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!