Last November 20, Saturday, I was awarded 1st place at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Western Regional Finals. In addition to cash prizes, I will be representing the Western Region in March 2005 at the National Semi-Finals in New York, with the other 15 Regions. Things have been good to me lately, and I am very grateful for that. I very much appreciate the support and care of my family and all my friends. I will keep everyone informed. The competition actually doesn’t conflict the Chicago program. Finals are between March 13-20, and the program in Chicago doesn’t start until the end of March.

P.S. My sincerest thanks to the following people: Nanay, Tatay, Kuya, Mona Lands, Dennis Parnell, Timothy Mussard, Julianna Gondek, Marilyn Horne, Nico Castel, William Vendice, Julius Rudel, John Hall, Heinz Blankenburg, Caprice Walker and Steven Hunter.