One Last Adieu & Hurrah

Last Saturday, the members of the exclusive CAFA Art Club got together at the Grove. The on-and-of affair finally pushed through after a required adjustment in the party venue. The party was essentially for the classmates to see each other and reminisce about those who have gone ahead. We know that in the recent past, the group had lost two of its stalwarts in the persons of Bong and Nic. 

The ever attractive CAFA ladies who came to the party were: Emi, Fiel, Lulu, Cynthia, Norma, Cecille, Pearl and Nore. The male interlopers were Jess, Francis, Didi, Vic and Oni. Before the repast, a special prayer was said for the two late artists. In symbolic gesture, two black candles were dramatically placed on the dining table and lighted as the special prayer was read.

As usual Jess was a barrel of laughs.  Jess did not hold anything back when he described the last days of Nic and the private happenings he witnessed in the subsequent wake and cremation. The others in the group jumped in and contributed to the now growing urban legend of Bong and Nic. The group thought that this was the way Nic and Bong would have liked it. In eerie synchrony, one black candle was snuffed out after the group talked about Nic. The other black candle followed suit after the group talked about Bong. Hala! 

Overall, the talked about Bong and Nic was also about acknowledging their great talent and corresponding humanity (if not sexuality?). Typical of a CAFA Fine Arts party, the affair was boisterous overall and even raunchy.  Most of the sexual jokes were of course due to Jess' consistent teasing of the ladies and leading deprecating remarks re unknowing CAFA classmates who did not make it to the party.

See slide show for more photos.

Rodi’s Manda Pad

Last Sunday, the CAFA gang converged together once again. The place was at Rodi Picar’s modern pad in Pioneer Highlands building (in Mandaluyong). The modern interior of the pad showcased Rodi’s knack for interior design. The monochromatic dark hues of the pad’s interior surfaces (walls, ceiling and floors) provided an artsy and cozy base from where one can look out the long window line that wrapped around the living and dining areas. 

From the living room, the view of the Makati skyline is fabulous. Rodi’s guest enjoyed not only the view but also the good repast served by Rody’s old faithfuls. CAFA guests were Oni Mayo, Pearl Ortega, Dinky Einsiedel with Milou and Teena, Nore and Didi Lim, Francis RSantos, Alex Villaflor and Emi Mercado. Other guests include Ave and Marivic – Rodi’s friends visiting from New York. 

The ever present CAFA singing was evident. In the absence of the other NeoCafas, a new band spontaneously emerged. By this, I mean that new ‘members’ came to the rescue in the absence of the regular CAFASingers. Having listened to the CAFAs so many times, Didi and Francis knew the songs and thus they provided the melody line for the singing. With Alex, Dinky and Oni providing the harmony notes, a decent sound was actually produced! Drunk with the wine, filled with the food and relaxed by all the singing, the CAFAs finally ended up doing what they do best – chika! 

Of course the usual CAFA secret talk (with below the belt conjectures) regarding those absent was there. The long night ended with chikahan that was dominated by Emi to everyone’s amusement. I’m afraid there’s no way for me to properly describe what was said that had everyone in stitches.You just have to be there to enjoy – alam mo na.

See slide show for more photos.