KH Restage Music Vid

Finally, the music video of our Kindred Hearts Restage is already done and just uploaded online by our producer.

Let it shine where there is darkness,

let if fill the emptiness.

Let this be our creed...

Outside Looking In

It's funny when you find yourself

Lookin' from the outside

I'm standing here but all I want

Is to be over there

Why did I let myself believe

Miracles could happen

Cause now I have to pretend

That I don't really care..

Those lines from the song, When there was Me and You from High School Musical sums up my present feelings, at least with the people from Kindred Hearts. Maybe because I'm a boring person, someone that's invisible, I'm out of the loop with regards their activities and gigs. I don't want to be a special someone where everyone will be telling me their whereabouts, but I do get "lost" general messages that they had a great time, and stuff, which means they all knew about the activities of the group.

Is this a sign that I'm not really welcome? I've never had any pretensions ever since, and I've always showed who and what I am. Now if that's a bad thing, then let it be. At least I don't regret being myself with them. If they think I'm too old (29's old?) or too boring to be with them, then I can't do anything about that. I am who I am, what you see is what you get.

Yes, I am on the outside looking in.. but if they don't want me to be in there, I won't force myself. I have a life to live, boring it may be to a lot of people, it still is a life I have to live for the sake of my family, my wife, daughter, my soul siblings. At least they've accepted me for what and who I am.

This is my story.. what's yours?

During the planning for the restage, I was invited by Maling to help in the auditions along with Gayle. Gayle had classes on that day so I was the only representative of CTC. It was stiffling hot but the dancers and singers who auditioned were hotter. I was the most silent of us all on the audition table on that day, but I also probably had the most comments for each auditionee on their respective info sheets. Now just because I was silent throughout the auditions and at times, may have looked naive, that doesn't mean I was oblivious to what was happening around me. I was very much aware with everything, and yes, I was aware that there were people who were not comfortable with me and Gayle helping out. Yeah, it's sad that there are people who don't want to be helped for reasons only they know.

Fast forward to after a month or so, Maling offered me the role of Mr. Galvez. I hadn't read the script and was busy with work and a lot of other things so I declined, fearing that I wouldn't be able to attend rehearsals because of my schedule. A month after that, Maling and Chino asked me to help in any way I can with the production, with Chino even offering me his position as Director. I committed to helping, but I could never be the director because when I first met Chino, I saw in him what I've seen in the best directors I've been with in the past: talent, passion, vision. I believed that he's the best man for the job. Fast forward to almost a month after, Maling offered me the role of Tatay Leo. I was still busy but something inside me said, "read the script before you decide," so I asked Maling to send me the script. He sent me the script and the songs. I cried that very night I read the script while listening to the songs. I haven't been active in theatre and music for the longest time, but that night, I fell in love with Kindred Hearts.

I was going to say yes already to Maling and Chino, but I was hesitant because I didn't know what to expect. They've been rehearsing for quite some time already, and here I was, a newbie to the group. I told Maling that I'll attend rehearsals to observe. And I did. I saw a lot of younger thespians singing and dancing with much emotion I've only seen in seasoned performers. They were all talented, but what struck me most was that they all had their feet on the ground which is a rare thing. I felt that it would be a great honor to share the stage with these very talented individuals in telling a very beautiful story to the world, so I finally said 'yes'.

There were a lot of sacrifices that were made during the course of the 2-month long rehearsals and during the 4-day run of the show, but it was all worth it. I'm so damn proud to have been a part of Kindred Hearts, and hope that in my own little way, I was able to share my heart to everyone.

Chino - Thank you for EVERYTHING, most especially for believing in me when even I doubted myself! Dang, you're truly gifted! Looks, talent, intelligence, humility, passion, vision, heart, you have it all man! Calling you a friend is one of life's greatest blessings. Anyone who says there's no such thing as a perfect guy obviously hasn't met you.

Maling - You have the whole ahead of you to conquer. I truly admire your vision, determination and most especially your patience, key traits to being a great producer and an even better person. Keep the faith, you know we are always behind you.

Gayle - You know how thankful I am to have you in my life all these years, the best sister and friend in the universe! You've always been my strength and inspiration, and it is such a joy every single time I'm with you, on and offstage. You know I'm always here. Love you much, te!

Dan - The best and most talented not-so-little brother in the whole wide world, and I'm not saying that because you're my only brother. Thank you so much for the neverending support ever since we were young. I may be invisible but you know that I'm always and forever here. Love you, bro!

Mikko - As I've told you before, my Christmas wish is to have a voice like yours. Haha! Really! Thank you for the love and support. Never stop singing and sharing your amazing talent to the world - which is for you to conquer. It is an honor being your friend and fan. More power and more blessings!

Bryan - I truly admire your passion, humility and intensity, not to mention your amazing vocals. Thank you for sharing your talents, I will always be here to support you. More power and more blessings!

Manuel - I am so proud of you. You've gone a long way since we started our rehearsals, and you will continue to improve as long as you don't stop singing and you don't stop believing in yourself. I will always be here to support you. More power!

Junrey - Continue nurturing your amazing talent, and continue sharing it to the world. You will go a long, long way as long as you don't stop believing. I on the other hand will always be here to support you. Thank you for the love and support. More blessings!

Livia - I miss our jeepney and taxi rides, and our late dinners. You know I'm always here as a fan and a friend. I am so proud of you. More power and more blessings. Love you Joyce!

JJ - Kalayo ba nimo ui? Haha! Thank you for sharing your talents to the world, it was always a blast being with you and sharing the stage with you. Hope to make more beautiful music with you. More blessings!

Stella - Thank you for your big heart. Your love and concern is most appreciated. Hope to share the stage with you again soon. Stay happy! More blessings!

Ma'am Ana - You always bring out the best in everyone, by always giving your best every time. I will always be a fan and a friend. It's a great honor to have been on this journey with you. More power and more blessings!

Lucienne - Thank you for all the beautiful music and all the laughter. Nice kaayo imong gikanta sa Glee.. aw tympa, dili diay ka si Sunshine Corazon? Aw o, sa FB raman diay toh imo vid pagkanta nimo ug Listen noh? Nice kaayo! .. Aw si Eleni pud diay toh? Kinsa man jud diay ka? Awwww, ikaw diay na Lush? Haha! Continue singing, and hope to share the stage with you again soon.

Fitzgerald - It's a great honor to share the role with you. You're an amazing singer, and an amazing person. I am proud to call you my friend. More power and more blessings!

Carlomer & Jake - Thank you for the concern and support. It was a wonderful experience sharing the stage with you, guys. More power and wishing you happiness always.

Edi - I'm very much happy to have met a friend like you. It's an honor to have been a part of your beautiful memories here in Cebu, and I hope and pray that we will see each other again, my friend. Good luck in all your endeavors.

Pia - I still can't forget how you were able to convince the guard that I am your daddy just so I can get inside your school! Haha! Thank you for the love and care, know that I am always here. May you always be happy.

Chubby - You are full of love and are capable of giving so much love. Hoping and praying that you will finally find that one person to share your love with. And yes, I can be your subsititute father whenever you want.

Philipp - Thank you for sharing your talents with us, you have the world in the palm of your hand if you just nurture your gifts and continue sharing them with the world. I will always be a fan. More power!

Chayle - You're an amazing artist and an amazing person. Thank you for the friendship which I will always cherish - and thank you so much for the hair spray. Haha! More power!

Mah-an - I admire your courage and your big heart. I'm truly thankful to have a friend like you. Stay the same because I love you just the way you are! Stay happy!

Marian & Justine - You don't only dance well, you look good doing it! Beautiful girls with kind hearts and the best dancers in town! Thank you for the friendship, I'm blessed to have you as friends. More power!

Pauline - From the first time I saw you, I was in awe. What you did, coming in less than a week before the shows and mastering beautifully the steps, was close to impossible yet you did it with flying colors. You're an amazing person and I'm grateful to have met someone like you. Love you, Anne!

Kevin Lou, Fritz & Sly - You guys are not only born dancers, but also natural actors. Glad to have shared the stage with you. Continue sharing your talents to the world. More power and more blessings!

Jay-R, Kabs, Ronnie & Miko Gamay - When you guys dance, I just want to stop and watch! Haha! Keep the faith and continue sharing your talents to the world! More blessings!

Rachel - Thank you for staying and for being with us in the Kindred Hearts journey, even if your friends left. The journey would not have been as worthwhile if you were not with us. Continue dancing! More power!

Rose - I've always been a fan since the first staging of KH, but I'm a bigger fan now that I didn't only see you dance, but because I've known you more as a person. More power and keep the faith!

Krix - Thank you for the trust and the love. You are so much capable of giving so much love - may you find that person who is worthy of that love. I am always praying for you. Love you Krizia!

Erika - You never cease to amaze me. Yes, I will never cease to tell you that because you really are an amazing person. Beautiful inside and out, I'm always in awe whenever you are near. Thank you for the love and care. Love you Khai!

Kris - You're an amazing person, and I feel so lucky to have you as a friend. Thank you for the love and support. Know that I will always be here. Stay happy, stay beautiful! Love you Kris!

Jill, Tom, Marky & Enzo - I truly enjoyed your company, and I am thankful to have friends like you. Looking forward to spending more time with you.

To those whom I failed to mention here, and to everyone else, my Kindred Hearts journey became a memorable and worthwhile adventure because of you - THANK YOU!

Though our Kindred Hearts journey has ended for now, know that always and forever, I may not be your Tatay (I'm not that old tawn ui! :P) but I will always be everyone's friend and Kuya.. except for the few people in KH who are older than me like.. uhm... basta you know who they are! haha!

Kindred Hearts brought us all together,

but it is our kindred souls that connects us

to each other even if we're apart.

Thank You for Supporting Kindred Hearts

I'm back! Well, sort of.

I wasn't able to blog for the longest time because I was so busy with our rehearsals and the 4-day, 14-show run of our musical play, Kindred Hearts. I'm still thanking the Lord for helping us get through it. There were a lot of drama behind the scenes, but I won't get into them. The drama on-stage was a lot better, and well applauded. The support we received from everyone was unexpected but very much appreciated. Audience from all ages laughed and cried with us in each of the 14 shows. I myself was a part of the audience in all the shows that I was not a part of, and yes, I too laughed and cried.

I am so proud of everyone involved, and our hard work, sweat and tears paid off because I know we were able to get the show's message across to our audience. It certainly touched my heart to hear people thanking us after the shows. We were the ones supposed to be thanking them for their support, but it was them who thanked us for inviting them to watch something that opened their eyes to a lot of realizations.

I'm still not well and still in the middle of taking my medications (4 of them!), but I know I'll be all right. I'll be out from work in a 5 hours, and can hopefully catch up with the KH people for a little get-together a week after our last show.

Here's our finale and curtain call posted on YouTube by a supporter (Thank you, ucnursingcesdev)

Let this be Our Creed..

Kindred Hearts: A Musicale

September 29 & 30, 2010

October 1 & 2, 2010

Ayala OnStage Cebu

23 Days to Go

What a busy, busy week!

Last Saturday, we had our press conference at the Waterfront Hotel in the afternoon, then had one of the most emotional and draining rehearsals (probably because we forgot to eat the whole day) in the evening. And just tonight, we sang and promoted our musical at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente. I was late for work, but I'd like to think that it was worth it. The feedback we had from the Rotarians was heartwarming.

Here's a sample of one of our songs:

KH First Trailer

Been so busy that I've only slept for 2 hours everyday for the past couple of weeks. I'm on my way now to our press conference, but not before I share our first trailer done by our talented producer.

Sister to Daughter

My first official rehearsal went well last night, and I was right, the role is the most challenging ever for me. Yes, I can say it's difficult, but as I've said in my previous post, I will not back down, and one of the reasons is that almost all of my scenes are going to be with my sis, who's playing the role of my daughter in the production. Haha, I know it's kinda weird, and to think that my most emotional scenes and song will be with her. My sister who's 6 years younger than me will be playing my 17 year old daughter in the play! :)

By the way, I only have 2 songs: a duet and a solo. I am fortunate that both songs are very beautiful, and while there's no big problem with the duet, the solo is already difficult in itself, and the more it is with all the emotions needed for that song and scene. I haven't met my alternate yet, but I'm sure he has no problems with everything since he was one of the 2 original actors who played the part last year. The other one is already our producer now. I am also looking forward to rehearsing with my sis' alternate, who's also a very beautiful and talented girl.

It's the magic inside you,

it's the light you bring.

It's the hope you give me,

you're the miracle of living ♥

Great Expectations

Yesterday, I finally decided to join the cast of Kindred Hearts: A Musicale, and was planning to attend my very first rehearsals today with my sis. When our scheduled meeting at the office was cancelled last night, I decided to drop by at the rehearsals without my sis who had prior commitments. I had butterflies in my stomach because it had been centuries since I last attended a rehearsal for a production, and most of the people in this production, I don't know (and doesn't know me) yet.

I told the producer and director that I'll just be observing in the background that evening, and everything seemed fine until the company call, when the director introduced me to everyone present. Introducing me was fine, how he did it was not. He told the cast and crew a LOT of things about me that from a virtual unknown, I was suddenly the center of attention, and will continue to be someone that everyone will be watching and listening intently.

Great!

The role itself is challenging, the songs are difficult, and adding to the pressure are the great expectations from everyone. This definitely will not be a walk in the park for me, but I'm up to the challenge. Yes, it is my most challenging role ever, and I'm not going to back down.

Wish me luck! :)

Comeback?

The overall producer of Kindred Hearts who's a good friend just offered me the chance to make a sort of come back to performing after years of being inactive. It's a short supporting but important role and a very challenging one at that. I told him that I'll have to think it over and inform him of my decision this coming weekend.

When my sis, Kaz, and I agreed to help this production, we agreed that we would be working behind the scenes, she as in-charge of marketing, and me as production consultant. We were so excited to help and share what we know, but never did we expect to be a part of the cast. She will be playing the female lead, and if I push through in joining, I will be playing her father. Though we have performed together ever since we were younger, it will be the first time for us to play a father & daughter in a heavy drama play.

A whole new experience waiting for me if I decide for it.

KH Poster

Relive the Story, Feel the romance

hear the music, all over again...

Kindred Hearts Restage

After a successful premiere run last December 8 to 13, 2009 at SM Cineme One, the Atrium Core Group, this time with our own CTC, will be restaging Kindred Hearts: A Musicale in September and October 2010.

The story revolves around Thomas Kent Galvez, a nursing student, who in one way or another discovers the worth of living and the importance of filial love and companionship; but as he begins to change, he unveils a predicament that entails him to make a decision that involves life and death.

This musical production is entirely original and proudly written by a fellow Cebuano. The music was also locally arranged and recorded by our very own cast and crew.

Kindred Hearts: The Musicale Restage will be at Ayala Cebu OnStage on the following dates and times:

September 29, 2010 4:30pm

September 29, 2010 7:00pm

September 30, 2010 12:30pm

September 30, 2010 3:00pm

September 30, 2010 5:30pm

September 30, 2010 8:00pm

October 1, 2010 12:30pm

October 1, 2010 3:00pm

October 1, 2010 5:30pm

October 1, 2010 8:00pm

October 2, 2010 12:30pm

October 2, 2010 3:00pm

October 2, 2010 5:30pm

October 2, 2010 8:00pm

Ticket prices are at Php 150.00 and proceeds will go to the Manna Ministry’s “Adopt a Student Program”, a charitable project which provides funding to well-deserving children who could not afford to go to college.

Alternates Needed for Kindred Hearts

Just reposting this from the producer of the musical.

For the restaging of Kindred Hearts in September and October, we need a few more people for the cast to play as Alternates for the major roles.

TOM GALVEZ

Lead Actor of the Musical

Qualifications:

1. Must know how to SING, preferably TENOR

2. Must know how to ACT, preferably with THEATRE EXPERIENCE

3. Must be APPEALING and have good STAGE PRESENCE

4. Preferably 18-25 years old

5. Must have at least 5'7'' in Height.

DAN GALVEZ

Brother of Tom Galvez, Also one of the Main Cast.

Qualifications:

1. Must know how to SING, preferably TENOR

2. Must know how to ACT, preferably with THEATRE EXPERIENCE

3. Must be APPEALING and have good STAGE PRESENCE

4. Preferably 18-25 years old

5. Must have at least 5'7'' in Height. (Must stand taller and looks older to our TOM)

NICK GALVEZ

Father of Tom Galvez

Qualifications:

1. Must know how to SING

2. Must know how to ACT, preferably with THEATRE EXPERIENCE

3. Preferably 25 years old and above

4. Must be FATHERLY LOOKING

WHAT TO DO?

Interested individuals may send us a message in Facebook or email us at the.atrium@yahoo.com with the following:

NAME:

DESIRED ROLE:

AGE:

SCHOOL/WORK:

CONTACT NUMBER/S:

EMAIL ADDRESS:

VOICE RANGE:

THEATRE EXPERIENCE

(may include school plays or any stage performances such as declamation, singing contest and etc.):

Deadline for submission will be on July 23, 2010.

Kindred Auditions

Just in case someone stumbles into my fortress and is interested in joining our all-original musical, Kindred Hearts.

Kindred Hearts

Here's the music video of Kindred Hearts Musicale, an all-original musical with 16 original songs that we will be re-staging in August 2010.

Restage

There's a new theatre group in town and they presented an all-original musical with 16 original songs last December 2009 entitled Kindred Hearts. They will be re-staging the same musical sometime in August this year, and they approached me and my sis to help them. How can we say no to such a request. It's always a pleasure to help in any way we can, and much more if it has something to do about music and theatre. Kazie and I have been in theatre all our lives. It's something that's in our blood.

With our own theatre group, we've decided to give everyone a time to think and reflect about everything so we will not have rehearsals this coming weekend. Just so happened too that Kindred Hearts will have its audition this weekend so Kaz and I will be able to attend and see what we can do to assist them.

We will do everything possible to make sure the re-staging of Kindred Hearts will be a huge success. hopefully equalling or even surpassing the first staging 4 months ago. I feel good about this production, I don't know why. Here's hoping everything will turn out well.