DisCon 2026 - the night of Serenades
THe idea of this thing was started in the Cebu DisCon. In the welcome dinner of the night before DisCon 2025 started, we had a little Karaoke session where each table would have a representative sing to the crowd. I was chosen to do this, so when I went to the front with a live guitarist to be my accompaniment (it was a simple set-up), I chose to sing Misty,by Nat King Cole.
Despite my slight faux pas where I opted to go low when I realized singin the higher note was too hard for my relaxed manner, it turned out all right. Governor Noli Manlapaz later approached me and suggested that the next year - when the next DisCon will be held in Pampanga, with by then District Director Remy at the helm, we (meaning the two of us, plus other Toastmaster singers, will have an evening of serenading everyone.He approached me with this idea, and I automatically said yes to the idea. Since then, whenever we had a chance to sing - like in the Tamaraw TMC tunrover that same year, we sang... both with the idea that we would soon have to talk about plans for the Sereanade night.
Meanwhile, the Toastmasters calendar marched on, and once (this time) Director Noli had finished with his Division Contest, Noli created a chat group - adding otehr singers to the group, as we discussed what songs we could include. The concept of sining old songs - slowly moving to slightly more modern songs came in early - with me dishing out songs that were popular, and seeing who would accept the challenge to sing said song. It was simple, if you liked it, and wanted to sing it - then it was yours.
I have to admit that we went overboard with songs to sing, and we had to take a step back to realize that we were singing in between the Director's Ball's program proper. Being the DisCon chair, Tisha Timbang was in charge of pruning the selections - I'd say we lost more than half our suggestions. There were other songs that Tisha... for some reason, added to the list - songs we didn't feel like singing - for example, 'She' - a nice song, but Director Volts Victoria and I were asked to be tag team in singing it... we eventually chose different songs to sing separately instead.
As the DisCon dates approached we realized that for some reason or another, we couldn't gather as one to practice the songs - it was therefore strategic (at least for me) to choose a song I was familiar with - ones that were not a challenge to sing. Hence I opted for Sinatra's 'Strangers in The Night' for the '60s, and went for an old favorite of mine (and I'm sure, of otehrs as well), James Taylor's 'You've Got a Friend' for the '70s. I just needed minimal practice for these two songs, and would just need to ensure I got the lyrics right.
Then disaster (of sorts) struck. THe ngiht before I was to leave for Pampanga, I suddeny acquired an irritated throat - one the normally leads to coughing and colds - and if I'm not careful, the flu... worse, it would mean I wasn't in my peak vocal capabilities. I think I slept with the electric fan hitting my head. I just opted for Berroca befoer leaving, and making sure I had lozenges in the trip - note: in my haste I forgot to bring both.
So... I rested when I could, and damn, the aircon was really cold in my room - even with a comforter / blanket, I felt cold... this did not help me get better for Day2 - and the Director's Ball. Thus, anytime I found free time, I went up instead and slept in the afternoon. I did not exert myself... I needed to keep feeling fine in time for the Serenade.
By the time I wnet up the stage to do my first song, I felt a bit hoarse - but Jonathan Miclat gave me some lozenges the night before, and I was taking them regularly to soothe my throat... that helped a lot, and I just needed to make sure I could sing in tune. I also tried a little vibratto with my voice. So if you hear the recording, I would sound a bit shakey... that was intetional.
Oh yeah, Distinguished Toastmaster Reinier Dungca introduce me as the Well-loved Ethics Committee Chair... a distinction that is not always the case - as Ethics Chair were normally seen as strict, and scary. I was that too... but I was also known to joke - and people joked around with me too. Though I'm sure they were still careful to respect the position.
Anyway, song one done... I noticed people were listening - others pleasantly surprised. They know me, but never knew I could sing. Glad I surprised them
.
As for memorizing the lyrics - we didn't have to, because we could see the lyrics projected on a front monitor, as well as at our background. So we just needed to glance at times - then face the audience. Brilliant idea. Again, Noli insisted on this.
Song number two came... and this time, my introduction was that of being connected to the Hall of Learners Advanced Toastmasters. Now, let me say something about 'You've Got a Friend'. I sang this long ago, in a Fujitsu lauch, and after I sang, our HR Manager mentiond that a lot of people in the room were singing along with me. Back then, I did not realize that. Now I was hoping to make suer this happened as well. So as I was coming up the stage, getting ready to sing, I invited people who knw the some to sing along with me... anyway, the lyrics would be projected at my backdrop.
True enough, I heard and saw people singing along with me. Let me tell you, it was as if I was in a concert, and the audience was singing along - I alwasy marveled at that scenario, secretly wished I could experience it... and now, I was experiencing it. A video clip captures by someone shoed me singing, and if you listened closely, you could hear the audience singing as well. Proud moment here - bucket list (let the audienc sing with you) checked!
If only they had a more complete version. I;m still hoping the Organizing committee stumbles upon it and gives me a copy.
I lasomst had a third song - a duet with Marge for Please Be Careful With My Heart... but Noli decided to let Kulay sing it with Marge instead. Far be it for me to complain - remember my voice problem? But I ached a bit for the lost opportunity... ah well...
For our finale, we all sang the Dawn's Salamat, and I guess this was the last straw. My voice was raw after this, so I needed to find, something to drink... something stiff - one that could be soothing to the throat. Unfortunately,nothing felt right... I wish there was scotch or Jagermeister. Did I fail to mention that prior to this I also sang along with Y.M.C.A.? Needless to say, I enjoyed it too much - and I was losing my voice for Day 3. And I had a speaking role for that day too. Uh oh... More of that, in my next entry.
Here's a picture of all the evening's singers. From what I gather, it was a rousing success - people like the feel of being serenaded while having their dinner... it almost felt like a high class meal. The evening allowed Toastmasters to sing and entertain, and allowed the Organizing committee to save up on entrtainment expenses and talent fees. Yeah... we worked for our dinner, but seeing everyone enjoy... that was worth the effort.
Despite my slight faux pas where I opted to go low when I realized singin the higher note was too hard for my relaxed manner, it turned out all right. Governor Noli Manlapaz later approached me and suggested that the next year - when the next DisCon will be held in Pampanga, with by then District Director Remy at the helm, we (meaning the two of us, plus other Toastmaster singers, will have an evening of serenading everyone.He approached me with this idea, and I automatically said yes to the idea. Since then, whenever we had a chance to sing - like in the Tamaraw TMC tunrover that same year, we sang... both with the idea that we would soon have to talk about plans for the Sereanade night.
Meanwhile, the Toastmasters calendar marched on, and once (this time) Director Noli had finished with his Division Contest, Noli created a chat group - adding otehr singers to the group, as we discussed what songs we could include. The concept of sining old songs - slowly moving to slightly more modern songs came in early - with me dishing out songs that were popular, and seeing who would accept the challenge to sing said song. It was simple, if you liked it, and wanted to sing it - then it was yours.
I have to admit that we went overboard with songs to sing, and we had to take a step back to realize that we were singing in between the Director's Ball's program proper. Being the DisCon chair, Tisha Timbang was in charge of pruning the selections - I'd say we lost more than half our suggestions. There were other songs that Tisha... for some reason, added to the list - songs we didn't feel like singing - for example, 'She' - a nice song, but Director Volts Victoria and I were asked to be tag team in singing it... we eventually chose different songs to sing separately instead.
As the DisCon dates approached we realized that for some reason or another, we couldn't gather as one to practice the songs - it was therefore strategic (at least for me) to choose a song I was familiar with - ones that were not a challenge to sing. Hence I opted for Sinatra's 'Strangers in The Night' for the '60s, and went for an old favorite of mine (and I'm sure, of otehrs as well), James Taylor's 'You've Got a Friend' for the '70s. I just needed minimal practice for these two songs, and would just need to ensure I got the lyrics right.
Then disaster (of sorts) struck. THe ngiht before I was to leave for Pampanga, I suddeny acquired an irritated throat - one the normally leads to coughing and colds - and if I'm not careful, the flu... worse, it would mean I wasn't in my peak vocal capabilities. I think I slept with the electric fan hitting my head. I just opted for Berroca befoer leaving, and making sure I had lozenges in the trip - note: in my haste I forgot to bring both.
So... I rested when I could, and damn, the aircon was really cold in my room - even with a comforter / blanket, I felt cold... this did not help me get better for Day2 - and the Director's Ball. Thus, anytime I found free time, I went up instead and slept in the afternoon. I did not exert myself... I needed to keep feeling fine in time for the Serenade.
By the time I wnet up the stage to do my first song, I felt a bit hoarse - but Jonathan Miclat gave me some lozenges the night before, and I was taking them regularly to soothe my throat... that helped a lot, and I just needed to make sure I could sing in tune. I also tried a little vibratto with my voice. So if you hear the recording, I would sound a bit shakey... that was intetional.
Oh yeah, Distinguished Toastmaster Reinier Dungca introduce me as the Well-loved Ethics Committee Chair... a distinction that is not always the case - as Ethics Chair were normally seen as strict, and scary. I was that too... but I was also known to joke - and people joked around with me too. Though I'm sure they were still careful to respect the position.
Anyway, song one done... I noticed people were listening - others pleasantly surprised. They know me, but never knew I could sing. Glad I surprised them
As for memorizing the lyrics - we didn't have to, because we could see the lyrics projected on a front monitor, as well as at our background. So we just needed to glance at times - then face the audience. Brilliant idea. Again, Noli insisted on this.
Song number two came... and this time, my introduction was that of being connected to the Hall of Learners Advanced Toastmasters. Now, let me say something about 'You've Got a Friend'. I sang this long ago, in a Fujitsu lauch, and after I sang, our HR Manager mentiond that a lot of people in the room were singing along with me. Back then, I did not realize that. Now I was hoping to make suer this happened as well. So as I was coming up the stage, getting ready to sing, I invited people who knw the some to sing along with me... anyway, the lyrics would be projected at my backdrop.
True enough, I heard and saw people singing along with me. Let me tell you, it was as if I was in a concert, and the audience was singing along - I alwasy marveled at that scenario, secretly wished I could experience it... and now, I was experiencing it. A video clip captures by someone shoed me singing, and if you listened closely, you could hear the audience singing as well. Proud moment here - bucket list (let the audienc sing with you) checked!
If only they had a more complete version. I;m still hoping the Organizing committee stumbles upon it and gives me a copy.
I lasomst had a third song - a duet with Marge for Please Be Careful With My Heart... but Noli decided to let Kulay sing it with Marge instead. Far be it for me to complain - remember my voice problem? But I ached a bit for the lost opportunity... ah well...
Here's a picture of all the evening's singers. From what I gather, it was a rousing success - people like the feel of being serenaded while having their dinner... it almost felt like a high class meal. The evening allowed Toastmasters to sing and entertain, and allowed the Organizing committee to save up on entrtainment expenses and talent fees. Yeah... we worked for our dinner, but seeing everyone enjoy... that was worth the effort.
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