Hello Guys!
Romy and Rory just blew into town. Romy called on the eve of my scheduled out-of-town trip and so we ended up with a hastily arranged dinner at Banana Leaf (Ortigas Center) last November 23. Rody Picar is also suppose to be in town but I understand he is busy with his project in La Union. The Manila CAFAs were naturally excited to see Ka Romy and Rory again. As a result, this edition is speial with two bylines. See write-ups below.
Onwards to Pala Mesa
By Oni Mayo
Once she extricates herself from her business commitments, Bess told me that she will personally be checking out the venue soon. We hope she can haggle for deals and promo rates. As decided, the details of the event are:
Place: Pala Mesa Resort, San Rafael, Ca.
Dates: September 15 – 20 (the month is sure but dates may need firming up)
Just like in our previous reunions, reservations in the resort should be an initiative for those concerned. Traditionally, the early reservations get the better discount. The same goes true for Airline rates. I think it is also common knowledge that the great rates for both the airfare and the hotel are usually obtained from the Internet.
The Reunion is generating interest from many sectors. Hector Lopez has finally expressed his intentions and he will be at the reunion. (Hec is now in California and will be contacting Bess.) Glenn Bautista and Hector are encouraging friends from UP Fine Arts to join. Emy Masigan said she’d be bringing her sister from Canada. Definitely Nenita Cardinal and husband from Jersey and the US-based Hernandez sisters (Dina and Mynah) will be good to see again. Just recently, Cord Guanco said that he and Megs Ortigas will plan out their 2011 travel plans to include the reunion at Pala Mesa. Fun friends of Nore and Oni (in Manila and USA) who are into music are also being enjoined to mix it up with the CAFAs. Dinky said that he will call his US friends in California to also try to come. This should make for a fine menagerie of mostly UP great guys who will be willing to endure the CAFASinger's corny jokes and unrehearsed music.
During the dinner with Romy and Rori, we got some insight on the activities of some of our more silent CAFA friends. It seems that Romy has recently been in touch with Rudy Rivera and Rody Picar. Naturally we also got to talking about the many CAFA characters (who are not in a position to defend themselves). If our chika was a preview of what we can expect from Pala Mesa, I can’t wait till September next year.
Soon we should hear the advisory from Bess about more Pala Mesa details. Till then, keep the fire burning and onwards to California in 2011. Reunion na!
The CAFASingers at Musica!
By Dinky Einsiedel
A ragtag group of CAFASingers “performed” last Friday, November 26, at the Musica music bar at Greenhills Shopping Center in front of a packed payday-weekend crowd.
The group – composed of Dero, Romy, Alex, and Dinky – sang only one song, “If I Fell”, because this was the only CAFA song that the band knew how to play! Dero wanted to also sing “Man Come Into Egypt” but Onie was not around to play the guitar. He was in Singapore checking out the brand new Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the one with the swimming pool at the roof deck spanning all the three towers of the hotel.
It was a fun-filled evening, with Rory leading the applause after the group’s performance. The event was the regular Friday evening gig of the Rockin’ 60s Band composed of Dero, Titus Santiago, and 3 ladies. Alex and Onie had attended this gig twice before, when the audience included Anthony Castelo and Boy Camara. But it was the first time for Romy, Rory and Dinky.
Dero thrilled the audience with his renditions of Neil Sedaka songs like Oh Carol, Calendar Girl, and Diana.
Titus, the “Ricky Nelson of the Philippines”, belted his patented Someday, Poor Little Fool, and Hello MaryLou and several other RN songs. Each of the three ladies also sang solos, like Everybody Loves a Lover (an old but still popular Doris Day song) and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow. While each of them sang their solos, the rest backed them up with simple but well-harmonized “chuchuwariwariwap....” – something that Alice, Bess and Sarah can also do! Maybe even better (but I’m biased)!
Romy and Rory were in town looking into buying a condo unit for when they finally settle down. It was great getting together even for just one evening, singing along the songs of yesteryears. Reunion na!
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