Monday, January 4, 2010

My three most important decisions in 2009

Not earth-shaking, these were. But life-defining, nonetheless.

Early in 2009, I gifted myself with a Nike+ system and began a crusade to run for my life. I used to jog quite regularly after college, but boredom crept into my routine, and as a result, hypertension was not far behind. Relaxation exercises and a stricter diet have since helped, but a guy like me who immerses himself in stressful situations and eats voraciously to calm his nerves will have to rely on other things to keep high blood pressure at bay.

I was not sure I could sustain the habit, and a foot injury plus an extended vacation broke my stride, but I managed to pull through thanks to Nike+. This year, I got to sneak in close to 400 kms (die hards know this is no great feat--but it is like 90 times the height of Mt. Everest), and discovered I could run 10K under an hour.

In October, I took the Nike 10K challenge being mounted globally, and astonishingly landed fourth in the Philippines--though I realize other faster runners, and there are way too many of them, don't own a Nike+. And while I have broken my October record twice, I guess my point is, in 2009, I decided to live longer. This morning, my blood pressure was a 103/61.

In early July, and with some prodding from my nephew who had just graduated from West Point, I decided to take some time off to visit my family in the U.S. It was exactly the respite I needed from the battles and mindless warfare at work; after all, no better comfort zone is there than home and family. Also, I was determined to fill my empty cup with whatever creative juices I could suck out from my adventure.

And so I crammed my itinerary in San Francisco, New York and Florida with visits to museums and national parks, trips to the theater and to concert halls, while planning as many food excursions in between. But more rewarding than the thrills these exploits brought was experiencing them in the company of those who matter most.

I am lucky that I get to see my two sisters in Manila quite regularly as we work in the same office, but there is only so much I can do to keep the links fresh with my sister, brother, and their kids in the U.S. Ironically, the overseas trip made me aware once more of a rootedness I take for granted here at home. Thanks to technology, I can somehow stay connected though miles away; but because I can't be physically wherever my family is, I vow to make myself emotionally available and felt from now on.

In 2009, I decided to keep my family closer.

Immediately after the trip, I began working on Bukas Palad's 14th studio album. A quiet but ambitious project, the CD was to contain 10 original chants covering a spectrum of musical genres. I was tasked to write two tracks and to arrange and produce five. It was tough accepting the assignment knowing how my schedule would be for the rest of the year, but it was more difficult to say no.

Writing music and arranging it doesn't always come easy, but I had the support of friends who reawakened my passion for this ministry. That and a lot of prayer kept me hard at work. Thus, the next six months saw me writing and rewriting scores, experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with musical geniuses, and maneuvering between musical styles alien to me. TO LOVE & SERVE: BUKAS PALAD CHANTS was launched last December 11.

Many people go through life unable to express who they are and what they stand for. I am blessed with a love for music that allows me to write the Lord's melodies so that I and others may sing of God's love. And I am blessed to have found a community of friends who, in the last 23 years, have believed in each other and in our combined gift. I will use my music to seek the Lord, and I will let no one deny me my right to sing.

In 2009, I decided to improve my craft, so to God I may draw nearer.


7 comments:

Rica said...

and just when i was ready to face my writer's block, i read this! ayoko na magsulat noh!

thanks for this, norman. and thanks for making me part of some of these quiet but momentous decisions. it has been an honor singing with you, running with you, struggling with you, eating with you, texting with you, being creative with you, being sad with you, being silly with you. (o, testimonial na naman yan! pagbigyan na please!)

Bok said...

like! like! like! :)

George G said...

That's great - it usually takes me just over an hour to run 10km/6 miles. In fact, I rarely do it (boredom on the treadmill).Yay you!

Unknown said...

Sobra kang nakaka-inspire, Norman. :-)

Pia said...

ang ganda, norman!

if i haven't said it before, thank you very much for all you do for bukas palad.

your presence - although more limited than before - is always very reassuring and helps keep the members much more centered and focused.

your leadership is very inspiring. anyone who finds him/herself in a position of leadership should take pointers from you.

John-D Borra said...

Sir Norman! Lovely read. I pray that you experience only the best this new year.

Unknown said...

hmmm, i didnt realize how serious you have become about running!