a bit and looked at some of the shops.


Thank you Ramil and Julia for the experience, and for spending time with us.


(Photos courtesy of Simon, Tusa, and me)




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Related posts:
Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village World Music Festival
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort Part 2
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort in Cavite]]>Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village World Music Festivalrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-10-07T14:31:06+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ZhuJiaJiaoWaterVillageWorldMusicFestival.php#unique-entry-id-42http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ZhuJiaJiaoWaterVillageWorldMusicFestival.php#unique-entry-id-42



At the airport (notice all the junk food! Terminal 3 is relatively new, so there aren't many options yet)...

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Simon and Tusa...

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Shanghai is a 3-hour plane ride from the Philippines...


Zhu Jia Jiao is a charming old town about 2 hours away (on the road) from the main city in Shanghai.


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Like a lot of many other things in China, it is a mix of the old and the new...
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We went to a park...

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Busy town.
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This was our hotel (Zhu Ji Ge)

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Post office from the great Qin Dynasty...

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We tried to go about the small town by ourselves, sometimes encountering mishaps when ordering food and such. Ordering by guessing from the pictures has its disadvantages (sometimes it was too much for one person), but it was all good....


Sauteed scallops
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Pork dish with vegetables underneath (kind of like Laing in Filipino)
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On our first full day there, we played at the preview night of the festival, at the Wang Chang center...


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Up until this time, we had trouble ordering food and knowing where to go because few people spoke English. So it was a blessing to meet a fellow Filipino at the venue who offered to take us around Zhu Jia Jiao, since his wife grew up there, and can take us to the good places. Of course we took up on the offer, and I'll reserve another blog entry for it. In the meantime, on to the other photos from the festival...



Nah Youn Sun and the French all-stars. Nah Youn Sun does a mean scat, and her voice is clear. The accordion player was fantastic. It's my first time to hear jazz solos on the accordion, I think.

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Bassists co...
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Bob Aves explains his octavina to a fellow guitarist...

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(And it was during this time when I was carrying my laptop and wearing my thick glasses - that some people came up to me and asked if I was the band manager)


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-- - - - - -

More photos from the festival...




Brochures and posters.
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At the Gingko Plaza...

Some of the audience were people who lived in the old village, and some were tourists. On the whole, they were very receptive and appreciative of the performances.
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Ria Osorio
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Tusa Montes
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Grace Nono
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Bob Aves
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Jorge San Jose
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Simon Tan
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The group with Peter Lee (far left), festival organizer
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With some of the other artists.

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Some of the festival volunteers from various universities...
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(Photos courtesy of Tusa Montes, Grace Nono and Bob Aves, and some are from my camera)

Will be posting the photos from the tour with our newfound Filipino friend, so please stay tuned. Thanks!




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Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village World Music Festival
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort Part 2
Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort in Cavite
]]>The First Thing My Dad Ever Taught Mervo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-09-11T01:49:37+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TheFirstThingHeEverTaughtMe.php#unique-entry-id-40http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TheFirstThingHeEverTaughtMe.php#unique-entry-id-40
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Dad and Ria

Hehehehehe! I'm kidding, of course! But we do like San Miguel beer a lot...

I had thought to post about my dad today because it was his birthday yesterday (September 10).

My dad Mel Villena is one of the finest musicians out there, but even more than that, he is really the most wonderful father.






Cheers!


Dad and Rianew2








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This Week's Tasks, Plus Some Tidbits About My Dad




]]>Just Another Eraserheads Reunion Concert Postrvo@riaosorio.comBlog2008-09-01T22:54:35+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/JustAnotherEraserheadsReunionConcertPost.php#unique-entry-id-39http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/JustAnotherEraserheadsReunionConcertPost.php#unique-entry-id-39

Luckily, Marcus Adoro is a good buddy of Dex and Rap way back from their college years (and when Eheads was at its peak in popularity) so we got SVIP passes.

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Looky who we bumped into! Yay! :)

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Rob, Sheila, Lea, me and Rap
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Counting down the minutes to the show (with matching loud heartbeat sound effects)
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Okay, so crappy photographer + crappy camera = crappy photos. They don't do justice (considering the concert's superb production value, among other things)... But I felt compelled to take them anyway.

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Most memorable crowd chant during the evening: "Group hug! Group hug! Group hug!"

And no, I didn't join the chanting...



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We got wind of the news that Ely Buendia collapsed during the break after the first set, so even before it was official, we quietly sneaked out of the venue. Of course my heart sank at the turn of events, but I was still too high to be downright disappointed.

And today I learned that they were supposed to do another 15 songs, and that the first set was just a warmup. Sad. I missed Huling El Bimbo, Magasin, Pare Ko, and a dozen other songs whose titles I've forgotten but could probably still sing to.




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]]>This Is War!!!rvo@riaosorio.comDogsPersonal2008-08-20T22:51:08+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisIsWar.php#unique-entry-id-34http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisIsWar.php#unique-entry-id-34


Meet Gera!

Gera first week at home 2


Full name: Gera z Herodesova Domu


We named her Gera after her grandfather, Gero, who is famous among working-line German Shepherds. He holds many working titles (represented in red letters). He and Gera hail from a line of Czechoslovakian frontier-police dogs (border patrol). These dogs were originally bred to help stop people from illegally crossing the border. Nowadays, the line continues as there is a demand for excellent police and sporting dogs all over the world.


Gera at 5 weeks, back in Czech Republic:

Gera in Czech at five weeks
"When I grow up, I wanna be a police dog!" - Gera
("No, you will be a pet dog."- Daddy Dex)



Here is Gera's mom, and her pedigree (the red letters stand for working titles):
And here is her dad and his pedigree.


Dex hasn't started training with her yet. We will wait till she is a bit older.





Gera with me, at nearly 3 months:

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My Bodyguard]]>Kumpasrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-08-13T22:50:08+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Kumpas.php#unique-entry-id-33http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Kumpas.php#unique-entry-id-33
kumpas2

For only P285, you get all these cool tracks:
(side comments regarding the arrangements are mine)

1. Laki Sa Layaw - arranged by JD Villanueva
- elegant orchestration. Stravinsky meets Copland meets San Mig Light.

2. 214 - arranged by Ria Osorio
- with a hint of electronica.

3. Kanlungan - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Noel Cabangon on vocals
- sentimental, very moving

4. Muntik Nang Maabot ang Langit - arranged by Marvin Querido

5. Tao - arranged by Marvin Querido. Featuring Sampaguita on vocals.
- one of my favorite tracks

6. Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (by Dong Abay)- arranged by Ria Osorio
- I really enjoyed making this arrangement because this song is one of my favorites. It's sure to become a classic Pinoy Rock song.

7. Ang Huling El Bimbo - arranged by Ria Osorio. Featuring Ely Buendia on vocals.
- Had a hard time with this one because the original is so deeply etched in my mind, as I've been a fan of Eraserheads way back, but I needed to make a new version. I tried to make the arrangement sentimental/nostalgic.

8. Paglisan - arranged by Marvin Querido

9. Salamat - arranged by Dennis Catli/Sharon Feliciano
- lively, good vibes

10. Himig Natin - arranged by Gerard Salonga. Featuring Wally Gonzales on guitar.

11. Next In Line - arranged by JD Villanueva

all tracks conducted and produced by Gerard Salonga

I really enjoyed working on this album. The songs which were assigned to me were songs which I already liked, and knew by heart, back in high school. So it was real challenge to get the original versions out of my head and try to make new ones.

Buy, buy, buy it! :)

Here's a clip from IMEEM. You can also hear it played in NU 107.



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]]>Ten Years Ago etc.rvo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-08-01T01:01:18+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TenYearsAgoetc.php#unique-entry-id-30http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/TenYearsAgoetc.php#unique-entry-id-30Jaja, one of my friends from FILharmoniKa.


The rules are simple.
At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was in the first semester of my freshman year at the UP College of Music. Thanks to my journals, this much I know:

- Around August 1998, I was worrying about my composition for my major, because I was running out of ideas and the deadline was getting nearer each day
- An “it’s complicated” relationship was in its initial stages.
- I was busy practicing with my band Rewind, for a nationwide amateur band competition. We won first place in that competition, and here are some photos:


rewind


rewind
(L-R front: Cia, Ria, Yosha. L-R back: Alan, Marlon, Paolo)






2. What are the 5 things on my to-do list today?
I only have 3. 1) Call the bank to verify an account, 2) bid for the MOTU Ultralite on eBay (I actually delegated this to Dex), 3) and finish an arrangement for rhythm section.


3. Snacks I enjoy:
Sweets, anything creamy or cheesy

4. Place where I live:
BF Paranaque, Manila, Philippines

5. Things I’d do if I were a billionaire
Invest part of it so I won’t have to work for my remaining days, put up a music institute for the underprivileged, travel a whole lot, and write music to my heart’s content.

Tagging: Hmm, currently I only know of 3 people who read this blog, other than my mom and husband. So can I be excused from this part? He he.




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This is Fairly Accurate...

]]>My Bodyguardrvo@riaosorio.comPersonalDogs2008-07-23T18:16:19+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MyBodyguard.php#unique-entry-id-27http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/MyBodyguard.php#unique-entry-id-27

Photo taken while taking a break from Singing Bee transcriptions. Yeah, I know the quality sucks - Dex should get me a phone with a better camera :)

Meet Guenther. He is temporarily staying with us, while we are nursing him back to good health. Dex got him from a friend who left to work abroad. He's been with us for around three weeks. I am still undecided as to whether we'll keep him. We currently have three dogs with us, and a fourth one is about to arrive in a few weeks.

Lately, Guenther keeps me company during my all-nighters when hubby is fast asleep. Guenther used to sleep out in the yard but would wake us with his howling, so we decided to let him sleep inside the house. Surprisingly, he is very well-behaved indoors.




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]]>Changed My RSS Feedrvo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-07-19T18:53:06+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ChangedMyRSSFeed.php#unique-entry-id-26http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ChangedMyRSSFeed.php#unique-entry-id-26this. Please update your feeds. Sorry for the hassle.

I don't think I'll irk a lot of people, though, 'cause this blog gets read by only a few people ... still I keep blogging away anyway, he he :) After all, what's a website if it isn't regularly updated?

Cheers!

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]]>This Week's Tasks, Plus Some Tidbits About My Dadrvo@riaosorio.comMusicPersonal2008-07-19T13:36:38+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisWeeksTasksPlusSomeTidbitsAboutMyDad.php#unique-entry-id-25http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisWeeksTasksPlusSomeTidbitsAboutMyDad.php#unique-entry-id-251.) 37 Final Countdown plus 7 Showdown numbers for Singing Bee - due on Monday, July 21

Been writing transcriptions for Singing Bee for 2+ months now. For some reason, the load got doubled this weekend. It's probably because my dad, who is the musical director of the show, is doing other shows this month. My dad is the type to farm out his work to other arrangers when he wants to focus on certain projects, to churn out quality arrangements. He is heavily involved in the planning, writing, and of course, music, for Dolphy's show. He's the perfect choice for that show because he's a natural comedian.
(Sometimes I regret that I didn't inherit his showmanship or sense of humor, or ability to command the attention of whatever room he is in, with the least amount of effort. I'm more of my mom in personality, and many of my strengths are different from his, I think.)

My dad, Mel Villena, the Singing Bee Maestro, with the Bandble Bee. Photo taken from http://bumbleaidz.multiply.com/photos/album/34/Singing_Bee#3

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2.) 1 big band arrangement for The CompanY's album - due on Wednesday, July 23

This gives me two days to write it... Hope I do it well despite the time crunch! A big band arrangement is always a dream project for me - even if I do still struggle with the medium sometimes, what with me not being a wind player - but neither was Maria Schneider, Gil Evans, Angel Pena, Michael Giacchino, and a host of other arrangers I truly admire, who write for big band. In other words, no one should use that excuse to explain shortcomings in writing for wind instruments (that he/she isn't a wind player), he he.

The CompanY is coming out with an exciting album! I'll post more details as soon as the project is well under way (I don't want to post spoilers).

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a video of The CompanY performing an arrangement of mine - A Night in Tunisia for Big Band. (I wrote for the big band while The CompanY arranged all vocal parts)





3.) 2 medleys for Dolphy's upcoming show - due on Friday, July 25

I also have two days to do these numbers. Yeeee! Good luck to me.

Pressure is good, in some ways.

My dad will be musical director of this show. Do we smell some nepotism with regard to my current gigs? He he. Well, in defense of his choice of arrangers, I do believe I've earned a bit of experience to be considered his "colleague" (a newbie in comparison to him, maybe, but a colleague nevertheless). He did wait for me to get hired by other people as an arranger, before he decided to hire me in some of his projects, and before he started referring me to his contacts. I got lots of stories and funny incidents related to being the daughter of a well-known and accomplished musical director and arranger here in the Philippines. But I will save those for other posts.

The current onslaught of arranging gigs given to me by my dad - those that aren't related to Singing Bee - may be due in part to shared tastes in music. I grew up listening to his sounds around the house. We both love big band, jazz, world music, and any kind of pop which has some quirkiness to it - mixing genres, experimenting. He is particularly good at big band, soul, show tunes, and novelty or arrangements with a lot of character. His arrangements, more often than not, show an original and highly imaginative mind. He confesses to not being the most mainstream arranger, because his music often has more quirkiness to it to be really considered mainstream, but I'd say he's in a very good niche which not many people are in, and thus the jobs still flow freely. (But of course the real reason is God's providence, behind it all... )

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]]>This is Fairly Accurate...rvo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-07-17T20:48:07+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisIsFairlyAccurate.php#unique-entry-id-24http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/ThisIsFairlyAccurate.php#unique-entry-id-24
These are my results:

My personality type: the individualistic doer

Individualistic Doer (ID)

Individualistic Doers are self-assured and very independent persons. They are quiet and realistic, very rational, extremely matter of fact persons. They strongly cultivate their individualism and enjoy applying their abilities to new tasks. But they are also very spontaneous and impulsive persons who like to follow their sudden inspirations. Individualistic Doers are good and precise observers who register everything which goes on around them. However, they are not so sensitive as regards interpersonal relations and are surprised when they occasionally rub someone up the wrong way with their direct and blunt manner. They are not particularly fond of obligations; but if you give them space, they are uncomplicated, sociable and cheerful individuals.

Individualistic Doers enjoy challenges - action and the odd kick are simply part of their life. They love tempting fate and many people of this type have risky hobbies such as skydiving or bungee jumping. This also applies to their workaday life. Individualistic Doers are in top form in critical situations; they can grasp situations, make decisions and take the necessary steps extremely quickly. Hierarchies and authorities impress them very little; if a superior is not competent, they will have little respect for him. Individualistic Doers like to take on responsibility. They have a marked sense of reality and always find the most suitable and expedient solution for a problem. They resolve conflicts openly and directly; here, they sometimes lack tact but are also very good at taking criticism themselves.

As friends, Individualistic Doers are loyal and devoted; they only have a few friendships but many of them last a lifetime. People enjoy talking to them because of their optimistic attitude to life and their ability to listen. However, they prefer to talk about mutual interests and hobbies rather than about theoretical or philosophical issues - they are not tangible enough for them. They need a lot of freedom and time to themselves in love relationships but, at the same time, they are also very tolerant towards their partners. It happens very seldom that Individualistic Doers fall head over heels in love. They are far too rational. They prefer to pick their partner on the basis of mutual interests and preferences which they want to share with that partner. Individualistic Doers are not particularly fond of effusive outbursts of emotion. They prefer to prove their love by their actions and expect the same of their partner. Whoever wishes to tie an Individualistic Doer to himself needs a lot of patience. It takes some time before this personality type is willing to get involved with another person.

Adjectives which describe your type
introverted, practical, logical, spontaneous, adventurous, resolved, independent, fearless, loyal, analytical, realistic, optimistic, interested, quiet, curious, circumspect, individualistic, action-loving, venturesome, cool, dispassionate, reserved, skilful, confident, independent, communicative, down-to-earth

These subjects could interest you
travel, nature, hiking, cars, model making, gardening, drawing/painting, astrology, spiritual matters, music, literature, writing, strategy games, politics


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]]>Are CDs Becoming Obsolete?rvo@riaosorio.comMusicGear and Technology2008-07-10T01:06:53+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/CDsWillBecomeObsolete.php#unique-entry-id-23http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/CDsWillBecomeObsolete.php#unique-entry-id-23

Here's a slideshow I found at Future of Music. There's not much I know about these things, but any revolutionizing forces which will benefit musicians and their listeners are okay in my book.

Notice that in slide 18, the Philippines are the second highest country in terms of downloading music without paying. China ranks first. But China's population (1.3 billion) is seventeen times that of ours (76 million)! No wonder nobody buys CD's here these days.

If there are countries whose music industries ought to shape up in terms of maximizing the current technology, and the thousands of social interactions on the net, we are first on the list.

In the light of these findings, how can our artists and music producers change the way the music industry markets and distributes music in the Philippines? Or whatever country you're from? Feel free to post your thoughts.



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]]>What I've Been Doing This Weekrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-07-04T12:49:50+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/WhatIveBeenDoingThisWeek.php#unique-entry-id-22http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/WhatIveBeenDoingThisWeek.php#unique-entry-id-22



This week, aside from my usual Singing Bee load, we've been editing material for Lea Salonga's performance at the Disney Concert Hall on Friday, July 11 2008. We've been tailoring the pieces to fit the instrumentation - a 6-piece rhythm section plus a string section - distributing assignments to the synths and percussion. Usually I don't like editing anything - be it music sheets or words on a paper. It might be because my strength is in painting with broad strokes, not in the little details. Or so I think. But of course, I know I ought to get better in that too.

But I find that I'm enjoying this particular task because I'm getting to peek at and analyze the scores. It's like getting arranging lessons for free.

That's it for now - thanks for dropping by.

:)



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]]>Kung Fu Panda plus Thoughts on Musicrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-07-01T14:04:59+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/KungFuPandaPlusThoughtsOnMusic.php#unique-entry-id-21http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/KungFuPandaPlusThoughtsOnMusic.php#unique-entry-id-21

This has got to be my favorite movie this year - er, aside from Iron Man and Prince Caspian. Good story, casting, scenic landscapes, great camera action. I love the music on this one - by Hans Zimmer and John Powell.

The Music

It incorporates a lot of oriental elements - Chinese gongs, drums, maybe even an Erhu here and there. What makes it extraordinary, aside from the excellent themes, is the seamless blend of orchestra and electronic elements, which I think is a specialty of the two composers involved. I thought I could hear some Stylus RMX samples in the background (?). The film has everything you'll look for in a Hollywood score - superb action sequences , humor, big festive sequences, grand and sweeping music for the scenic landscapes, a bit of drama/sentiment (the music for Oogway Ascends had a solo violin, played Asian style, it made me cry - but then again it might just be hormones too)...


My Thoughts on Asian Music in General...


Chinese music, as well as many other kinds of Asian music have a very distinct stamp, that even non-Chinese composers can make their compositions acquire the characteristics of that music. Moreover, their traditional music is very much still alive and well-supported.

I know that Filipino traditional music - gongs, chants and drum music of the North and South regions also has its own intricacies which cannot be found anywhere else. It just makes me sad that this aspect of our culture is not something which permeates our daily consciousness. Or should I speak for myself - Filipino traditional music is not something that comes naturally to me. Because of the minimal exposure that I have towards it, if I'd need to create a score or an arrangement which should sound "Filipino", it will take more effort for me to come up with one, than if I were just to make a regular score.

But I don't think it's too late to delve into it, in my case. It's really my long-term goal to immerse in these traditions, and come up with music - whether compositions, scores, or arrangements - that will be influenced by these traditions. Bob Aves, a superb composer/arranger/guitar player has made it his life's work, as well as Angel Pena.

Though I don't know yet how far I'd like to go into it, I just feel that I don't want the traditional music to go to waste. I'm also not ascribing any notions of nobility into my individual venture. I just really want it to be a major influence.

The thoughts I've mentioned above were for me as an individual composer/arranger. As a group, though, FILharmoniKa, with a lot of help from the best people (you know who you are, he he) has taken a very big step towards that goal - with the recent recordings and performances featuring Filipino works, a lot of which feature Filipino folk songs and traditional music. With those alone, I think we're all in for a brighter future for Filipino music.



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]]>FILharmoniKa at the FilFestrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-06-25T01:06:55+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/FILharmoniKa%20at%20the%20FilFest.php#unique-entry-id-19http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/FILharmoniKa%20at%20the%20FilFest.php#unique-entry-id-19Adjeng Sarmiento-Buenaventura's site. (We kept wondering if her husband Rodrin was related to the composer, he he).







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Adjeng, Rodrin, Dex and me...

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Ardie de Guzman (guitarist), Adjeng, and Rodrin...
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FIlharmoniKa...
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I played in one piece, Angel Pena's Peace Beyond. The piano is on the far right side of the stage, so I'm not visible from where Adjeng is taking pics...
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The one and only Tots Tolentino, special guest soloist.
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More FILharmoniKa.
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Not in pictures, but Regina Buenaventura was also featured as a soloist on "Meditation" (composed by her grandfather Col. Antonio Buenaventura) and "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (music by Lucio San Pedro). She was fabulous!

Recordings of these composers' works are available here at the Musika Natin website... The purchase details for Col. Antonio Buenaventura's CD, "Heritage", isn't there yet but this is available in leading record bars.


Angel Pena's UGNAYAN

ugnayan
(click for more info)



Lucio San Pedro's LAHING KAYUMANGGI
(I wrote the blurbs on the music, on that particular page, namely the info on Lahing Kayumanggi, Buan Sa Kabundukan, and Sa Dalampasigan.. I am not an expert, okay, so that was for general consumption. Finally, all those years writing concert reviews for Music Literature class paid off)
lahing kayumanggi
(click for more info)


Col. Antonio Buenaventura's HERITAGE




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]]>New Friendsrvo@riaosorio.comPersonalGear and Technology2008-06-18T18:19:17+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/New%20Friends.php#unique-entry-id-18http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/New%20Friends.php#unique-entry-id-18


Logitech Marble Mouse - I set this up at home for my laptop.
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Kensington Expert Mouse. This one is currently my favorite. It came with a wrist pad. I wonder why this isn't available locally? Bought this abroad, courtesy of Lea and Gerard.
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]]>PYSB Rehearsalrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-06-18T15:22:21+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PYSB%20Rehearsal.php#unique-entry-id-17http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/PYSB%20Rehearsal.php#unique-entry-id-17
The new material are all Filipino folk songs, as an effort to remind the younger generation/s about them. They are slowly being forgotten. I remember that in High School, we used to sing some of these songs. Even then, some of the songs I learned were incomplete. I had to revise my Sarung Banggui arrangement for this group after the first reading because there was one part missing, due to the fact that I didn't know there was a C part. We were only taught the A and B parts at school.

Not only did I have the chance to hear the arrangements played (which I enjoyed making, not the least because of my own uncertainty as to whether it'll work out), these would be sponsored (read: professional fees), and I was fed some spaghetti and cake. What more can one ask for on a nice Saturday?




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Romy San Jose conducting the group
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]]>Household Irritationsrvo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-06-13T01:33:08+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Household%20Irritations.php#unique-entry-id-16http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Household%20Irritations.php#unique-entry-id-16
Thursday morning, I had our helper go to the market and cook Nilagang Baka. We've taught her how to do it, and she's been able to do it most of the time. Today she forgot to put in the potatoes, and the beef cube (almost, if I hadn't reminded her). Worse, she would've put tomatoes in it, if I hadn't stopped her. I was so irked, until I remembered that in other countries, it is not even usual to have household help. Here in the Philippines, where labor is cheap, we can get a capable house helper for only P3,000 per month (approximately $60). Besides, she's very trustworthy, and she rarely complains - priceless qualities in a person.

And besides, in other countries, I don't think good food comes as cheap, too. A bowl of Nilaga that serves six costs around P250 or less (circa $5).

Let us be happy for the little blessings.


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]]>Concert Band and Reggae Musicrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-06-12T20:22:30+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Concert%20Band%20and%20Reggae%20Music.php#unique-entry-id-14http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Concert%20Band%20and%20Reggae%20Music.php#unique-entry-id-14
Uncertainty in outcome is a great motivating factor for me, though, that's why I readily said yes to the assignment. It can turn out really good, or maybe fall flat on its face - of course the former is more preferable, but the latter makes the whole exercise more exciting. (After all, who wants to be doing the same thing over and over, just because it's successful? A sure magnet for boredom).

- - - -

Ok, obviously I don't have anything more to write. When I decided to start this blog, I told myself I will update it regularly, whether or not people actually care to read it. So I'm updating it now. It's not as easy as I thought. And obviously, if I'm here writing my thoughts out, that means I'm not writing music.

Blog = the ideal procrastination tool. At least for me.

Pardon the so-so post. Things will get better over time.


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]]>Hurrah for Guitar Herorvo@riaosorio.comMusicPersonal2008-06-06T16:05:34+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Hurrah%20for%20Guitar%20Hero.php#unique-entry-id-13http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Hurrah%20for%20Guitar%20Hero.php#unique-entry-id-13Bio that I also love playing Guitar Hero during breaks. Hubby Dex bought it for me last Feb 2007, in time for a visit from my childhood friends/bandmates Peewee, Kris, and Lawrence (who's now also a session musician). Was on my way to mastering the Expert level, but the controller broke a few months ago and I'm too lazy to have it fixed, so no Guitar Hero for now. I want to get Rock Band, only problem being we don't know where to put the extra instruments.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this interesting post from Future of Music, one of the blogs I read. The guy behind it is currently the vice president of Berklee College of Music, and one of the co-developers of MIDI. Click on the link below:

Video Games Prove Positive for Rock Acts

Now I wonder if anyone will come up with a Jazz Band video game? That would be interesting. Or a World Music Hero game with Kulintang controllers? Orchestral Hero with violin controllers? Hahahaha. The possibilities are endless.



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]]>Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort part2rvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-06-03T18:21:32+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Bob%20Aves%20Group%20at%20Caylabne%20Resort%20part2.php#unique-entry-id-12http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Bob%20Aves%20Group%20at%20Caylabne%20Resort%20part2.php#unique-entry-id-12Tita Ning's site:


Hungry musicians. Left to Right: Simon Tan, Tusa Montes, Arnold Jallores. Bob Aves, Ria Osorio. Standing: Dex Osorio
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Setting up, soundcheck. My setup is: 2 keyboards connected to my laptop via 2 MIDI I-O's. All sounds come from Reason, which holds Bob Aves's own sampled Kulintang, Gandingan and Saranay sounds, mostly from South Cotabato . These are sounds not available in existing sample libraries, so I feel very lucky to have them (I got permission to use them in my projects). I also use Ableton Live, which contains all the pads programmed by Bob.
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After soundcheck, I thought we still had time to dress up (or dress down since this is a beach resort), but it turned out that the gig started away. Notice the huge crowd that came to watch us!
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Yeah. People or no people watching, we enjoyed playing. Except for the part where my volume settings in Reason (the piano sound, MIDI input 2) kept being triggered by the controller (RD 700). Till the end of the gig, I wasn't able to fix it. There were some settings in the RD700 which were sending unwanted MIDI signals, and even after the gig, I still wasn't able to figure it out, as I couldn't find the "transmit MIDI" page, just a "receive MIDI" page. Suggestions?
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Tusa Montes with Bob's custom MIDI Kulintang. I really think that is a genius endeavor. The bottom part (nearer to the player) usually triggers Gandingan samples, or the lower gongs I think. (Tusa tama ba?)

View Bob Aves website here
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Smokin' Jorge!
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Group shot. Us with the organizers
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This was the weather during the gig. No sun, but we're happy enough that it didn't rain yet, even if there was a storm brewing.
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]]>Bob Aves Group at Caylabne Resort in Cavitervo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-06-01T02:30:48+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Bob%20Aves%20Group%20at%20Caylabne%20Resort%20in%20Cavite.php#unique-entry-id-10http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Bob%20Aves%20Group%20at%20Caylabne%20Resort%20in%20Cavite.php#unique-entry-id-10
Photos taken by Tusa Montes, our talented Kulintang player. That's why we have no pictures onstage. I'll just post a followup, if I am able to get performance pictures.


- - - - -

That's Jorge, drummer/navigator.

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Arnold Jallores, the jolliest sound engineer...

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Looks like it's part of the bus! Installation art, anyone?

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Tusa and me... sunny smiles in spite of the sunless weather
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Einstein... err, Bob Aves :)
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My hubby/roadie/stress ball Dex, and I.

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Jorge and Ning:
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Nothing beats this combination: great gig, great music, good company, good food. (Well I had a lot of technical problems with my setup, but that's another story...)
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Group shots! Jorge San Jose, me, Simon Tan, Bob Aves, Tusa Montes.
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On the way back home, I couldn't resist...
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]]>On Johnny Alegre Eastern Skies part1rvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-05-30T00:30:18+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/On%20Johnny%20Alegre%20Eastern%20Skies%20part1.php#unique-entry-id-8http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/On%20Johnny%20Alegre%20Eastern%20Skies%20part1.php#unique-entry-id-8eastern skies


Listening to the album now makes me wish I had made some detailed documentation regarding the arrangements, what Johnny/I had intended to do, and if the actual results matched his/my intentions. I know that I was the arranger and not the composer, but I could say I was very compositionally involved in the songs, because Johnny was generous in that aspect. I could liken his pieces to jazz standards in a real book – there are already solid structures (maybe AABA or AABC, or what), the melody is already laid out, and most of the harmony. But the possibilities for interpretation are endless, and as with good pieces or great songs, one can come up with so many good things out of it, that the tricky part is trimming down the possibilities so that it will still sound cohesive.

Yes, I wish I had made more detailed documentation. As of now I’m also thinking to post some of the arrangement sketches (not the actual arrangements themselves, but their planning and doodling stages), if I can find them in my haystacks of sheets.

I did record in my journal how amazed I was with the orchestra (FILharmoniKa, back then known as Global Studio Orchestra) and Gerard Salonga's conducting.

Right now, though, I hope you can visit my Works page (Arrangements section), and give some of the Eastern Skies clips a listen. I don’t own the copyrights to the songs, so it’s not wise to post the full songs themselves. Even if I posted them in non-downloadable (streaming) format, lots of software are available nowadays which can capture those streaming media as mp3’s, so I thought it best to just post 1-minute sections of the songs.

I’ll be posting more on these in the weeks to come.



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]]>Arranging Musclesrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-05-24T13:20:28+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Arranging.php#unique-entry-id-7http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Arranging.php#unique-entry-id-7
- an arrangement for the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band (will post it here soon as I get a copy of the performance)
- approximately 20 songs for Singing Bee each week
- 6 orchestra arrangements for Lea’s My Life On Stage concert, some of which were original compositions/themes
- 2 string quartet arrangements for Aiza Seguerra’s album (Singapore release), which were started on a few hours before the recording
- a theme song for the Breast Cancer foundation, fully orchestrated
- the foreword for a friend’s upcoming book
- a recording of my vocals for a friend
- a theme song for a popular milk brand (don’t know yet if it’ll get approved)
- running to and from various rehearsals and recordings for the projects above

As I look at the list, I am wondering how it all fit in that span of time. But I do did learn something here... When the task list, or the project, seemed impossible within the given time, that's because it probably was. I knew my own pacing and capabilities, and I knew I've never done this before. So it was to my benefit that at those moments, I forgot about timetables, time management, and such. At that particular point, making timetables would only make the impossible seem more impossible. So I went into it with a "just finish it" kind of mentality. What I got out from it was I was pushed to do things I could not do before.

Am certainly not complaining, but I could use a break. The past weeks felt like a total workout for my arranging and songwriting muscles. It gave me a good high, but as with seasons, there is a time to go all out, and there is a time to lie back and savor the sweet summer air. (What? Summer's over? Hmm. Must've passed by while my nose was buried in the computer)

- - - -

My Life On Stage, Lea Salonga’s 30th anniversary concert, will be running on its last night tonight. Last night was a success. I’ve been enjoying playing the synth part to double the orchestra strings (since we only have 3 first violins and 3 second violins). The tricky part is to blend in with the real strings, using the expression pedal at the right times and making sure the attacks are smooth, and swelling at the right moments. Of course I also had a wayward note here and there – when I wasn’t too careful about my attacks, a note would stick out. Oops!

Lea is one of the most talented people on earth. Of course, I needn't say that here, most Pinoy musicians already know that. It's such a joy to witness it firsthand.



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]]>Putting Up My Own Site part 2rvo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-04-27T03:02:07+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Putting%20Up%20My%20Own%20Site%20part%202.php#unique-entry-id-4http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Putting%20Up%20My%20Own%20Site%20part%202.php#unique-entry-id-4


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]]>Putting Up My Own Sitervo@riaosorio.comPersonal2008-04-23T18:12:35+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Putting%20Up%20My%20Own%20Site.php#unique-entry-id-2http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Putting%20Up%20My%20Own%20Site.php#unique-entry-id-2
I like blogging too. Been keeping a blog since 2004, and moved to Multiply in 2006. I've decided not to import my old entries into this new website, although I'd still be keeping my Multiply site so I can stay in touch with friends and relatives. If you'd like to browse through those sites, here are links to them:

My old blogger blog
Multiply site

If you'll browse through the Works section, I've posted some mp3 clips of some of my arrangements and/or compositions. Most of them are not the whole files, though.

Hope you'll come back here for updates. Cheers!

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]]>Arranging for the Philippine Youth Symphonic Bandrvo@riaosorio.comMusic2008-04-24T18:12:39+08:00http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Arranging%20for%20the%20PYSB.php#unique-entry-id-1http://www.riaosorio.com/blog_files/Arranging%20for%20the%20PYSB.php#unique-entry-id-1

That aside, I just took “young” to mean “experimental” or “non-traditional”, and so tried to come up with colors which are not traditionally employed in the Concert Band context. For instance, I tried treating the group orchestrally, instead of the usual sectional treatment (where it follows that Saxes are one group, Brasses are another, etc.). Also, for the A parts of the folk song, I employed a funky feel to it, while the B parts are in a swing feel.


I haven’t heard the actual piece yet, so I am very excited! Will post an update as well as a sound clip. I hope the arrangement works!




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