FIRST QUARTER CAFA BIRTHDAYS

It was Nore's birthday last February 7, but she generously involved the other Birthday guys in the celebration. These were Oni (January) and Didi & Alex (February). The celebration was held at Lynn and Rene Sunico's rest house cum vegetable farm in Alfonso Cavite. A two-hour drive from Manila, the farm lot site is practically part of Tagaytay hence, the party was blessed with the cool breeze and lush vegetation of the area.

Family and family friends, the Fine Arts bloc and of course the NEOs graced the occasion. As usual, the food was great. The plentiful dessert was a Diebetes Festival in the words of Francis R. Santos. Even as everybody had a feast, the running video of Claire and Alex's grand wedding was playing throughout. The video captured the great moments of the wedding including the reception decor, the bridal entourage introductions and including Didi's exuberant dancing. The Neo's heart-rending Sunrise Sunset song was also aptly recorded. (the video showed a closeup of a tearful bride and groom as they listened to Nore's sentimental favorite of a wedding song).

The rest house has complete amenities with a wrap-around terrace. It had videoke facility in the living room. The Neo's plus Francis, Didi and the other musically inclined guest thus took the opportunity to give vent to their golden voices in song. During the break, Alex twitted Oni to sample some of his original song compositions that he had been working on. Oni said that that would be the first public presentation of the songs and so he would expect that the privileged guests would at least indulge him by promising to buy the CD when it comes out! (if ever...)

Apart from the usual rooms, the rest house has a loft where guests could bunk if necessary. This gave the idea that perhaps the CAFAs could one day plan out an overnight excursion to the place. The Neo's were so at home in the environment that before leaving, they told the owners (Rene and Lynn) that since the Neo's might takeover their private bedrooms, they could also bunk in the loft if they want.