In 2018, I received a message from my friend, Kris Reyes.
She told me she had a a friend who was a Music major from UPD. He was having his graduation recital and was looking for female singers to be part of his choir.
Then she said: "I thought of you."
Would I like to join? At the back of my mind:
"Kaya ko ba?"
"Pwede ba ako dun sa ganun"
But truth is, I really wanted to!
I replied:
"Hi Kris! Wow! Naisip mo ako? It's an honor! 😊 Baka nakakahiya... Aside from ang tanda ko na at baka ang kasama ay puro bata pa. Hahaha."
Then, I added:
"Kidding aside, baka di ko kayanin ang reqts lalo na ang rehearsals. Thanks ha... Ang sarap sana maging part nyan."
Kris assured me:
"Ehehe age doesn't matter di po ba? And besides, mukha naman na hindi tayo nagkakalayo sa edad. hihi...you'll blend well po tita kasi mixed ages po ang binubuo just for the recital. Perhaps we can ask Kuya Vonn for a more workable schedule for you. 🙂"
And I finally admitted:
"Kris!!! Sa totoo lang. Gusto ko talaga. Sana okay naman ako. Hahaha."
Her answer?
"Sige na po, let's join!"
And that's how it started.
The friend Kris was talking about was Romel "Vonn" Lomarda.
At the first rehearsal. I was shocked to find myself singing alongside the group.
I sent the group picture to our family chat with a message:
"Thirteen is the youngest and ... they are all single. Hahahaha. Tinanong nila age ko kasi sabi ko ako ang pinakamatanda. 60 na ako next year. Ayaw nila maniwala. 🤣"
Then, I sent a short audio clip of our rehearsal.
My children's reaction was: "Gandaaa. ❤️❤️❤️"
Noknok asked: "Ma punta kami recital?"
I replied: "Okay lang sa inyo?" And I told them the date.
They have earlier plans on that date.
It was Ningning and Jc's anniversary. "Dun na lang kami mag-anniv."
Noknok was thinking if he would bring her daughters, Ia and Sia.
Yeye said she will celebrate her SP (Special Problem/thesis) there and then added—"Bye world."
Tenten said: "Dapat may lakad ako non pero sabi ko, 'no, imma watch my madear perform.'"
Noknok, "So, I think lahat."
"Thank you, children! Awww! Laban! Aja ako! 😆 Ma-check lang sa bucket list ko."
It was not my show. I was just a small part of it. But I felt how proud they were that I was even doing this.
I was not a good singer. At least, that was what my mind was telling me.
But... I wanted to be a part of it, so I literally took time to practice on my own wherever I was, whenever I could. 😅
I even posted this:
The day came.
I wasn't confident, really. I even sent a message to my children saying, "Ngiiiii! Kinekerbyos ako!"
I told myself, "Ang OA! Hindi ka ang star ng recital." But that didn't stop the nerves. 😅
When it was over, I felt something settle in my heart—a quiet sense of fulfillment.
I had done it. One of those little dreams hidden in my heart had finally been checked off my bucket list.
They were sacred choral works in Latin and Greek, with soaring soprano notes and rich harmonies coming together in a way that felt almost heavenly. I was one of the altos, doing my best to hold my part while listening to all those voices come together.
Being part of that sound was something I will never forget. It was beautiful. And I felt so blessed to have been part of it.
And in the audience were the people who mattered most to me—my children—recording videos of all ten pieces, taking pictures throughout the recital, and cheering me on.
They really did come.
Ningning even posted the following about the day:
“Went to Diliman to support @momlelen as she joins Sir Vonn's choir for his graduation recital. 😁 Galing galing! ❤️ #thatsmymom”
And yes, they were all there and they asked to take a picture with Vonn, the real star of the graduation recital.
The following day, I posted about it too, simply grateful to have been part of it and congratulating Vonn on his graduation recital. I was still basking in the joy of having checked one more little dream off my bucket list.
Looking back now, I realize that the recital gave me more than a chance to sing.
It gave me the courage to try something I wasn't sure I could do—and the joy of having my children there to cheer me on.
That made it even more special. 💙