I just came from BlueREP pictorials. Yes. After two years of theatre hiatus, I finally auditioned for a BlueREP production. I’ve thought about it a lot before trying out, and even went out of my way to ask my parents for permission. I did that because if ever I do get in, I will have to devote school nights of June for rehearsals. It can be pretty tough for someone who lives in Makati like I do. Fortunately after my amazing persuading skills, they both finally agreed to it. It is my last year after all. Before I lock myself away to the world of law school, I might as well continue indulging in all the things I probably can’t do in the near future.

Hence, welcome to my busiest year ever. This is my attempt to overwhelm you guys. :)

Now that I have finished my practicum in Congress, I finally have time for rehearsals. I miss Congress already. I miss being part of that world and working with the good people in our office. I never really had any initial expectations, but I surprisingly left the place with newfound knowledge and appreciation of a lot of things that should matter. Everyday was a chance for me to learn and experience something new. It was not just about learning politics, the dynamics of power or national issues, but also learning more about myself. I shall miss the legislative life. haha.

For now, I am incredibly excited for BlueREP’s next musical, Summer of 42. I am thrilled to be part of the cast, especially since they were only to get 3 BlueREP female members in the play. I missed performing for BlueREP so much that even if our songs can be quite difficult, I am just so grateful to be back on stage – singing, dancing and acting again. I’m one-third of a close harmony singing group (much like The Andrew Sisters of the 40s) played by Charmie, Sab and I. Once again, I get to do a period play set in the 1940s. The songs are absolutely adorable with playful choreography and beautiful harmonies, which is why it can be pretty difficult to learn. It’s my first time to sing alto and go really low. But I’m still having a lot of fun. I’ve never had any professional chorale training my life, but with all the singing I’m doing for this play, I’m slowly getting the hang out of the listening and harmonizing. It can be quite fulfilling to hear us three blend. :)

So apart from daily rehearsals with BlueREP, I still have other responsibilities and commitments to attend to. For one, I’m currently the Ateneo Aegis (our official yearbook) 2009 Associate Editor. I love my job here. I get to channel my creative pursuits and artsy-fartsy urges into good use, as I will be in charge with the overall creative quality and content of the yearbook. Of course, I’m also pretty sure that this job has enlisted me to a more stressful senior year. But it is my last and I really want to do something like this. I know it sounds like I’m spreading myself thin (not literally. haha), but I know that the responsibilities I’m currently in are the ones that I know I can do and the ones that I can do well.

Lastly, as I have mentioned before, I’m part of the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo. Now that Ateneo is celebrating its sesquicentennial year (150 years), this school year is going to be incredibly grand. The line-up of events leading to next year is just very exciting. And as the Performing Arts Cluster Head, I get to be in charge of a few huge projects in line with the celebration and with the collective Performing Arts Cluster direction for the year. With collaborations from various departments, organizations and the Sesqui Team, I can say this early on that it’s going to be a huge year for the Performing Arts organizations of the Ateneo. Thinking about it gets quite overwhelming at times, but I really want to execute our projects and continue to share, strengthen and cultivate art appreciation and culture in the Ateneo. Thankfully, Ateneo is finally sharing our sentiments and is slowly helping us. I’ve been meeting with the Ateneo VP herself, and I am looking forward to a great year not only for the Performing Arts Cluster, but for arts in Ateneo as well.

Phew. Those aforementioned things will constitute a huge part of my senior life. And the addition of my scholastic pursuits will probably add more pressure to my already colorful life.

But seriously.

I’m really happy with all these. I am approaching all my academic and non-academic endeavors with much enthusiasm. I’d like to think I’m ready for it. The hassles of enlistment is a few hours away. I’m quite anxious about it. Once again, I ended up with a really crappy random number, and will just hope for the best. There’s so much at stake now, when it comes to picking teachers and classes. Sigh. Enlistment is hella stressful. I’m really just hoping for the best.