A mansyon-ful of memories 

Dot Ramos Balasbas-Gancayco (The Philippine Star) - July 10, 2018 - 12:00am

MANILA Philippines — I spent my early childhood with my maternal grandmother in an antique house that was transported part by part from Ilocos to Kamuning, Quezon City. I could still picture the grand, chocolate-colored furniture dotted with crocheted doilies my grandma herself painstakingly made; hear the creaking sounds of the old wooden stairs; feel the smooth silky lines of the narra bannisters; and experience the blast of cold air as my lola opens the shell windows by the ornately-grilled window panes. Memories of living in our heritage house came flooding my mind like never before as I watched the one-night showing of Mansyon — an exquisite original Filipino musical with a golden cast, a lovely story, beautiful music and valuable lessons on promoting and preserving our heritage and culture as Filipinos. 

Aptly shown at the “deteriorating-but-needs-to-be-preserved” Abelardo Hall in my alma mater, the University of the Philippines, the story of Mansyon, Isang Musikal by Leon Mayo revolves around five central characters: the aging grandfather who was painfully dogged by what he should and could do with the much-treasured-but-about-to-be-foreclosed ancestral mansion which he wanted to pass on to his granddaughter; the young balikbayan granddaughter who desired an independent life in the US and was torn between following her heart and obeying her grandfather who insisted that she marry the son of a rich businessman to solve the family’s financial woes and eventually enable them to keep the family mansion; the old, trusted priest, who, because of his close ties with the family, was the perfect spiritual counselor for the clashing lolo and apo; the loyal family maid, who by a sudden twist of events, is revealed as an illegitimate heir; and the granddaughter’s boyfriend who, in spite of feeling unwelcome at first, stuck it out with her and provided the solution to the focal issue — what to do with the “much-loved-but-debt-ridden” ancestral house in the midst of a modernizing community that wanted to tear it down. 

Other supporting but vital characters were the rich businessman who wooed the lolo and apo for their strategically-located properties; his son who would have been the ideal bait to merge the two families; the two household helps who turned up to be having an amorous affair; and the ancestors’ ghosts who each had his/her own story to tell. 

Although there were many technical constraints, the actors were all extremely good and well-prepared for a one-night show. I did not expect the elaborate choreography, the meticulously-crafted sets, nor the remarkable musical arrangements. The use of ancient portraits coming to life was engaging as a technique for making the audience know the history of the family and effective as a tool for reinforcing and understanding the grandfather’s resolve to preserve the ancestral home. 

Ina Salonga, who played the granddaughter, awed me with her natural acting and pure crystal voice. She had fantastic chemistry with both her balikbayan boyfriend (played by Kevin Posadas whose fake American accent I loved) and the swaggering businessman-suitor (performed by Vien Allen King whose haughtiness and exaggerated narcissism the audience found endearing). These two men were my personal favorites because of their remarkable stage presence and impressive comedic acting. The apo’s mother played by Christine Joy Mangahis was enigmatic on stage. My eyes followed her all those very few times that her ghost popped out of the picture frame. The lolo (Brylle Mondejar) and the priest (Greg de Leon) acted well their difficult parts. Being the loyal maid was perfect for Melanie Dujunco. I only wish she was given more time to react to the life-altering and earth-shaking piece of news that she got near the end. 

The songs were beautiful and it is a wonder how such delightful music could have come out of the composer/writer Leon, who is neither a professional writer nor a trained musician, but a practicing architect. Kudos to musical director Lawrence Jatayna who, with his marvelous voice, I believe, should also be a member of the cast. Mansyon, after all, is a musical that requires excellent singers and not just good actors. 

Like many other heritage houses, my Lola’s house was demolished to give way to a modern building. Had we seen the MANSYON musicale then I’m quite sure that our family would have realized the heritage significance of the house which contained not only precious memories but history and culture as well. I for one would have fought tooth and nail to preserve it. 

It is this learning experience, educational value and historical ride from the true-to-life story of Mr. Mayo plus the excellent stage direction (by Ruth Alferez), outstanding cast, sets, music and choreography that I pray there will be a repeat, or better yet, a much longer run. A movie? Why not? All in all, I have to give this musicale a rating of 5 stars.

The Author Dot Gancayco (fourth from right) with her fellow officers in the Association of Congressional Chiefs of Staff. From left: Tuts Corral, Marvin Segura, Noreen Gonzaga and husband Lloyd Gonzaga, Eric Silva, Patrixia Santos, Mon Peralta and Kelly Savellano. The building in the background is known variously as the ‘Taj Mahal of Talisay,’ ‘Taj Mahal of Negros’ and ‘Taj Mahal of the Philippines’ . The Ruins is the remains of the ancestral home mansion of the family of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga Lacson. 

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/07/10/1832027/mansyon-ful-memories#8hIDu8U2K9DCm5sy.99

Nelson Rivera Show

Here under is the report of Sam on Nelson's NYC exhibit.  The slide photos are also from Sam.  Congratulations to Nelson from the CAFA community.


By Sam Santamaria 

Tau-nauin Photo Exhibit brings Nelson Rivera's friends out of the woodwork.

Nelson Rivera brought his secret passion to the fore in New York, exhibiting some 26 photos that chronicled his decades-long jaunts all over the Philippines. A pioneer photo enthusiast out of the UP College of Fine Arts (and a member of the CAFA Singers), he soon excelled as a photographer in the advertising and publishing fields, garnering several awards for his work and being invited to further his talent in London and Sydney photo studios. Coffeetable books also showcased his skill, including The History of Brewing, Philippine Dance, Philippine Fiesta, and Philippine Christmas: Art and Form. Unbeknownst to his wife Mitos, while doing his bread-and-butter assignments Nelson was also capturing precious and poignant scenes of Philippine life and culture. Traveling to different towns and provinces, he indulged in this guilty pleasure, as it were. These photos are part of his Tau-nauin exhibit. 

Now to the more serious side: 

Personages at Nelson's exhibit reception seemed to capture what singer Jim Croce crooned about in Time in a Bottle, albeit with bionic physiological enhancements. Tong and Sam exhibited sprightly movements with new cobalt chrome alloy knees, as well glistened in their youthful-looking coiffure courtesy of Clairol Just For Men. No more Joe Bush of old Manila days. Nelson, Tito Valbuena, and Rody Picar opted for the venerable look with their salt and pepper pompadours. Dinky, please refrain from calling it "white hair." Sounds like a disease. 

Elaine Robbins, worried about arriving fashionably late Manila style, sashayed in on time with her titanium hips. Noted Tong, the hips are not only working great, but twerking good as well. 

I wonder why Tito Valbuena keeps on working way past his official retirement age. With his Chesire grin, I know wife Lydia keeps him a happy man. I sense no little blue pills are involved whatsoever.

Fiel Zabat, as usual was in her cover girl mode while Wally Rodriguez seemed to be inching steadily toward the inevitable style: Pepito. Ang buhok nya ay pepito na lang. 

On to the younger set. Simone, 15-year-old granddaughter pride of the Salgados is a split pea image of Tong; and even without her mentioning - with Rita's charm and smarts. Don't read anything between these lines, Tong. Extremely likeable, humble, and very eligible Atty. Justin Lim should have parents Nore and DD screening potential daughters-in-law anytime soon, I presume. Not that I am suggesting anything. Nelson and Mitos came with their son and his wife, whose names escape my short-term memory bank. Jokes welcome here. 

Elaine asked about another CAFA reunion. Maybe she's offering her living room as a venue? No problem if she opens to us her Hamptons estate

See slide show for more photos.

One Woman Show

On Feb 11, Nore LIm's one woman show was launched in Altro Mondo Gallery. Altro Mondo is a prestigious art gallery in Greenbelt 5 Makati. They take in only 12 artists a year and Nore has the February slot. The exhibit will be held until Feb. 28. 

The prints were large pieces showcasing a range of the different eras of Nore's work. Her earlier gray toned 'lacework' series were there. Her newer output has brave bold colors and are refreshing to see. I understand from Nore that prospective buyers are making an appointment with her in the coming days. Nore was almost apologetic when she said that this time, the art pieces are relatively pricey since the art gallery requires a share of the sales. 

Nore's family was there in full force. Claire and Alex, Justin, Lyn and Rene were present in the prestigious event. I also spotted classical pianist Raul Sunico among the guests. Among the CAFA family guests were: Tong and Rita, Emi, Oni, Alex, Dero, Myrna, Titus and Bochi, (I'm sure I missed out on some more names since I came through Manila traffic and was late. If you will email me your names I can edit this blog anytime). 

Congratulations Nore and our best wishes on the outcome of the show. 

Bye y'all. 

Onimayo

See slide show for more photos.

February 2016 Activity

The Salgado's are back in Manila for their yearly jaunt there. February also happens to be the birthday month of Nore, Didi, Milu and Alex. Such an opportunity to celebrate was not to be missed by the Manila CAFAs. 

Pearl was an initiator of the event and thus was tasked to prepare and provide the menu. The party was held in Oni and Bili's residence in Greenmeadows, QC. The CAFA merrymakers were: Tong & Rita, Dinky and Milu, Pearl & Vic, Nore & Didi, Oni & Bili, Emi and Alex. Special guests were Ating Salgado and Francis Raquel Santos. 

The Filipino food fare was great. The age of the CAFAs showed when they couldn't finish all the food much less the Johnny Walker bottle. But before you think about wasted fare, the party culminated with many bringing home extra servings of their fancy. 

To top it off, Emi said she had a giant, raw pink Tilapia fish in her car. It was gift from a friend. She said she couldn't eat it all and so she offered most of it to the group. Indeed it was a giant fish, and really deliciously pink! Everyone took home a piece of it as well. I got one fish head which we ultimately made into delicious fish soup. 

Topics of conversation involved Nore's forthcoming art show, the similarity between Trump and Duterte, Philippine elections, etc. Surprisingly, there was not much chismis about the absentees in the party. The group is thus either slowing down (not combative anymore) or have matured into great philosophers.

Ciao for now.
Onimayo


See slide show for more photos.

CAFAs and the Play Mansyon

Last Tuesday evening, Oni and Bili hosted a bienvenida dinner of sorts at their house. The guest of honor were Nore and Didi who are helping their daughter resettle her family in Hongkong. The CAFAs who came on short notice to see the two were Alice (Jose), Emi and Alex. 

There were other guests however. To make the event more interesting (as well as to avail of a captured audience, heh heh), Oni simultaneously staged a reading of the script for his stage play project - a drama called "Mansyon". The idea was to elicit comments from the guests. Aside from the CAFAs the other guests were theater enthusiasts friends of Oni, sisters of Bili, young musicians (tasked to finalize the music score of the play) and young people who participated in the reading exercise. 

Emi with her theater background is of course the main influence in the implementation of the reading. She knew the English first version of the script and is now ready to critic this latest version.  This time the play dialogue is in Tagalog and more songs were added. While the reading was in raw form (done by amateurs using badly xeroxed material), the participants and the audience seemed to get 'into' the activity anyway.

After the show, constructive comments if not polite (?) comments from the guests were a-plenty. Alex for one was saying he would like to know the musical overture since this would set the mood for the play. I didn't think of that. Emy, Alex and Didi indicated which among the songs is their favorite. Alex advised Oni that the plays best number should be identified and promoted to create awareness for the show. (There are 13 songs in the play). 

The next step is to finalize the music score and the demo vocals for submission to prospective producers. Being an amateur playwright and composer, the whole venture is a learning process for me. Its still a long way to go and where I'm aware that this project may even fail to get produced (no matter what I do).   Be that as it may, I'm experiencing that - for this venture - the joy for me is really in the journey and which is fine with me if that's all it's gonna be. 

Onimayo

It is interesting to observe the success of "Heneral Luna" - an unexpected hit movie in Manila today. This was written 17 years ago but developed for the cinema only now.  Hope I do not have to wait that long for my play to see the light of day.  Heh heh. 

See slide show for more photos.

Saturday Night Fever!

Firstly, thank you to Bobby and Fe Bareiro for the passes to their SNF show. Emi, Cecille, Bernard, Alice, Didi, Francis, Alex, Bili and Oni watched the show at Solaire Theater last Saturday. With the timeless Bee Gees music, the professional acting and singing of the American main stars (from Broadway) and the 70s macho dancing by the troupe (joined by a local cast), the show did not disappoint. And yes Nore, one of the final songs was your favorite (How Deep is Your Love) which the hero and the heroine sang in sentimental duet. 

Right after the show, the energy was carried on by the CAFAs in the lush Solaire lobby. There the group had a heyday taking photo ops with the ad props and celebrities around. Bobby and Fe introduced the celebrities in the crowd to the CAFAs. These included the Director, the stage performers, media and notable show biz people who watched the show such as Aiza Sequerra, Nyoy Volante, Cris Villonco and others. 

The Philippines is the first venue for the show. The SNF show is actually a production of Bobby and Fe that is going to do a round of the Asia Pacific region for several more months I heard. This is the reason that the stage set was ordered from abroad. In order to do the other countries, the sets have to be in dismantable (prefab) form for shipping out. 

The matinee show ended at around 4:30PM. But that was not the end of the day for the CAFAs who still assembled at the food court for coffee and sweets. There they recalled details of the entertaining show and badgered Fe with unsolicited tips on how to improve the show further. The final show in the Philippines for SNF is the next day, Sunday, where Dero, Pearl and other CAFAs are expected to go to the matinee show. 

Til the next production.

See slide show for more photos.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!

Bobby and Fe Bareiro have a new production at the theatre in Solaire. It's "Saturday Night Fever" and the CAFAs are all invited. Complimentary (free) tickets are available for those who will signify that they are going, but Fe will need to know soon. 

Fe recommends that we go as a group so that she can get us the best seats and para masaya! The playdates are July 24, 25 and 26 but the 3PM Matinee show on July 25 Saturday is suggested. 

Emy is OK. Oni and Bili are OK. Please advise me or Fe directly if you can make it (middle of this week at the latest). Oni's number: 09178910722. Fe's number: 09479946678. 

Nore and Rody, are you in town? 

Onimayo

CAFASinger's Non-Concert 2016

Hello Guys, 

Not without a tinge of disappointment, I would like to inform you that we have shelved our idea for a CAFASinger concert in 2016. The production details in the plan were not coming together as expected and time for the preparation is going fast.  As the organization of the show was being initiated by the proponents, just too many uncertainties arose in the requirement for the musical component of the show.  

The major proponents of the project are CAFA Fine Arts alumni who had faith in the ability and market draw still of the CAFASingers.  In behalf of the CAFASingers, I would like to thank Pearl, Fe and the Fine Arts organization for their their bold vision and zeal in initiating the project. Likewise kudos to all other CAFAs (we know them) who particularly helped nurture and promote the idea of a concert project. This includes overseas CAFAs Alice, Bess, Nore and Eileen who inspired by expressing their early commitment and support. 

In the end, the main issue was technical.  For the concert to be memorable and worthy, the unique CAFASinger sound was perceived as crucial to provide. Dero, Dinky and Oni worked to look into options and solutions on how to bring this about at this time but in the end it was deemed better to forego.  In writing this report, I was coming out of a resigned state that  I had thought of captioning this Blog “the day the music died”. But I changed my outlook after Alice wrote to me, “music brought the CAFAs together, and thus CAFA future reunions will never have want for music”. 

She's right.  We will make music together again somehow.  Adieu for now and always keep singing even if it’s only karaoke time with family or even alone in the bath!  Mabuhay!

Onimayo

Bobby & Babee 30 years!

On May 3, Sunday, Babee & Bobby Bareiro renewed their nuptial vows at scenic Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City.  The event celebrated their 30^th year of marriage. Their relatives, friends and business associates participated in the lavish affair.

It was a night of joy and music.  Bea and Kitkat, Babee’s two articulate daughters, showcased an emotionally moving video where they expressed their love for their parents.  Ate Nieva from CAFA days (Babee's sister, remember?) remains her exuberant self and who touched based with the CAFAsingers who once practiced their singing in her home in QC when the group was starting out.  The other guests included high profile show biz celebrities and professional talents who were ever involved with Babee and Bobby’s promotional projects through the years.

In her speech on stage, Babee confessed that for some reason, the CAFAs were not present in her original wedding some 30 years ago and that she is happy they came this time.  The CAFAs let her know that they remembered this ‘afront’ and they made her feel it with their “It’s about time” mock poise.  The CAFAs were: Cynthia, Emi, Dero, Dinky, Alex, Cecille, Pearl and Vic, Eddie and Alice and Oni and Bili.

The venue was fabulous.  The bridal gown was fastidious.  The food was delicious.  The entertainment was stupendous.  The CAFAs had a memorable night and is grateful to Babee for yet another opportunity to get together. Topping the exhilirating experience for the CAFAs is witnessing the love that Babee and Bobby visibly displayed for each other as a family unit and specifically seeing Babee so happy.

A salute from the CAFAs:  To Bobby and Babee, may you have many more joyful and happy years to come.  Cheers!   

See slide show for more photos.

CAFASinger Concert 2016

Bulletin 1

Hi CAFAs!  It’s me again and here’s the latest re our concert project!

I’d like to advise you that the project core group has been working on firming up the preconditions for officially launching the CAFA’s concert project. Since the initial meeting last March between Menchu Pascual of the FA Board and the CAFA core group, the next steps for furthering the show project are currently in the works.

Dinky composed the letter notice for delivery to concerned UP institutions (who will be involved in the project). Pearl is conducting liason activities with the officials of these institutions and working with Fe on sponsorship prospects. Oni and Dero are concentrating on assembling the appropriate music for the show.

Last Monday, Dero, Dinky and Oni met to specifically discuss the production requirement of the show itself. As of today, the CAFASingers who have definitely expressed their participation on Feb 2016 in the concert are: Alice, Bess, Dero, Dinky, Alex, and Oni.  Rody at one time has expressed that he is okay with the project (For some reason, he has been incommunicado recently. Rody, are you still in Phl?) We are waiting to hear positively from Tong, Romy, Ely, Sarah, Rudy, Hector and Sammy.

The reasons why our full group is ideal to have in the show are:
 1) Per Dero, the image of the CAFASingers is that it is a large group. (It is more a choir than a quintet or a large band);
2) the precision pop harmonics resulting from many voices (the altos, the tenors and especially the basses) produce that depth of sound and melodiosity unique to CAFASingers; and
3) the CAFASingers is a brotherhood of old souls whose members are most strong, confident and happy when complete and performing together.

For this concert, it is understood that rehearsals for our old songs will be necessary. Time is passing and it is now only ten months to February. We in the core group are confident that the musical digital distance-learning kit to be prepared for the singers will be effective. Dero will be working with the musical arranger in keeping the voices as close to the original as possible. Have faith!

Before closing this Bulletin, we would like to thank Eileen,Nore, Emy and Bili for announcing their support to the concert early on. Guys, we'd also like to hear from our Email group (Lina, Ben, Mina, Dina, Gail, Alma, Cecille, etc).  Save the date in February 2016! In the next Bulletin I hope to advise everyone on the rationale of the project for the proponents, the sponsors, the market and mostly the CAFAs.

By the way, do send in your suggestions on the 60s songs we should be taking on for the show.   In addition to our full song standards, we are thinking of a medley for a Bosa set, a folk set and a pop set.

Til next time.

Onimayo

CAFASinger Concert 2016

Hello CAFAs!  Just this month, a group of Manila CAFAs met up to look at the possibility of a major CAFASingers concert project. This CAFA group (Pearl, Nore, Dero, Dinky and Oni) has become the core team spearheading the project.  The project is an idea for the UP and the UPAA board to support.  It would be a fund raising effort for the College of Fine Arts and also for the College of Architecture.  As we know, the current buildings of these two colleges remain in an unfinished state.

Pearl (Kapunan) Ortega introduced the core group today to her friend Menchu (UP Fine Arts alum and the wife of the current UP President Fred Pascual).  It seems that Menchu and hubby Fred are music lovers who would support a fund raising concert idea.  This is not the first time for such a concert though.  Some years back, the NeoCAFA’s concert at Mandarin Hotel (initiated by Nore and which was well attended despite the steep ticket price) was also for the benefit of the college of Fine Arts.

The initial site for the concert was deemed to be in one of UP Diliman campus' auditoriums.  This was advantageous from the point of view of financial planning (there is a subsidized venue). From out of the meeting with Menchu however, there is a building with a modern auditorium in the Fort that is currently under construction which could be use for the purpose. The building is going to be a graduate school campus of UP Diliman.  The lower 3 floors of the building is already constructed (the auditorium is in the second floor) and whereby the project will be completed in January 2016.

On the matter of the stage show, the CAFASingers shall sing CAFA standard songs in a version that would be as close to the CAFASinger 60s-70s sound as much as possible.  The original song version is good for audience recall (specially the baby boomer audience).  More so, the old harmonies are ingrained in the CAFASingers' memories and which will make it easier for them to rehearse.

Initially, the hurdles to overcome for the CAFAs are: 

1) the availability of the overseas CAFASingers for the set dates; and

2) the process of distant rehearsals for the US-based singers. The tentative concert date is February 2016 when Manila weather is cool.

We hope that most of the US CAFAs can make a “late Christmas season” visit to the Philippines then. For ‘re-learning’ our original CAFA music, we are applying technology.  The prospective musical director has an MP3 system for following song notes. (Dero is Show Consultant who will focus on the music issue).  Once the harmony notes are ‘clean’ again for the singers, then it is just a matter of embellishing the songs with musical expression, style harmonics and perhaps a little choreography (Emi will be Show Consultant for Stage). The latter concerns can be addressed if the CAFASingers can be in Manila for rehearsals at least one week before the concert dates.

Specially if the prospects continue to improve, we will send out more bulletins about this project in the future.  What is good to know is that our Manila CAFASingers, CAFA Alumni (mainly the group of Fe, Emy, Alice, Cynthia, Tina, etc.) and specially the UPFA college (through Menchu) are positive and supportive with the project. The core group is now writing up the project details for presentation to UP and the UPAA.  

We understand that some of the US CAFASingers may have their 2016 vacation plans conjured already.  However, this concert when it happens, is still about a year away. We are hoping that maybe, adjustments can still be made by those who are mulling other plans.  CAFAs, your early comments and suggestions (hopefully a commitment and not regrets) will be appreciated.  The more complete our voices and faces, the better!

Best regards,

Onimayo

Fe's Place

Just before Tong and Rita were slated to return to America, a CAFA despedida party was held at Fe Bareiro's house.  The party scheduling was quite a feat since some CAFA's had committed to out-of-town missions ( Oni was to go to Samar, and Dinky had to go to Silay). It was not completely timely for all since Nore had to already leave already for Singapore).

The party was held in Fe's grand house (art masterpieces hanging on many walls of the house, several sitting places for visitors, a grand piano, and a swimming pool and party area in the large yard.  This is not to talk about the many karaoke systems in the den.  The karaoke machines had not been used in a while that Fe and her maids had forgotten how the system run! But that didn't stop the singing as the CAFAs headed for the music den after dinner.

But that's getting ahead of the story.  Dinner was held at poolside where the CAFAs had their usual witty, if not snide oral interchanges.  Kawawa na naman ang absent.  The food was great and this time, there's only one pancit dish (brought by Cecille).  In the middle of the dinner, Bobby (Fe's hubby) arrived home from work and joined the group.  Rody brought along his friend Rupert, a balikbayan (see photo above with Cecille . .that's a Zalameda on the far wall).  The CAFAs who came to the party were:  Tong and Rita, Dinki and Milu, Oni and Bili, Vic and Pearl,  Cecil, Emi, Alex, Rodi and Dero.

As mentioned in my Email earlier, the group purposely discussed the next grand CAFA reunion.  Top of the list is a Philippine Reunion sometime in January or February next year. For this reunion, the possibilities are:  a special CAFA musicale show, city tours (malls, heritage, etc.), local tours (Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, etc.) and just plain hanging out with eccentric CAFA guys.  Dero, Oni and Dinki are all for the CAFA musical show.  An interesting option would be an Asian Cruise (Japan-Korea-China?).  Ideas on the reuinion are most welcome.  Let's throw the idea around in the Email and build it up.  If this will be early next year, we need to come to terms by June at the latest.  Hala Bira!

Psst.  Sorry for the minimal pictures.  Those who took some are requested to send it to Oni so that he can make a slide show of these and append it to this Blog.

Despedida for Bess ATBP

Bess Despedida
Da Bess Silva came to town for a visit and she just gave the CAFAs a one day window to set up a reunion for her.  She was in touched with Rita . . who called Oni . . who in turn advised the CAFA group about the despedida.  And thus, another party!  Those who came were:  Tong and Rita, Pearl and Vic, Oni and Bili, Dinky and Milu, Nore, Rodi, Emi and Fe.  They brought the menu fare for the night which due to the rush organization resulted in 4 types of pancit!

From the start of the party early on at 5PM, it was one continuous banter and merry making. i.e. Food and wine flowing freely.  Kodakan.  Singing of CAFASingers trademark songs. Group discussions.  special discussions (see photo of Emi and Alex for example ).   More Kodakan.  Piano playing (I was agaped - Fe is a pianist who can really read notes!).  Naughty songs (Gusto kong maging . . lastiko!).   Bess providing her alto for the melody line of the Tennessee Babe song.  Tong singing Sound of Silence anew. Republicans versus Democrats issues.  PNoy things. The next CAFA grand reunion (cruise?).  Lots more.

Those who gave notice that they will not come to the despedida were: Hector, Dero and Sam (for Sandy). Although they had valid reasons for not making it, the unforgiving CAFA group feels 'let down'. Hence, these guys initially took the brunt of the sniping and backbiting.   And then Bess' family (daughters and apo) came.  Heading the group was Bess' chill 90 year old Aunt who came in shorts!  (the group came from somewhere and were fetching Bess to go home)

It was close to midnight when the group finally called it a day. Everyone had an enjoyable time that led to more reunions being scheduled.  On February 16 a despedida-karaoke of sorts will be hosted by Fe for Tong and Rita (leaving for their US home shortly after that).  Be sure to bring your M1s for this one.

UP Fund Raising Art Exhibit
Last February 2, Oni and Nor attended an art exhibit at UP Diliman.  Pearl and Vic Ortega were also there at the exhibit.  The exhibitors were 2 senior artists and 2 younger artist with vastly different styles. The raised funds will go towards upgrading the UP Fine Arts building facilities.   It was good to rub elbows with national artists BenCab and Araceli Dans.  After the ribbon cutting, Vic and Oni headed for the tables in the far yard. There the waiters freely served cocktail food and drinks. Good art.  Interesting personalities.  UP colleagues.  Free food.  What more can one ask for?





See slide show for more photos.

The Big Seven

The CAFAs came out in force to see Oni off at the start of the new decade in his life. The Balikbayans were  Tong and Rits, Rodi and Nore.  Old reliables present were Emi, Pearl, Baby, Alex, Hector, Dero, and the trio of Dinky-Milou-Teena.  Extension CAFA members Francis, Titus and Botchi were there too.  The other guests were Oni's family and classmate friends from high school and grad school.

Attending to the many guests, Oni was not able to listen much to the CAFA talk.  But from their guffaws, Oni surmise that they were making interesting (uncharitable?) commentaries about  CAFA absentees.  It's a good thing that the small musical program started right after dinner, otherwise the sniping might have continued unabated.

Oni had planned for a small musical program for the guests.  It was the kind of program where selected talents from among the guests were the performers themselves.  Alex Salva (Neo pianist) was there to make the "unplugged" performance happen.  Oni's grad school classmate Noni Dolera had the Diomedes Maturan sound when he dished out "Ako Ay  Nandito" (Oni's original composition).  Tachi Billano from Oni's Christ the King Music Ministry had everyone agape with her classy rendition (theater musical quality) of two other original songs.

The program actually started with a blast when Da Dero took over the 'stage' for the opening number.  He surprised everyone with a medley of his past jingles which he sang with gusto.  Ultimately he called the CAFASingers in to provide the singing for an M1 medley of CAFASinger standard songs.  Mind you, this was all unrehearsed.  Da Dero seemed to enjoy and had to be "dragged" away from the stage by Titus since their Rockin' 60s group had sets to do at Chef & Brewer.  They were already 20 minutes late for that!

After the rehearsed songs by Noni and Tachi, it was "open mic" time and Alex Salva had his hands full accompanying next singers who were remiss in the accuracy of their lyrics and tempo.  It was good to see that most of the audience stayed on to listen even to unrehearsed music.

The CAFAs talked about old times again.  (Hindi na nagsawa).  As Baby said, she is a masochist by remaining a loyal CAFASinger fan despite the fact that she is made to listen to only 4 standard songs every time the CAFASingers performed.  Tong was not spared by Baby who teasingly called him "Mr. Sound of Silence". Tong was defensive and said that he knew other songs but that this song is for a duet.  He apologized for his duet partner Ely who he said unfortunately knew only that song.

The CAFAs also contrived another inane game again that night.  It was called "matira ang matibay".  This means that nobody makes a move to leave the party!  Seated around one of the big tables the CAFAs continued their merry making ways drinking coffee and picking on cakes.  By 1:30AM Oni observed that the caterers were beginning to surround the table.  They were waiting for the CAFAs to vacate their table so that they can take it and leave.  It was only then that the party ended.

Oh, well.  That's one birthday bash Oni will never forget.















See slide show for more photos.

Late Thanksgiving / Early Christmas Party

The CAFAs had another get together recently. Tong and Rita are in town and that wasn't going to get by the sentimental CAFAs without a party. The activity was held in Oni's house in Greenmeadows.  The pot luck set up saw an overflowing of fine meriendacena food and drinks. 

Those who came for the occasion are: Fe and Bobby Bareiro, Pearl and Vic Ortega, and Rita and Tong (of course lang). And then the singles were NeoCafas Dero, Alex, Dinky and Oni. (Milu is in Silay and Bili is in NY). Emi said she would come but she got stuck in her own family party. 

The merienda talk ranged from politics to geriatric diseases to life lessons. Surprisingly, there was not much CAFA bashing concerning those who were not in the party - there were so much other better things to discuss (or bash). Alex exposed to the group a stage play project that Oni is working on. That was fodder for "whazzup" questions which put Oni in the hot seat to face the critical CAFAs. Oni tried to 'obfuscate' the situation by explaining the nuances of the project through 'inchoate' means. It wasn't enough smokescreen to elude the bashing. (Emi, your support would have come in handy, heh heh). 

Dero was the sage who gave good advise. He said that at this stage, we should really make it a point to document any good ideas we have and share these with the world. Oni agrees. Because of Senior moments, Oni forgets at times details of the play script and music that he himself created . For instance, Tong's suggested a change in the story timeline (from 3 years to 5 years) which added to Oni's confusion since the suggestion does make sense. Am I making sense?

IMPROMPTU CAFA REUNION

Kincaid's, Jack London Square, Oakland, California

Sept. 13, 2014 

It had to take Bess to make the impromptu reunion to happen! 

She came to San Francisco with Eddie (who had some business to attend to), thinking that the CAFA mini-reunion was on Sept. 13. She didn't know that it had been moved to Sept. 20 because Ben's son was celebrating his birthday of the 13th and the father and son had planned to spend the day together. Since Bess and Eddie had to be back in LA by Sunday, the only time we could all get together was late afternoon of Sept. 13. 

So, there we were -- Bess and Eddie, Ben and Tess, Mynna and Dynn, Alice, Milou, Teena and I -- at Kincaid's, a classy resto beside what looked like a yatch club at the Jack London Square in Oakland, having dinner and enjoying each other's company! Bess and Eddie drove 5 hours from LA Friday night, Mynna and Dynn drove from Sacramento 2 hours and picked up Ben and Tess along the way, Alice took the BART from Union City, while Milou, Teena and I came from our son-in-law's parents' place in Vallejo which was about 40 minutes away. 

Typically CAFA, it didn't take much to convince everyone to change whatever plans each one had already made, and come to the impromptu reunion! It had to be done in Oakland because traffic into San Francisco on a Saturday evening is just as bad as traffic on EDSA on a Friday night . . . even without the flooded streets! Ben chose the resto, Kincaid's, which had a wide choice of seafood dishes. We had calamare for starters. Clam chowder and shrimp bisque were the soups of choice. For the entree, some ordered steak, some had crab. Everything we ordered had fancy names! And, of course, we had good California white wine to go with the meal, although Dynn found it too sweet (but drank it anyway)! 

But it wasn't so much the food, but rather the company that we enjoyed. It was great to spend time with Dynn, Ben and Tess, Bess and Eddie and Alice whom we had not seen since Pala Mesa in 2012. Mynna we saw when she came to Manila and joined the trip to Silay and Iloilo in 2013. But like always, it seemed like we had not seen each other for a very long time! We, of course, talked about the people who were not present! Somehow, the topic of conversation kept on going back to who were grandparents already, or how many grandchildren does each of us have. Dynn surprised us that her eldest grandchild is already first year college. And Alice was even more surprising when she announced she'll be a great-grandmother in January! 

Before we all parted ways, Alice asked where and when the next grand reunion will be. No one could give an answer but someone (I think it was Bess) who asked "Isn't it going to be in Manila?" Bess also said she'll be going to Cagayan de Oro in January for her grandmother's 90th birthday. Mynna also mentioned she'll be in Manila in February. There will be a period in early February when both Bess and Mynna will be there. In true CAFA spirit, that sounds like a good reason for another reunion! 

By the way, Alice, Bess, Ben and Mynna took a lot of photos and hopefully will post these for everyone to see. Alice and Bess sent me some of the photos they took last night on my disposable celfone. I tried to text them to acknowledge receiving it but I can't figure out how to turn off the "predictive text" on the phone! I know Americans are good at many things, but I don't understand why they have predictive text!

Cheers!

Dinky


See slide show for more photos.

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.

CAFA 2014 Starter

Last Tuesday, CAFAs got together to celebrate Oni’s birthday and to greet balikbayans Rodi and Nore.  Upon arriving, Emi immediately inquired about Oni’s age but didn’t get a serious answer.  Finding out what Oni's age really is, the audacious Emi declared that it’s her favorite number (take it from there, guys).  Prior to the party, Rodi was tour guide to Howi (who had left for home) and so they were in La Union and Palawan a few days before the party.  Meanwhile Nore arrived from Singapore just that afternoon. 

For the record, CAFAs Pearl and Vic O, Emi M, Cecille A, Rodi P, Dero P, Alex V and Nore L were present and accounted for.  CAFA friends Titus and Botchi S  were also there to  join in the revelry.  Piano music was provided by Alex Salva, the NeoCAFA’s new musical director.  Fe B initially said she was coming but begged off since her visiting sister from Australia suddenly needed medical attention.  NeoCAFAs Dinky E (in Silay) and Hector L (committed) were not able to attend due to previous commitments.  The CAFA group stayed on past the midnight hour especially after Pearl insisted that the traditional birthday cake ritual be observed.  To those who brought gifts (birthday cake, chocolates, signature postcards, the limerick book, the gourmet hot sauce, wine, etc.) - my sincere thanks.    

The party was actually shared between Oni’s CAFA (College) and Ayayay (Gradschool) groups.  Both groups reportedly enjoyed the evening although it was observed that the Ayayays were semi-serious and modulated while the CAFAs were exhuberant and expressive (loud?).  Also, while the Ayayay hesitated to go forward and sing (since they were not prepared to do that), the CAFAs were bold and engaging (shameless?).  It was quite a novel and amusing combination . It is hoped that more CAFA happy reunions will be slated this year.  We’d like to hear from Bess C,  Tito V and Sam S – are you guys coming over this year or not?


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Gerry and Jojo R just came in from the USA and missed the Oni's party by one day.  It is one of their rare visits to the Philippines and the CAFAs got together with them at Comida China restaurant on Sunday. I understand that Gerry will be attending his HS Golden celebration.  The CAFAs who came to the resto to greet Gerry and Jo were:  Dinky and Milou, Vic and Pearl, Oni  and Bili, Rodi and Dero.    

See slide show for more photos.