Humbly Blessed

As posted on Facebook, for Parangal Dance Company

Throughout the unbelievable journey of both this weekend and the past 14 months, that is the key term. In the wise words of our baby, Klyden, “I feel blessed for all the opportunities.” And it was our dear fren Gilbert who reminded us, “We need to stay humble.”

It’s Monday night as I write this, and the unbelievable Vegas weekend is finally at a close (condolences to those who couldn’t extend their weekend for another day and had to work today, but mad props for all that paper chasin’). I finally get to soak it all in, even though “We Are the Champions” is still playing in my head, and the excitement is far from fading.

Truth be told, this weekend was hard to believe for me from the beginning, back when we first got this performance request. We’ve always talked about doing out-of-state gigs/tours, but none really came to fruition until this fateful show. And of course our first tour just ended up being a competition. And of course our first competition, we just ended up winning first place. Not bad for a group of people who didn’t care about the competition and just wanted to go to Vegas for the sake of the adventure (or in one person’s case, not bad for someone who didn’t even know we were competiting *coughMarissacough*). Not bad for a group that’s barely hit its one year anniversary.

I just wanted to share what my director at West Bay said when he found out I was going to Vegas for a Parangal performance: “Wait, you’re with Parangal?! You must be really good then! I mean, everyone’s talking about you guys. And not just Filipinos, you’re known all over by the Giants, the Raiders, the Warriors, even in Sacramento, right? Wow! I can’t wait to see you at Pistahan!” By the way, Kuya Rudy’s on the planning committee for Pistahan, so y’all best bring it that weekend, digg? ;)

Like what I told Marissa, who knew that when we first stepped through a pair of Tinikling sticks in high school that we would end up here, with a group that’s becoming recognized in our home turf as well as in other states? Who knew that our dance journeys would bring us all together in such a fateful way and irrevocably change our personal journeys as well? I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, and the head-pounding excitement and tears of joy we all shared when we found out the results of this weekend were a powerful reminder and affirmation that we are exactly where we need to be. All the same, my perfectionist tendencies are a constant push that we can and should strive for more, because we have earned it, and, more importantly, because we owe it to ourselves and each other.

We were blessed with the talents we received, and in my opinion, it’s our mission to not only give tribute to our culture, it’s our mission to make use of these talents and our passion and share them with others. Likewise, I feel blessed that I got to discover this growing talent and passion amongst peer mentors who constantly push me to be a better dancer and a better person, amongst friends who have become family. As cheesy as it sounds, every laugh, tear, argument (ahem, I mean discussion), and meal we share is another drop of glue that essentially bonds us together and makes us stronger.

There was really no point to this note other than to share my thoughts and thank you. Deepak Chopra said, “Your soul carries the potential, your mind carries the intention, and your brain produces the result.” (Yeah, I follow his Twitter, and what?!) I believe we’ve already discovered our potential and we have made our intentions known. We have been and must continue to produce results.

So go on, our Parangal pamilya, keep doing the dang thang :)