It’s been more than two weeks on the road, in the air and across many stages… It’s been a busy time but very productive, fun and exciting. I just uploaded a few photos from San Francisco Area and the New York experience. Earlier today we drove from New Jersey to Maryland with a quick stop in Philadelphia for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, and it was yummy. Photos and kids sound-bites are on the choir blog so please check it out.
Also we have some exciting news – a couple of days ago we received an email saying that Short Steps received an Honourable Mention in the Feature Documentary Film category at the Women’s Independent Film Festival. It’s not an Oscar, but we are happy that we could share the story of our fourteen children and thirty million other Filipinos, who live in similar circumstances with a new audience and that it was noticed.
The Beginning of the Choir Tour
We have been quite busy since we left Bacolod City a couple of weeks ago. First stop was in Manila where the kids performed at an ICM dinner, then Chicago at Feed My Starving Children Gala Dinner, Seattle with a private performance, and now we are in San Francisco area and already had 3 performances here. The trip is going great, the kids are fantastic, they are having fun during the day and give amazing performences in the evenings. But instead of me rewriting the update, check out the choir’s blog, I’ve been posting photos, videos and the kids thoughts there. Enjoy!
M.
Watch out America, We are coming back!
The beginning of 2013 has been a whirlwind of packing, traveling, shooting and moving from place to place for us. We officially “moved” to Hong Kong in November 2012, but have been out of the country more than we’ve been it. You know us… we’re travellers.
The next destination on our map is the United States. We are bringing the ICM Children’s Choir for a return tour during April and May, and will be staying on after they fly home for a few adventures of our own. We’re looking forward to some time to write, dream, reflect and listen to a lot of good music, and buying some cowboy boots…
Even though the ICM Choir kids have all been to the US before, they are all super excited to travel again, and feel privileged to have the chance to sing for so many people. For us, it’s a joy to travel and work with these kids – they have taught us so much, about ourselves and about their worlds. We hope to meet some of you in the US – keep up to date with our progress at www.icmchoir.com
For now, here’s a sneak preview of our youngest member with his newest song – More Than What You See. We know, he’s cute… enjoy!
“Without a Mask”
People wear masks!
Our society demands that we play roles throughout life. We are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, employers and employees, and each role requires us to put on a different mask.
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WITHOUT A MASK – photography exhibition
September 21 – October 21
Cafe Bob’s - corner of Lacson St. & 21st St.
Bacolod City
50% of the profits from sales will go to the families in the photographs.
“14 brave, short steps”
Over the weekend we received an email with the article from a Filipino newspaper in Hong Kong. Here is what Reporter Carina Roncesvalles wrote after attending the premiere of Short Steps.
click on the image to enlarge
“Short Steps” Premiere
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“The Traveler” demo and few upcoming events
I’m really happy to say that a couple of days ago I finally got all of the demo files of “The Traveler”, Louise’s new album from her, put them on the computer and we had a night listening session. It sounds great! I even put it on my phone so I can listen it on the road… she doesn’t even have the whole thing… sneaky hey. Of course I can’t be objective, but I’m sure when the album is finished it’ll find many fans.
Yesterday we traveled to Bohol, where Louise is rehearsing with the band for the ICM banquet that will take place on the 17th of October in Hong Kong. Unfortunately I can’t sing or play any instrument so I’m just hanging out and updating the blog for example, but they are amazing. The banquet is going to be fun this year, so if you are in HK – Join The Journey!
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On Friday we are going to Hong Kong as it’s only 9 days untill the premiere of “Short Steps” and we are very excited about the event. Early next week we’ll have the final preview… which for me will be probably the 50th one within the last few weeks, but I can’t wait to see it on the big screen. A couple of weeks ago we had a small screening for the stars of the film, the choir kids, and it was an unforgettable experience. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughs and comments while they watch themselves was priceless. It’s so exciting being able to share it with Hong Kong. Hope to see you there.
Oh, I almost forgot… there is another event that is coming up in September, I’m going to have my first photo exhibition in Bacolod City. It’s going to be during MASSKARA, an annual festival during which people dress up, dance and wear beautiful masks. Our Friend Tomek Mateusiak captured the spirit of masskara a couple of years ago in these photos.
I decided to go little bit against the the theme of the festival and call the exhibition: WITHOUT A MASK.
After five years of observing people of the Philippines I would like to share my perspective of real lives and real faces without a mask.
Michał S. Joachimowski
