A Night of *Goosebumps*

Photo from: Here

It was a night of goosebumps for me last night!

Ricky asked me to join him in his yearly pilgrimage to watch the Christmas special of The Philippine Madrigal Singers, and having missed last weekend's de-stressing (*I got sick*), I eagerly agreed.

Boy!! Was I in for a wonderful surprise!!

I already know I enjoy choral performances. I dated a tenor in of San Antonio De Padua: Chamber Choir and he and I watched the week-long 2009 MBC National Choral Competition. But as they say, UP Madz is the best in the field.

We were seated really, really close to the stage. There were just about 9 rows ahead of us in the spacious Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the CCP.

IKR!!!: Our tickets costs P1,500 each!!! Crazy!

The Stage!! Imposing, isn't it?

The singers came out from the backstage and the applause and catcalls from the audience hall were deafening. I didn't know that these guys had a fan-base! (*Geeks*)

The singers sat down in a U-formation and all of a sudden, the entire hall turned eerily silent!

Then... a soft chorus of voices started coming out of the group *goosebumps*. The screen at the top right corner of the hall flashed "Ave Maria" and I was lost in the beauty of the music.

With my mouth open, awe-struck with the regal quality of the group's voices, especially when the soprano suddenly reaches out a high note, I listened in to the group heralding the immaculate conception of Jesus as told in the bible.

Then came "De Profundis Magnificat" immediately followed by "Dormi Jesu" as penultimate to the birth celebrated by the song "Say Hey! It's Cristmas Day."

*goosebumps* *goosebumps* *goosebumps*

After that came the waves of hard-core ethnic songs of different countries for the singers to show that Christmas is celebrated all over the world!

The intermission came too fast for me as I was still enjoying the amazing blending of the group's voices (I swear! You could almost believe that the gods and goddesses are serenading you.)

The second part of the concert was a little lighter in the mood. How they sang "12 Days of Christmas" was hilarious! Some of their carols were also punctuated by little quirks that makes UP Madz a master of all genres.

The closing part was really emotional!

When the choir master sang "A Warrior is a Child" (*goosebumps*), I was floored. I wanted to cry out as I was able to really identify with the soloist. I kept on thinking.. "That's me who he is singing about!!! THAT'S ME!!!"

There were quite a few teary-eyes when "Isang Taong Lumipas" was played, and it was a surprise when some of the audience stood up and started singing as well.

It seemed like they invited alumni to join them in their concert so you have divine voices coming at you from several directions.

The encore song "Paskong Walang Hanggan" was doubly emotional (*goosebumps*) as even some of the singers were visibly crying. It seemed like no strict performance-professionalism could shield you from your own emotions when music is involved!

After the concert, it was time for the meet and greet. Here are just some of the pictures to tell you the rest of the story...

Ricky, Jori and Me with the Tenor of UP Madz.

Another tenor. Cute, isn't he? (LOL)

The UP Madz' Soprano. (*awe-struck ako!!*)
This little girl CAN SING!!

The equally-talented Alto of UP Madz.

Take me and Ricky out of the picture and you get a
lover's picture from Jori and one of the Tenors.

I would like to thank Ricky for infusing the much-needed cultural boost for me. I truly enjoyed the night!

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