I can’t even begin to explain what this past year has been for me. I could try to convince you through pictures. Pictures of amazing sunsets, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. Pictures of adorable kids making silly faces. Pictures of me, simply smiling. But even then it would not suffice. This past year has been incredible.… Continue reading »
Dec
18
How I Went to America for a Christmas Party
This month has certainly been the month for big things happening in my life. Youth Coffeehouse Performances was a huge success! I got to watch and personally meet Philippine Allstars dance crew. Also, my counterpart and I were invited to have a lunch meeting with the Deputy Chief of Missions (second in command to the… Continue reading »
Dec
11
Youth Coffeehouse Performances II
We held our second Youth Coffeehouse Performances this last weekend. This time we held three events, the first for the kids at my school, the second for high school and college student performances, and the third was an acoustic set by the band i-worship. It was a fundraiser for our music program as well as… Continue reading »
Oct
17
Cambiare Cafe
At my NGO I organized a Youth Coffeehouse Performance. We converted one of our school rooms into a “cafe” for the day and sold coffee, baked goods, and had live music from the youth in my community. Our cafe was called, “Cambiare Cafe,” which comes from the name of our music program, Cambiare Kabataan. Cambiare… Continue reading »
Aug
10
Site Video
I made this a while back for the new Peace Corps Trainees but am only able to post it now that I have some decent internet. It should give you all a better sense of the type of projects I do here. Enjoy!
Jul
05
Ate Debs the Choir Director
I’ve never directed a real choir class before. I’ve worked with small groups of kids and teens in playing and singing music for Mass, but Masses are not performances. It’s different. However, one of the things about being a volunteer is that even if you don’t know anything about what you are trying to accomplish,… Continue reading »
Mar
31
Little K
I’ve been so tired lately that I knew I needed some time by myself or I would go crazy. I planned on spending my evening listening to music, eating oreos, and catching up on my writing. Knock, knock. It was my girl guitar student. From now on I’ll just call her, Little K… Continue reading »
Mar
29
Ganito Teacher?
“Ganito (like this) teacher?” “Oo, tama. Magaling! (Yes, correct. Very good!).” One of the most basic things that every musician needs to know is how to count in time. Teaching music to the youth here, I have never counted so much in my entire life as I do now, “one, two, three, four,… Continue reading »
Feb
16
Moment of Joy
As tired as I am at the end of the day, I can’t say no when my neighborhood kids come knocking at my door asking if I can teach them guitar. There are three kids who are especially persistent and come almost every single day. They are the most dedicated students I have ever had… Continue reading »
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