Nore Lim: Full Circle

It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. In the opening ceremonies of Nore’s art show, no less than the President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines praised the art of Nore Lim. He acknowledged the technique, breadth and width of Nore’s prints that have been shared with art audiences in NY, Europe and other continents (Latin America, China, etc.). In her own speech, Nore reminisced that as a young artist in the 60s, she marveled at the grand exhibit hall of the CCP and never thought that one day she would be exhibiting there.

But tonight, February 17, 2011, UP CAFA’s Nore Lim held her art exhibit ‘Full Circle’ at the CCP. A large crowd of esteemed personalities that included politicians and national artists came in to see the show. Associates from NYC and Canada flew in to share the night with Nore. Nore’s family (including her in-law from Philadelphia) and childhood friends were of course there. And then there was the supportive CAFA gang who were artists themselves. The CAFA guys were Pearl and Vic Ortega, Cecille Ascalon, Alice Jose, Jess Abrera, Nick Ricio, Bong Bongalon, Maribel Coching, Adi Baens, Myrna Ramos and others (that escape me for the moment).

Lastly, the CAFASingers were there as usual. Prodded by the naughty Fine Arts group to join Raul Sunico at centerstage (Raul played Debussy’s Arabesque on the grand piano to highlight Nore’s lacework series) the CAFASingers haughtily declined. The CAFASingers said they doubted whether the multi-awarded international classical pianist Raul knew the chords of ‘Cherish’. The funny CAFASingers there that night were Tong and Rita, Oni Mayo, Rody Picar, Alex Villaflor and Dero Pedero.

And so it came to past that Nore has gone full circle with a major show in her own country. Lest I forget, it was typical of Nore to think of her infant grandson even in this moment of triumph. She addressed Alex and Claire’s first in her speech as the real work of art in her life. Congratulations Nore from all of us and we would have you know that we enjoyed the canapés and the usual classy presentation of your work in the big hall.

See slide show for more photos

The Salgados Visit Manila

Tong and Rita Salgado are once more in Manila. They usually come around February to visit foremost,Rita’s aging Mom, and their Manila families . This particular trip is special for Tong since he got to join his HS buddies from St. Louis in Baguio for their centennial celebration.

While in Manila, Tong and Rita got to do many things. Tong in particular was able to catch Bess while she was here and later attend Nore’s birthday bash at Polo Club. He would have linked up too with CAFA balikbayans Doc Joey and Lina Abalos except that the Chicago couple had a full schedule (social-na-social, ha!) and could not meet up with the CAFAs.

Tong had been in town since January but Rita only came in early Feb. With Rita around, the couple was able to visit New World Resort (the new casino complex - a Las Vegas wannabe - in the former Villamor Air Base land) and go to Dusit Hotel’s music bar. As we know, the Dusit Bar is where the Rocking 60s band (featuring CAFA friends Dero Pedero and Titus Santiago among other performers) also perform.

At Dusit, the CAFAs should have met up with Rody Picar also but he backed off at the last minute. Senior ills? However in lieu of that miss, a face from long ago emerged to greet the CAFAs once again. Malu Barrios - one the Three CAFASingers French Hens together with Bess and Alice - is in town. Yes, she was a CAFASinger original whose replacement is actually Sarah.

The reunion affair was not lost on Rita as she relentlessly set out to collect from the local guys. Meanwhile, inspired by Dero’s Sedaka binge on stage, Tong is already plotting out his musical number participation at the CAFA’s Night of Music event in Pala Mesa Resort.

Reunion na, ha?


See slide show for more photos

Special Announcement: Da Reunion

Finally here it is.

Over the past few months and led by industrious Bess Canlas, CAFA guys are slowly coming to terms on the possible structure of the CAFA California reunion plans 2011.


The details are:

Dates : September 15 -19, 2011 (including early arrivals)

Base place : Pala Mesa Resort, San Rafael, Ca., USA
http://www.palamesa.com/


Bess is being assisted in the reunion effort by some of CAFA’s well-meaning dames. Sarah Calley, Rita Salgado, Nore Lim and Alice Rancap have volunteered to physically help out in the implementation of necessary projects and plans. From the Philippine side, Dinky Einsiedel and Oni Mayo are steadfastly there for the group. This list of names should give the group an idea of who are committed to make it to the reunion.

There are actually more who have already committed to come to the reunion, but I will leave that for Alice and Nore to finalize and announce. Alice is working on the Pala Mesa lodging possibilities and alternatives while Nore is updating the CAFA directory. One activity that needs to be done early is the solicitation of payments so that the Pala Mesa banquet hall can be officially reserved for the planned Night of Music on Saturday, September 17. It’s $50 per pax that should be sent to Sarah or Rita. A related possible collection activity is fund raising (of a CAFA slush fund) to help out friends in need, unplanned activities and for emergencies. Expect a call soon from Rita and Sarah regarding this.

The Night of Music will be the perpetuation of CAFA’s musical past. Bess has generously promised to produce her band to hype up that night. It will be so exciting to sing with a live band for sure! There will be a specific agenda for the Night of Music which will be effectively CAFA Showtime for the enjoyment (amusement?) of everyone in the reunion. A formal set and an informal set is envisioned for this CAFA Showtime.


For the Night of Music, CAFAs are enjoined to start selecting and rehearsing songs (or rather entertainment numbers) that they can showcase in the reunion. The song numbers should consist of rehearsed numbers which shall comprise the formal set. The music of these rehearsed numbers should be sent to Bess so that the band can study the song. I understand that Sarah and Alice have already chosen their songs.

For the informal set, the performers will be specially those who are too shy to join the formal set. They will take their chances with an extemporaneous accompaniment from the live band. A penalty is actually being mulled for those who will not participate para masaya.

Overall, Bess will be Chair of the project who will be sending out more salient details in the coming months. (Bess, you’ll have to forgive me for unilaterally promoting you in this instance). For many, the important details will be travel and lodging details and the more or less final daily agenda over the 4 or 5 days of the reunion (and even after). Your FAQs and suggestions will be welcome considerations that you should send through the Yahoogroup as early as possible.


And so . . .Alleluia, we’re finally getting there! Reunion Now!

Nore’s Birthday

Feb 7 is Nore’s actual birth date. Despite Feb 7 being a Monday, Nore’s family and fast friends attended her 65th birthday celebration. The party was held at Manila Polo Club’s Cameron Forbes Hall that Nore exclusively reserved for the party. Great Japanese food and the scenic view of the Club swimming pool made the party memorable. Francis Raquel Santos brought Karaoke facilities and Oni Mayo brought along his trusted Carvin amplifier and wireless mic that were to be the equipment for the evening’s entertainment.

Nore’s family – Didi, Claire and Alex, Justin, siblings and aging aunts and uncles - came. Nore’s first grandson (made in the USA) was the center of attention since many in the family are seeing him for the first time. Spotted also were a few of Nore’s HS friends and business associates. And then, there were Nore’s indestructible CAFA classmates and the CAFASingers from UP.

The CAFA group occupied one table and who unabashedly and typically had group fun. Dero Pedero’s suggestive jokes were even broadcasted out loud to the guests. Example:

Tanong 1: Anong saging ang maliit? (Senyorita)

Tanong 2: Anong saging and mataba? (Saba)

Tanong 3: Anong saging ang sinusubo pati balat nya? (clue – it starts with a “T”)

And after much corniness, it was showtime! The CAFASingers swung into action and did their standard numbers for the audience. One of the guests who must have heard the CAFAs for the first time told Oni soon after: “You guys were great! You can sing anywhere!” I understand that he had a strong sentiment for the “Cherish” song. Seniors make for a great audience!

Balikbayan Tong reinforced the Neos consisting of Dinky, Alex, Irene (who came with new beau Alvin), Oni and Dero. It was good practice for the California reunion. CAFA’s Rita, Bili, Pearl, Vic (Ortega) and Alice Jose could not be convinced to join in the singing but they loyally indulged the CAFASingers like days of old. After the CAFASingers, Francis, Didi and the rest took over with the Karaoke numbers.

The party was so contagious and fun that the CAFAs were still into it way beyond the Polo Club’s closing time. The successful party was just a manifestation of the gang’s affection for Nore as well as Nore’s great organizational (and culinary) ability. Kaya, hanggang sa mauulit – puspusang aming pagbati kay Nore sa kanyang kaarawan!

Of course, the California reunion topic was always in the minds of the CAFAs. Before September, we are hoping that Pearl, Vic and Alice who were listening to the chatter about the reunion will also be joining us in Pala Mesa. Dinky officialized his participation in the reunion by handing over his hundred dollar bill to Rita (Dinky carries around Dollar bills in his wallet?). The fee is for the Night of Music dinner buffet in Pala Mesa. After the talks with Rita (who just arrived from NY) on the reunion plans, Oni promised to send out the CAFA Whirl announcement regarding the reunion details soon. Abangan . . . at reunion na!


See slide show for more photos.