THE NEO'S MUSIC MUSEUM SHOW

Coming off from a successful CAFA reunion show at 7th Note last Sept 27, the Neos followed it up by participating in the successful fund raiser of the UP Centenial group (this time at Music Museum Auditorium in Greenhills). Apart from the NEOcafas who took the finale numbers for the show, the cast at Music Museum included an all UP cast including ex-Butterfly singers (folk songs, protest songs, 60s type), stage pro Bituin Escalante (daughter of Butterfly mainstay Gigi), award winning composer Dero Pedero and the Area One Band (Beatles sound led by talented John Lesaca ). The NEOs found it a thrill to do Music Museum if only for the fine accoustics of the auditorium. CAFA loyalists Nore Lim and Bili Mayo were present in the audience. Bili commented later: "At last, here's a show where I actually heard all of the NEOs vaunted 4-part harmony!"

The interesting thing about the show was that there were no real rehearsals for it. It was assumed that everyone was a pro and where the performers came through inclusive of the spiels that they had to deliver as required under the program. The usual sound checks and run throughs were done just a few hours before the show. The only sign of panic from the NEOs (if you may call it that) is the fact that the promised professional make-up artist was not there to the consternation of Irene. Meanwhile, the Dero was in his element as he made a song-and-dance of Neil Sedaka numbers in his bedazzling sequinned vest (shades of Liberace or should I say, Kuya Germs!). After his songs, Dero joined the NEOs this time for the finale numbers.











It was a lot of fun mixing it up with the other performers and the organizers during the token rehearsal, backstage while the performance was ongoing, and even after the show as well-wishers stopped performers in their tracks if only to chat. The organizers outdid themselves with a fascinating mix of performers that had the mainly UP crowd hopping and dancing on the aisle and outside their seats by the time the hot Area One Band came on in the middle of the program. UP alumni (distinguished politicians, lawyers, etc.), family and friends were into it up to the finale Aquarius number that never seemed to end. Singing Monday Monday and the other songs on stage, I hope I did not come on as agape while performing on stage since I observed many in the audience (some of them surprisingly young people) mouthing complete song lyrics in sync with the performing NEOs! Needless to say, it was high activity that night for everyone.

Guys, the NEOs are in their element and are now really hot to hook up with the CAFAsingers again for the proposed NY gig soon!

OROSA HOUSE EXHIBIT

Last Sunday, the Orosa Ancestral house (Nore's family house in Taal) became the site of the Satelite Museum project of the Metropolitan Museum. The exhibit mainly consisted of Nore's unique 'embroidery' series prints befitting of the the Taal setting. According to the Metropolitan Museum officials, this project in Taal is one of several Satelite such sites all over the country. The project seeks to raise awareness of Filipino art and customs. It is understood that the project is designed to exhibit the works of Fernando Amorsolo in tandem with other notable artists (such as Nore Lim in the case of Taal.

During the successful inauguration, many guests from Manila came to enjoy the exhibit and the wonderful Skyline merienda. Among the prominents guests were a daughter of Fernando Amorsolo himself, the director of the Metropolitan Museum and Taal town politicians and representatives of bueno familias there. Of course, the CAFA was well represented during the inauguration by the likes of Pearl and Otegs, Cecille, Myrna and her husband, and Oni and Bili.

The exhibit project is open to the public and will endure up to December for those who may be planning to visit Batangas soon. As usual, the formidable Nore RS Lim was the gracious host (ably supported by siblings Lynn and Francis and of course, hubby Didi) who breezed through the formalities required in her usual effective and engaging way. Congrats once again, Nore!

SO HAPPY TOGETHER

At last the CAFA's 2008 milestone reunion show was done! The 120 seat venue was the site of 150 sold tickets. Needless to say, the place was jampacked. The performers had to give up any fancy idea of going down to the audience since chairs on the floor were back-to-back (in reality lang). The CAFAs were as vibrant as ever and did they rock the venue! They rocked so enthusiastically that Pilita, Leah Navarro, Boy Camara, Titus Santiago and others in the audience just got caught up in the feeling and joined in. I'd like to express my thanks to all the backroom and support work done by Fe, Rita, Cecille, Nore and Bess' daughters. Without them, it would have been chaos. What I have are a few pictures to show you. We will let the forthcoming DVD speak for itself.

The audience reception at the concert was a delight. After the show, a full 2-1/2 hours of it, I was approached by people clamoring for more. "Bitin' daw. This was despite the fact that Dero kept ribbing them about the deal they're already getting compared to the ridiculously low ticket price. Imagine, for P300 there's a free drink and raffle to boot! The last word of advice was from our co-Senior Titus Santiago. He said "Oni, it was a wonderful concert. You and the CAFAs should keep it up. Continue to sing while you still have the voices!" I agree. Of course, the joints could go even before the voice, you know.

The other forthcoming pictures in the next 'send' are from the CAFA events during the reunion week. Sorry for the sparse description of happenings but I'm still groggy from last night's concert. I'm just gathering myself now for the despedida party at Rody's house in Bel Air in a few hours. At this point I would like to relay news from our Harvey. Much as she'd like to, Harvey was unable to go the concert at the last minute. Her brother turned very ill and prayers are requested.