One hour for beginners and advance jazz vocalists. 📌 one on one sessions.
Everybody is welcome! . If you think you can sing, message me at mplornacifra@gmail.com or text me at 09162101257
April 29 / 4pm to 8pm
April / 30 / 4pm to 8pm
May 5th / 4pm to 8pm
May 6th / 4pm to 8pm
Venue at No 1 Ford street phase 3C corner Hailey st. Filinvest East Homes / Cainta.
Don’t be afraid! Learn to improvise, recreate, innovate and sound like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen Macrae or even learn bebop, blues and Scat! This could be a skill you haven’t tapped yet! JAZZ IS GOOD FOR THE HEART AND SOUL! Find your voice through jazz! 💕🎶
Message me 09162101257 or mail me at mplornacifra@gmail.com 📌💕
Are you ready to jump start your jazz adventure this 2026, version 2.0 🎶‼️ I will be in Manila soon and will conduct sessions on April 29, April 30th and May 9th.
May 9th / Group- Masterclass from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 🎶❤️
For interested artists, message me and reserve your slots ‼️🎶
April 30th is International Jazz Day week. Let’s do our own version. 💕 Take care and see you all soon! Missing you so much,
Lorna sensei 💕 P.S. Will be in Tago Jazz May 1st, May 2nd at Terence’s corner, May 5th at Backdoor and May 10th at Tago, all in connection with International Jazz Day 2026. See you all soon ❤️🎶
At this turning point in my life, I find myself reflecting on my past and present. I realize how I have often felt trapped in a foreign land, the weight of that feeling bearing down on my heart. I yearn for the home where I was born, but the realities of life here complicate my emotions, creating a conflict within me that leads to deep introspection and uncertainty about my future.
I am living in a country that is not my own. The familiar comforts of home have been replaced by cultural quirks and landscapes that do not feel like mine. The initial excitement of my new experiences has faded, and I now face feelings of isolation and fatigue. The everyday challenges–whether it’s the lingering language barriers, different social norms, or the absence of family support—amplify my sense of alienation. Each day, I grapple with the question: “Is this truly where I belong?” The vibrant dreams of adventure that brought me here have led me to a crossroads, where the weight of homesickness tugs relentlessly at my spirit.
Family ties pull on my heart just as strongly. I have crafted relationships, built a career, and found a routine that, while not entirely fulfilling, offers some stability. Yet, my fear of leaving behind loved ones paralyzes my decision-making. The thought of returning to my homeland evokes nostalgia and comfort, but it’s accompanied by the fear of losing the progress I’ve made and the people I care about in this adopted country. This bond makes the idea of departure feel like betrayal, deepening my internal struggle.
Starting over in a new country at my age often feels daunting, especially when I consider the practicalities of financial stability. I envision a life filled with possibilities—the chance to finally pursue passions I’ve long shelved, to connect with like-minded individuals, or simply to enjoy the freedom to be myself. But the harsh reality of limited finances looms like a storm cloud, casting shadows over my aspirations. The tantalizing allure of my ultimate dream stands in stark contrast to my current limitations, creating a tension that feels challenging to navigate.
As I reflect, the fear of uncertainty intensifies with age. The prospect of venturing into the unknown is overwhelming. Questions swarm in my mind: What if I fail? What if my dreams remain just that—dreams? Yet, amidst these fears, there lies a glimmer of hope. My desire to embody my true self—to breathe in the air of freedom, to explore new opportunities, and to stand tall in my authenticity—pulls me forward. I’m beginning to recognize that this moment of uncertainty is not simply a barrier; it is an invitation to embrace courage and resilience.
To move forward, I must cultivate a mindset that celebrates gradual progress instead of longing for an immediate leap into the unknown. I’ll explore local resources—community organizations, financial aid programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting immigrants that might illuminate new pathways for me. Building new relationships with locals and fellow expatriates can pave the way for shared experiences and provide both emotional support and practical advice.
Additionally, I can reflect on my current circumstances to uncover untapped opportunities. What skills do I possess that could lead to financial independence? Can volunteering serve as a bridge to new networks, helping me gradually establish a sense of belonging? Each small step I take can contribute to a larger momentum, slowly transforming my dreams into tangible realities.
In conclusion, my journey—as a tired soul yearning for home—reveals the complexities of identity, belonging, and dreams. My struggles encapsulate the universal tension between desire and reality, fear and courage. While my homeland calls to my heart, the path forward may require me to embrace uncertainty and foster resilience. It is within this delicate balance that I must explore avenues for fulfillment, ultimately finding a space that honors both my roots and aspirations, transforming my dreams into a life lived authentically.
I continue to pray and ask God to give me wisdom and intervene in my journey process. I hope He shows the way , sooner than later.
Lorna Cifra was born in the Philippines. Her music journey began at 9 when she first learned the piano. She studied classical, pop, broadway and pop singing during her teens, and became a church organist and choir leader at the age of 13 until adulthood. Eventually she found her calling when she first heard Mel Torme and Ella Fitzgerald through her parents’ LP collections. The rest is history.
She is an international jazz artist jazz / vocal coach, composer, music producer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts and journalism from the University of Sto Tomas (Philippines), and music courses at the University of the Philippines Open School Program. She studied in Manila, Philippines and New York City , attended New York Jazz Workshops with jazz vocalists and jazz pianists like Peter Martin (Dianne Reeves’ official pianist) Joselyn Medina, NY based (Bossanova artist), Marion Cowings, celebrated jazz vocal performer, Rudy Francisco, Ming Hernandez , Millet Jose (classical piano artist) and Trudi Mann, New York’s finest jazz vocalist and percussionist. To this day, she continuously gets virtual lessons from Peter Martin through his ‘Open Studio School’ (US based), believing that life is an endless learning. She has been touring internationally as an artist in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Seoul, South Korea, Japan and the United States for about 20 years, performing live at top local hotels and famous jazz venues. Such as
Hyatt Regency, Hilton Hotels Worlwide, Ritz Carlton, La Suite and famous jazz venues like Blue Note and Billboard (US and Japan). She also performed and collaborated with different musicians from different parts of the globe. NYC musicians like Oscar Perez (piano) , Iris Ornig (bass) Jerome Jennings (Christian Macbride’s drummer) , Makoto Ozone, Steve Elmer etc. etc.
Lorna Cifra earned her US Jazz Artist visa in 2008, making her recognized by US as a legitimate jazz vocal performer. Lorna has released 8 CDs so far. She now does a lot of live performances and workshops, traveling back and forth between Japan, the Philippines and the United States. She is loved by many jazz fans and enthusiastically trusted by musicians as a talented vocalist with emotional and overwhelming singing ability, scat skill ability and outstanding rhythmic feeling. Lorna Cifra did commercials for US, 'Miki Prune', Japan's HAKUSHIKA / japanese sake and was invited by the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the virtual 'Jazz Stay at Home' vocal workshop as vocalist and coach in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. As a jazz artist , she has been nominated 2021, for the most prestigious entertainment awards in Philippines, ALIW Awards for Best artist in Jazz & Blues and winner as the ‘BEST JAZZ ARTIST INTERNATIONAL’ in the Philippine Entertainment (ALIW) Awards (like the Grammy Award in the US) , years 2022 and 2023. She is a regular judge in the prestigious ‘Kobe Jazz Vocal Queen" in Japan.
Recently released a new CD ‘Too Darn Hot’ July 17, 2022.
As a vocal coach/mentor, She runs a school in Japan, Lorna Cifra Jazz Vocal Studio that holds an annual recital and holds masterclasses personal and virtual local and international.
In Manila, she celebrated her ALIW awards by giving back and did shows at UP University Hotel Oblation Lounge in August 2022, University of Sto Tomas Christmas Jazz Concert 2023, and is about to do another show at Oblation Lounge in Dec 16, 2024, for the benefit of the ‘Seniors on the Move’. Lorna is a regular guest artist of the famous jazz venue Tago Jazz backed by the finest in Manila, Tots Tolentino, Yong Aquino, Dave Harder and Rey Vinoya.
She believed that Jazz is her calling. To perform while she can and to share by continuously discovering new talents through jazz education.
It’s December 29, 2022 and celebrating the year end with my daughter Rachelle and my brother Pipo who flew all the way from Manila after a minor surgery. The process was a struggle.
Many leaders of the world have officially announced that their countries are now living with COVID status. Majority, if not all have been vaccinated and the world hypothetically achieved it’s goal to have herd immunity. It may not be true to other countries but Philippines and Japan (where I’m currently based) at least opened its doors to travelers, as long as they’re vaccinated with three doses. May of 2022, my daughter and I took that leap of faith to experience pandemic travel. There were many documents involve, protocols to be followed, negative PCR tests, answer quarantine questionnaire just to be permitted to enter both countries. I’m glad to take that leap and finally after 3 years of being away from my country, we were home. That was a turning point.
Hope and faith re-emerged, new doors opened, new acquaintances were made, faced new opportunities, it was like a rebirth for all of us, family and friends. I knew in my heart that faith will lead us to where we are now. Faith that the Lord is always with us. Will never forsake us and wouldn’t want us to linger and swim in an ocean of darkness and emptiness. Why am I saying this? Time and again, I’ve proven that my mind set and take in life is correct. And that is, nothing lasts forever. I begged and prayed so hard to God to end the situation the soonest He can. He alone can do that. Not us. Not even the gigantic companies competing for what’s the best vaccine in the world. I firmly believed in my heart that He will put an end to these 3 years chaotic situation. Lo and behold, He did! Amen to that! God is bigger that all these: There is no greater love but the love of our Lord Jesus Christ to his children and believers. He loved us so much that He thought it’s about time to end our doubts, sufferings and sacrifices even if we don’t deserve it.
I kept on with my life and so as everybody else. Continued to mentor, to teach, to release a CD, to collaborate with other musicians, to attend jazz festivals, to perform with all my heart and offer them all to God. He deserves everything. To be glorified and to be thanked over and over again.
My recital was scheduled on Dec 3rd of 2022, and I got the final announcement of ALIW nominees, 7 days before my flight. Students’ recital is the highlight of the year but then I had to fly to Manila on the 3rd or at least 4th to be present on the ALIW awards night. I love my students and want to be with them more after the culminating event but I was determined to fly home. Hallelujah, I got the award for ‘Best Jazz Artist’ based abroad!!
While I’m writing this, I’m still overwhelmed, still experiencing a roller coaster of emotions and haven’t shed tears of joy to finally accept that I’m a winner! But guess what, I won!
Yes! After long years of hard work and perseverance and after hearing words of rejection, invalidating me as an artist, people saying things behind my back, musicians who bully me (how I wish I can mention their names) and tell me that I’m not good enough, I’ve probably redeemed myself. Perhaps some people thought that I was showing off when I became an artist in the US. I thought that it would be my passport to be one of the boys. I studied, and studied hard, invested in a lot of workshops and mentors, be in a situation where I can work with good musicians and did my best to avoid the bullies. Yet, they will always be there. Not everybody will be happy with your achievements. Some will like it, some abhor it.
I sing for the love of music. I improvise for the love of Jazz. I teach because I want to give back and share whatever little knowledge I have to aspiring jazz vocalists. I do what I love to do because I know it would love me back. Getting an award doesn’t mean that the bullies are no longer there. They are still around planning on how they can pull you down. Unfortunately, no one can put a good man down. I do everything for the glory of God. Getting that trophy is just the beginning of yet another long journey to who knows where.
I’m writing this to remind myself that if something is meant for you, it’s meant for you no matter what. All we need to do was just to work hard, persevere and believe that God will keep his promise in His own perfect time. Like He promised that my brother can travel back to Japan to be with me and my daughter even if he’s still in recuperation. Nevertheless, looking at him now, he’s healed. Being with family and true friends is the best time ever.
What am I looking forward to on 2023? Blessings! Blessings that I know I’m not deserving but seemingly God sees it. May all our dreams and aspirations come true this 2023. Perseverance, Hope and most of all, unceasing prayer of thanksgiving to God Almighty are the keys to where God really wants to put us. Let go! Let God! Thank you ALIW AWARDS! Thank you Father God! Mom and Dad, Tetsu, Pipo and Rachelle. The loves of my life.
lornacifra 