The National Music Competition for Young Artists (Philippines) recently held the regional finals for Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO).

As a member of the jury, what surprised me was the very high-level of artistic performance of the 4 groups, especially the University of Mindanao Choir, with their almost "MADZ" interpretation of Dr. Stroope's Riveder le Stelle.

The performance was not only impressive, but also heartfelt.

In the afternoon, we held a workshop for the groups, and it became a very nice discourse for clinicians, conductors, and singers alike.

A brief trip to the Oplo beach between Misamis and Cagayan cities gave me a respite, albeit a moonlit night in the sea.

Japan, here I come!