Midweek Blast

The despedida get together for the balikCAFAs was held yesterday since all are leaving for home in the next few days. The group came together after a delay of hours due to the sudden closure of EDSA by authorities to accommodate the EDSA Revolution celebration. From 5PM and up, the EDSA Ortigas area was bumper to bumper with vehicles.


















But no irresponsible action of politicians that affected traffic could dampen the affection of the CAFAs for each other. It was chika and uninhibited party time that grew in spirit especially after Bili staggered in late with the food having been stuck in traffic herself. Bess and Eddie came in first followed by Tong, Rita, Rody (now looking good), Delfa, Hec, Alex and Cord Guanco. The group was taking their dessert when the great Houdini, Dero Pedero made his grand entrance. Later on Bess daughter Barbara came in as well.

The cozy cluster of guests led to one interesting conversation after the other. Naturally, all the liquor produced added stimulus. It was inevitable that the group picked on CAFAs who were not in the party. Sam, if you are feeling the pins in your epidermis I hope it’s not hurting too much. Ultimately, the talk shifted to politics both local and American. For the Philippine presidency, Dero does not like the look of Aquino so he is for anybody but. Oni does not like the look of everybody else so he is for Aquino.

Because of all the American CAFAs present, the American economy ultimately became the topic of discussion. For some reason, the balikbayans in the party turned out to be mostly Republican sympathizers. Oni told Tong that Ben is his friend and so for tonight in Ben’s absence, he will be arguing as a Democrat. Oni implored that Obama be given more time to succeed with his programs, but the passionate Republicans present uploaded details of the situation that Oni knew nothing about (and making him feel like a kumag).














After the eating and during the drinking, Dero insisted on the singing and where the group enthusiastically obliged. The CAFA standards (Cherish, Monday Monday, Up Up and Away, Stasera, Summersong, etc.) were timeless tunes for the CAFASingers that were performed with gusto and expression (thanks to the beer) to the delight (?) of the limited audience (the non CAFASingers). It was a good thing that the household staff and the drivers gawked to listen otherwise there would have been more singers than audience in this case.

The final topic on the chika agenda was that exciting but elusive next CAFA grand reunion. California or East Coast? Formal or informal agenda? Cruise or tour? 2010 or 2011? Several exciting ideas were laid on the table but which would be too long to further discuss in this Blog. Whatever, it seems to be coming to a head and so let’s have it simmer for the moment and a subject of another Email later. Before parting, please continue to pray for the recovery of Cecille Ascalon. She had a minor stroke (with hemorrhage) and is still in the hospital.