Israel Houghton and Planet Shakers in Manila

Last month, we were blessed to join the worship concert of Israel Houghton and Planet Shakers at the Araneta Colliseum. We were able to get good seats up front and were even able to get pictures at the stage before the concert started.

While checking out their gear – I was surprised to find out that they were using Line 6 PodHD 500 floor pedals straight to PA!

The concert went really well, and although I was a bit skeptical at first – thinking that Israel and the guys from Planetshakers might have that rockstar mentality – I was proven wrong with their dedication to God and their careful way of making sure that the audience know that Jesus is the center – its all about God. Now if only we could have someone like Israel doing a praise and worship workshop at our local church – that would be really awesome! Or maybe have a video or audio conferencing from ActConferencing.com – teaching through the internet!

All in all it was an experience that I’ll never forget – like a preview of how the worship will be in heaven. I’ll be sure to buy front seat tickets again when they go back.

Summer Music Workshop 2012

I’ve been very busy working with our music ministry team to cater to 40 plus students who are interested in learning various instruments. The students range from young learners – with the youngest being at 5 years old – to adult enthusiasts who want to take their music to the next level.

Right now we are using the school classrooms as make shift rooms – but in the future after the church is completely built up, we will be holding music related events in our very own band room! I envision it to have complete recording capability, acoustic treated walls and all the amps and instruments we need. The mixing booth will be bright and beside a window with cool window boxes for small plants.

This will be a busy summer for me and my team, but it is all worth it to give glory to God and to help these learners get deeper into the art of music.

Vocal Workshop

I have scheduled a special vocal workshop for our music ministry – to be facilitated by renowned vocal coach Jeanne Velasco-Vicars. Our aim is to help everyone develop and use better vocal techniques during choir singing or praise and worship. Everyone is really excited – myself included as I have experienced attending one of her vocal workshops in the past. Hopefully this will spark further interest in self improvement and self learning within our team.

Aside from natural vocal improvement – I’m also thinking about improving my vocal gear. Since I already have guitar effects, I’m also considering vocal effect pedals like the TC Helicon VoiceLive which has impressive features.

Nick Vujicic

I’ve recently come across Nick Vujicic and I found him to be a truly inspiring person. And the best thing about it is he always gives back the glory to God! I know I’ve seen him before as he was shown to us by our Pastor, but this time around I got to learn more about him and what God has been doing in his life. If you haven’t yet, or your friends haven’t heard of him, I highly recommend watching his testimony. And sharing this to your friends will defeat all kinds of friend gifts that you previously gave. When you share about him, you actually share about God’s love and inspiration.

Playtime squared

It used to be that when I get some free time, I play with my first born Z. But now, I need twice the energy and time – because our baby Z2 is growing real quick and is now demanding play time as well. Not that I am complaining but it just shows how important it is that I have available time for the both of them. Oh and not to mention that my wife wants some quality time as well. Lord give me the strength, energy and time to fulfill my duties for my family, hone my skills and be productive all within the same day! Still I am grateful for these two little gifts that God has put under my care.

Mentoring the mentor

Having been an introvert for most of my life, it was a surprise for me how I fared well and stayed long as a manager. In a position where I deal with people in the office almost everyday, making sure people do what they are supposed to do, and making sure they are happy, I didn’t see myself being in this type of job. It was of sheer necessity that I took it, as it offers better pay. I did get leadership positions when I was younger, but I wasn’t too fond of it.

Still I guess it is a good thing because people wanted to be part of my team. Although some of my colleagues and co managers may think otherwise – front line people have stayed longer with my team, and members of other teams have been approaching me, hoping to be a part of my team. I wonder what I did right – because I was getting frustrated from time to time when I was not getting the results I wanted. But now looking back I understood that it was not me that was doing the teaching it was the people under me that taught me.

I have learned priceless lessons from their stories. Although it was supposed to be for work – I made sure I get to take home important leanings every time I spend time with my team. I have come to understand the importance of bonding and friendship. I saw problems that I have not even encountered, needs, family problems, love life issues – basically everything under the sun! And it’s like I was living life through their stories – genuinely learning from them!

At first I thought I was the one mentoring these people whom God has by his grace allowed to be under my supervision, in the end I understand that they too taught me and formed me into who I am right now. And with that I want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of Team Sander. See you around!