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.