Topic of the Day: Taiwanfest 2008 (Part II)

So today was the big day (click here for photos). The show didn't start until 2030h, but by 1830h, my hands were starting to tremble. Parked my car at E&V's place, and the three of us walked over. Saw some street performers and we joked that that the side of the boardwalk would be our stage.

We got to the stage and I checked in with the rest of the members of Casa Futuro. I started to forget the lyrics. All of a sudden, I forgot what the song sounded like. I was weak in the knees. My throat was dry. My hands were shaking. I felt good. This is what ALWAYS happpens before I get on stage. It's been over 10 years since I've had to perform, but it was good to know that nothing had changed.

As I stepped on stage, I could feel the heat of the lights; beads of sweat starting to trace my forehead. The song started and everything else went quiet. I don't know if it was because of the lights, but I didn't see anyone. I sang my song, introduced the next vocalist, and left the stage. My knees melted. Almost. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears. I relaxed. Relived that it was over.

Until they told us that it wasn't. Our set wasn't long enough and we needed to extend. Next thing I know, we're all back on stage belting and adlibbing cos we had nothing else prepared. After another song or so, they finally felt sorry for us and let us get off the stage.

All in all? It was fun to be on stage again. Maybe I'll do it again.......in another decade or so. It wasn't any of our best performances. But we seemed to be able to entertain.