Paghayo 2014 - My Perspective

After a little more than 3 weeks, we are finally home.

The Ateneo Chamber Singers' Paghayo 2014 tour started July and ended on August taking with them the Champions trophy for the Musica Sacra category and a gold medal for the Mixed Chamber in the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia and the 1st prize in the Habaneras category in Torrevieja, Spain.

Pictures from my phone (plus a few from Nina) and some details below. It's my first time in Europe so please bear with the oooh's and the aaaah's. :)

VIENNA
We started the tour in Vienna, Austria where they had a series of concerts organized with the Visayan community in Vienna. We also visited Ms. Lourdes O. Yarraguierre, the ambassador of the Philippines in Vienna.

I think Vienna was the perfect "welcome" for me to Europe given the situation. I loved the weather, the transportation system and the sights to name a few.

BRATISLAVA
Before flying to Riga, we were fortunate enough to go on a quick tour of Bratislava where we visited some of the tourist spots. 

We tried out their local cola - "Kofola" which was sweet but with a light sour after taste.

Kofola - Love Cola

RIGA, LATVIA
With just days to spare, we flew to Riga, Latvia to compete in the world choir games. It was my first time to witness such an event where the worlds best choirs come together and compete in various categories. We met so many people from different countries and made new friends. It was surreal. 

The experience of course was so much better with our guide, Sarmite who is probably one of the sweetest persons I've ever met.

I'll never forget that "15 minute walk"

TORREVIEJA
After Latvia, we flew to Spain and rode a bus to Torrevieja for the next competition. We were all settled in one hotel along with the other participants from other countries. 

I love how they keep their beaches as-is without destroying anything (like what they're doing to Boracay). Best word to describe the people of Torrevieja? Beach Bums.

VALENCIA
On our way to Barcelona, we stopped over at Valencia to have lunch and some free time. Of course, when in Valencia, one must have Paella!

We sort of encountered a thief while waiting for our bus. A girl sat beside Papa Ces and opened her big map. Papa Ces apparently felt that the girl was trying to open his small belt bag and stood up not knowing that she had already taken his camera battery. All it took was her to cover her hands with the map and wait for the perfect time. Tsk tsk tsk.

BARCELONA
After Valencia, we stayed overnight in Casa Gracia, a quaint hostel in Barcelona before heading to Puig-Reig. If you're looking for a place to stay near shops, sights and restaurants, Casa Gracia would be a good option to consider. We stayed in a room for 3 and the others shared a room good for 6 people.

We had a little time to either stay in for burgers and a movie or go out to have dinner. We decided to walk around and eat at Tapa Tapa which was roughly an 8-10 minute walk from Casa Gracia. I had a beer and Nina got a Sangria while we munched on really good chorizo, mushrooms and green peppers.

PUIG-REIG
The next day, Mama Rosa picked us up and we went around Barcelona briefly before heading to our last stop, Puig-Reig to meet our host families. Due to the limited number of available families, some of us, including myself and Nina, were "orphans" and stayed in a hostel.

Puig-Reig is a town with an approximate population of 4,000. The people are very friendly and the weather is perfect.

SAGRADA FAMILIA
Was fortunate enough to also go to the Sagrada Familia and be toured around by the rector. When you're inside, you just feel the solemnity and the prestige and it just leaves you in awe the whole time you're inside. Wow, just wow.

LAST FEW DAYS

If you love taking photos, Europe will not disappoint. From the beaches, to the churches and historical monuments. 

It's not everyday that you are given the opportunity to travel and be part of a group family with so much passion, dedication and love with what they do - their craft, their God-given talent. I am so thankful for being part and witnessing an amazing family share their talents to the world and make the Philippines proud. We need more people with the same love, passion and dedication that you guys have. 

To my new friends, congratulations and thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome. Thank you for the very memorable trip which I will never forget.

Thank you Nins. Thank you for the best birthday gift. I am so so so so so proud of you. I love you. :)