The Emancipation of Jun-jun

I’m in the center of another controversy (or am I just exaggerating things? heheheh).Well if you care enough, I’m sure by now you know that I was part of the top 6 finalist in the Pop Idol contest in our company which took place just last month. And among the perks of being a finalist, aside from the distinction that you are indeed one of those precious few who has that gift of voice and music (ahemm, thanks to videoke)- is to be a part of an elite group who will perform in a spectacular production number (or so I thought) this comingDec. 17 for our Company Christmas Party.

When I first learned that they are actually considering the group to be part of the party, I thought that it would be grand a number similar to that of SOP’s Back-to-back-to-back orASAP’s Champions Number…Of course I’ll be the Christian Baustista of the group (heheh), while the other peeps in the group will take the cue of Rachelle Ann, Sarah, Sheryn, Jedand Erik. I even thought that we will sing some Christmas songs to fill the air of The Venue, with harmony and meaningful songs for that night. I thought, it would be one of the highlightsof the night and the number that everyone should look forward to.

The five other finalist in the group are really really good. All of them would either be a band vocalist or a choir member. I’m the only lone wannabe singer in the group and veryvery proud to be just like that. I will be representing once again all the frustrated singers in the videoke bars, who keep those night joints filled with their ear-tearing and heartfelt shreiks and groans. I have the least vocal powers but I have all the charms so I really feel that I should be the Christian Bautista of the group.

Okay so we got our part and we even had our supposed meeting with the organizers of this show. We we’re asked for the songs that we would want to sing for the event. The organizers right then and there told us that Christmas carols will never have their day for the show. They said, since it’s a masquerade party then it should be within the confines of the theme. Okay fine!

So we suggested some songs. I first thought that it is some sort of a Mardi Gras, so a latin number would fit the occasion. Besides they are planning to have "Conga" as part of the  show. They gave us songs. We suggested some. Made a compromise. Agreed. Then went on to look for the lyrics. Then a close door meeting happened while the 6 of us looked for the said songs on the internet. This star-complex creature who happens to be the head of the organizers asked the admin staff of our company to change the songs and insisted that his songs be the ones we should sing.That was really a blow for us, esp. for me. I have never seen such injustice coming. It was a martial rule at it’s fineest and it was really an awful thing to do.

I wish I have said what was on my mind at that time to stop this bruhaha, that’s been happening with the organizers. Now they are really angry at me, for spreading talks about their ways of organizing stuff and for telling everyone that they failed to come up with a decent show that stick to the real essence of the theme.

The theme is "Masquerade"- think of Van Helsing, Phantom of the Opera, or Moulin Rouge. That’s the theme but they have a "Wowowee" type of opening number. The sound is so latin-flavored and you’ll really think that it’s Mardi Gras. Our production number on the otherhand is a chopsuey mix of songs - with no relation to the event whatsoever. Spandaue Ballet’s "Gold", Diana King’s "Shy guy" and Patti Labelle’s "Lady Marmalade".- what a mix! gosh!

I use to work as a DJ so I know music more than anyone in that group of organizers. I think what they need now is an open mind - that is open to criticisms and suggestions. Stop this getting mad at the critic and work on the things that they say. They may have suggestions that would help you out in the end. Stop being too narrow-minded and stop being a dictator.I know it’s not easy to organize such a big event, that’s why I never joined in the first place, but it won’t hurt to listen.