Milford, Pennsylvania

On a sunny Saturday in October, CAFAs in the East Coast proceeded to Pennsylvania upon the invitation of Rody and Howie. Rody and Howie own a vacation cottage in the Milford countryside which was interesting for the CAFAs to visit and experience. The two owners left earlier in the day to prepare for the arrival of the group. Didi, Nore, Bili and Oni traveled together from Manhattan. Tong and Rita came from Rockland. Romy, Rory, Rudy and Cindy drove from Connecticut. 

The day consisted of a tour of quaint Middletown (the nearby village); chit chat (finally more time now to talk about the reunion absentees); and great food (adobo; fried chicken; relyenong bangus; fresh bread; and lime, blueberry and apple pies). The excursion culminated in CAFA singing of CAFA standards (to the captured audience) this time including Rody (who missed the Milwaukee reunion). 

The 85 year old cottage is located in a rustic 1.5 acre rural setting. It is a refreshing hide away that displayed the deft interior touch of Rody. A large part of the backyard was fenced in (it specifically served as the weekend romping ground for a pet dog that recently died to the grief of Rody and Howie). Today, the cottage is on the verge of being sold. The CAFAs are lucky to visit it before that.

See slide show for more photos.

WACKY IN MILWAUKEE!

The CAFAs great reunion tradition continues. Starting from the get together at Hilton Head in 1995, the Milwaukee reunion is the fifth of a series for the CAFAs. At the week beginning of October - the start of scenic Fall - more than two dozen CAFA alumni and their relations congregated in the American Midwest city of Milwaukee.

The gallant host in Milwaukee was Gerry ‘Idol’ Ramos. (Many kilos ago, he may have been an idol). Gerry was not alone in the organizational effort.  He had help from CAFASingers in the area.  The guys without whose support the reunion would not be viable were Ely Tuason (from Plano) and Rudy Rivera (from Woodbridge). Gerry, Rudy and Ely certainly outdid themselves in making the affair worth it for the CAFAs. 

Starting out with an Architectural river cruise of Chicago, the first day culminated with a big party at Gerry’s house in Milwaukee. (Yes, it was Gerry’s birthday celebration that was held in his back yard garden). The rest of the week included seafood lunch at Milwaukee’s rustic Public Market place (it was so good, that the group did it twice in the week).  From the Public Market, the CAFAs viewed the city’s industrial design exhibit (partly organized by Ryan, Gerry’s talented son).

Then there were:  outlet shopping; tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Johnson building complex in Racine; tour of the Calatrava-designed city museum; an evening with Filipino food and band show (Pampanga Express Resto) in Waukegan; Golf for the Tiger Wood wannabe’s in Milwaukee; and finally the reunion’s grand event at the Philippine Community Center. 

Gerry is proud of the Philippine Community Center building. He was mainly responsible for finding the site and overseeing the building reconstruction some years back. The facilities of the Center suited the requirement of the CAFAs final evening affair event. Being professional caterers, Rudy and Cindy took over the kitchen for that night. I did not have the opportunity to visit their Sebu Restaurant in Chicago when it was still operating, but now I know why it was so successful for many years. Efficiently, by themselves, Rudy and Cindy arrayed their silver-and-crystal like dinner setting and tasty dishes for the group to sample.

Guests to the event included the large Ramos family. The new faces were Gerry and Agnes Salvo who came all the way from neighboring Madison. (The week before the reunion, Bili and Oni were in Madison enjoying the hospitality of Gerry and Agnes. Agnes is Bili’s school chum from STC in Quezon City). Another special guest is Margaret Denk, the friend of Eileen. (Margaret is a retired TV producer who lives in Chicago.)  Not really guests, but noteworthy to mention are the young generation who came with their CAFA parents (Tina Einsiedel and Enrique Tuason). 

The event had typical CAFA socializing. One joke from Dinky - Question: What do you call the female genitalia of a ghost? Answer: Spooky. As usual, they also talked about the 'dark' secrets of those who were unable to join the reunion.  For Cecile (recuperating in Iloilo), Alma (family obligations), Sarah (vacation schedule conflict), Ben (surprise na lang), Mina (jury duty), Sam (knee replacement), Emi (transferring houses), Hector (ill mother-in-law) and Tito (I'll see), we missed you guys. But in line with tradition, we talked about you. (Don't worry, your secrets are safe with us, but you realize that urban legend grows the more it is talked about.  Sam, your legend grows. heh heh)

The singing (Joey "Elvis", Rudy and Alice)and dancing (Didi and Lina) days before the grand event with the Pampango Resto band was a preview of things to come.  For the grand event, the group was really all primed up.  Providing the music were Gerry’s talented daughters (Camille and Carrissa), Alice and Bess, Gerry Salvo, Tong, Cindy and of course the CAFASingers. A surprise was the magic act of Gerry’s son-in-law, an aspiring magician. The night culminated with a raffle. The prizes were contributed by the CAFAs and included a Lenore Lim art work that Alice won. A raffle of sorts that everyone won was the Reunion Tee Shirt compliments of the generous Ely. 

Summarily, it was an enjoyable full week for the CAFAs. Lest we forget, other people to thank are the better halves of the organizers, Jojo, Cindy and Ariane.  These ladies were seen mightily balancing the requirements of their homes while assisting their husbands in the reunion affair.  (As Tong said, the men attend to the policies, while the women implement.)  Another group to thank are the “Hassan’s” (car pool drivers) without whom the group would not be mobile. These guys were: Ely; Ariane; Didi; Rudy; Joey Abalos; Romy; Bess and Margaret. 

Til the next CAFA reunion, hasta la vista, amigos y amigas. I understand that three places are in contention for the next reunion: the Philippines; Salt Lake City; and the East Coast. We should talk about that soon. This time please schedule your hip, knee and other replacements already so everyone can come to be counted! This call is especially directed to Fe, Alex, Pearl and Dero who have given no reasons not to attend.  Hala.

See slide show for more photos.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Didi and Nore were leaving for the States the next day so a small dinner party with their neighborhood pals (in Ortigas) was held in Oni's house. It was Part 2 of the dinner held last time at the Grove (Nore's pad) since it was Titus and Botchi (Santiago) and Oni and Bili who were there again. Francis Raquel Santos joined the group this time. 

The party was hastily put together and was not a prolonged one since Didi and Nore still had to finish their packing. Nevertheless, the interesting dinner topics were endless which augurs well for a Part 3 dinner when Didi and Nore comes back. I would say that the most hilarious stories were those about Didi's escapades (from US East Coast to Manila). If you will observe the attire of Titus and Botchi, during the party, that should give you an example of signature brand clothing.  Titus as you know is a garments buyer who goes to China several times a year. His description of kilometer long super warehouses in China is interesting to hear.  

For sure, we will pick up on these stories come October in Milwaukee. Bon voyage to the globetrotters Didi and Nore.


See slide show for more photos.

CAFA Manila Happenings

The Didi & Nore Show 

Last Sunday I got a call from Nore. She and Didi just arrived again from Singapore. The couple hosted a sudden dinner party at their pad in The Grove - that high-end condo in the Ortigas area. 

Present at the party were two couples who live in the neighborhood - Titus and Botchi Santiago and Oni and Bili Mayo. Titus is of course the founder of the Rocking 60s band. The band is currently undergoing a reorg. Titus is working towards developing a new repertoire with new members. The way it's going, Oni teased Titus that the Rocking 60s may now be Rocking 70s. 

The three couples couldn't get enough of chika. The hot topics ranged from intrigues within the Rocking 60s members, to political issues, to President PNoy's accomplishments. The group was so engrossed with the good food and conversation that the party lasted beyond m

idnight. I told Titus that this is the situation when CAFAs get together in reunions.

The Dionne Warwick Show 

The legendary Dionne Warwick visited Manila for a one night show in Araneta Coliseum. Bili and Oni attended the show. DW was generally OK but was very sparing with her numbers. Anyway, her front act (Pavales?) made up for it with their great Motown sound. It took a while before Dionne could reach her high notes. Her short gray streaked haircut and the lines on her face caused one observer to ask whether it was Nelson Mandela on stage. heh heh. Nevertheless, the crowd loved her and sang out loud with her over strains of classics like San Jose, Alfie, You See This Guy, etc. 

But the big deal of the night was one guy in the crowd. Yes, President Noynoy is apparently a fan and he came with some of his cabinet members. It was amazing to see PNoy hobnobbing with the masses after the show! You would think that he would be fully insulated and secured. Powerful syndicates are presently hurting due to PNoy's unrelenting campaign against corruption in Government. 

Mabuhay - and Reunion na!

See slide show for more photos.

Carmen Prieto Exhibit

Last week, the NEOs re-emerged after a hiatus. They were asked to provide the intermission numbers for an art exhibit held in LRI Bldg. in Makati. The artist was Carmen Prieto, good friend of Alex Villaflor. If we look back, Carmen is also the mom of Tetris, erstwhile NEO member. 

The art show was looking successful where guests were seen taking art works (purchased on the spot) off the walls to bring home. The NEOs did CAFA standards while the cocktails were being served in the hall. The NEOs who were there consisted of old reliables Dinky, Alex V, Hector and Oni. 

Today, the NEO's standard numbers are however not so standard anymore. Yes virginia, the NEOs are back with a new arranger in Alex Salva. Alex S is a young music production major (graduate of University of St. Benilde) who not only arranges but who is a session artist and vocalist. The new arrangements were standardized (for the 4 men) hence, the new NEO music can now be live and even unplugged! 

The NEO numbers in the exhibit were performed live with Alex S on keyboard and Oni on the guitar. It was refreshing to once again feel the energy of live accompaniment in performance. "Summer Song" was given a new acoustic take and the NEOs finally nailed down that pesky ending chord in "Cherish". "Man Come Into Egypt" really took off with keyboard basic and guitar accent backing. "Stasera" on the other hand became even more haunting with keyboard support. 

After the intermission numbers in the gallery, the NEOs were not done. Later on in the art show, the NEOs proceeded to the Grafito Bar at the building ground floor were they did more numbers for some of the exhibit guests. The NEOs took the first set on stage while another group did the second set. Would you believe NEOs now adopting Beatles, Lettermen and Chad & Jeremy standards? With Alex S's help, the NEOs are now working on new material for better audience appeal and rapport. 

If we can get Hector, Alex V and Alex S to come to Milwaukee in October, we will be in business, otherwise Dinky and I will have to do duets. heh heh.

See slide show for more photos.

Mar Bongalon, RIP

Mar Bongalon is a product of UP College of Architecture & Fine Arts (CAFA). He was a real talent and a tried-and-true CAFA of his time. Mar (or Bong) passed away Wednesday night and is currently lying in state at the St. Peter Memorial Chapels (Quezon Ave.).  Many friends and classmates came out in force to bid him a last goodbye. The Saturday Art Club of Alice, Lulu, Cynthia, Emi, Pearl, Cecille, Jess, Nic, Cat and available others made it a point to be at the wake this Thursday evening. It was a also a surprise reunion with the likes of Fiel Zabat, Nelson Rivera, Higgy Simpliciano and Adi Santos. Vic Ortega and Oni Mayo represented the Architecture branch of the CAFA College in the wake. 

Mar succumbed to a stroke activated by the high heat in Manila today. We had not seen Mar for a while until this sad night. It seems that he has been spending time providing private art lessons. Among his clients is a ladies art group from Valle Verde 1 who came to the wake as well. These ladies who will now miss Bong’s tutelage are Grace Sanez, Naty Siongco, Myrna Halare, Evelyn Kilayko, Nitze Beltran, Viol Mendoza, and A Vigo. Maybe the Saturday art club people can now help the Valle Verde ladies continue to develop their talents. 

As we know, Mar or Bong is single hence he is survived by his sister Estrella Cortez with whom he was staying with in the months leading to his demise. His nieces (Cristina and Zarah) and grandkids (of Estrella) were also there at the wake to greet visitors. In a light vein, Mar’s nieces said that Mar used to talked to them about his loves (although he never really introduced any of them to the family). But what else is new – Bong is a CAFA artist and definitely living life with a passion. This should be a familiar sentiment to CAFAs since most of them should somehow feel the same way about themselves - I think. What do you say, Jess?

Below are some articles about Bong by his friends:

Pearl Kapunan on the CAFA visit to the wake

hi friends,

after finally being able to trace where bong is , people were assigned to get in touch with former classmates.  .Saw Fiel already there with jess, nelson and higgy and the rest came, cynthia, emy , alice, lulu, and cat followed by his art students. Bong came later because his clothes arrived late. Onie also came ( sori, i missed your call and text but you came after all), Adi  and Pepe, lulu's husband. We prayed the rosary for the eternal repose of his soul.

What an ocassion to have a reunion but seing friends ( the boys ) which we have not seen for a long time emitted more  laughter from among us rather than tears.  With Jess around, what do you expect and as usual, puro photo ops.

We decided to pool resources  and pay St. Peters' services to help out with the expenses. Dra. Leung and i decided to meet the following day to settle the amount that has to be paid and i informed the decision of the group to the next of kin, his sister. The Fine Arts/arch group: Alice, Fiel,Emi, Cecile, Cynthia, Cat, Nelson, Higgy, Adi, Oni, my coz Methy Filler,  Jess , myself and Vic were able to raise 14,600.00. With the 10,000.00 raised by his students (one group only), we were able to pay the services, including request for death certificate,etc, transfer and burial permit,  the total amount of 25,210.00. The official receipt, i gave to the sister and i had it xeroxed for documentation purposes.To you all, thank you so very much, thank you for being there for a friend.

I remember bong and his totality, as someone who has contributed   to my questioning, accepting  appreciating the so many facets of personhood i met in the  Fine Arts.I can live with this now. May you rest in peace, Bong, may the angels bring you to the Eternal light and may you be filled with portraits to do in heaven,along  with the saints; may Mama Mary embrace you in her bossom and free you of all the pain you have endured while here on earth, no more grief or mourning or sadness  and loneliness but peace and joy  with the Holy Spirit forever !  Go... rest in peace now, and be with the Lord.

Emy Mercado on her memories of Bong

When Bong and I would paint together, he would share new techniques and discoveries with me. While his hands expertly moved from one space to the other, he would rattle off about light, balance, tints, shades, colors, patterns, movements, etc. On and on he went with his unsolicited art lessons. In between, he would throw his astral and universal philosophies. Peppered in his soliloquy are romantic encounters with his numerous "chicks". At the end, he would display a finished art work. Much to my utter amazement ..... is another masterpiece!  Yeah, that is Bong... there is no one like him... I will surely miss him.

Thanks to Cecille for advising the details of the wake early on and to Emy for many of the photos in the slide show below. Fiel and Cat, shall we see you at the October CAFA reunion in Milwaukee? 

See slide show for more photos.

Nore's NY Art Show

By Tong and Rita Salgado 

Nore is again back in NY. On April 9, 2013 she hosted the Printmaking Art Exhibit at the Philippine Center.

The etchings and lithographs that were exhibited are some of the artworks exhibited in Manila in 2010 and 2012,  That Manila exhibit was then timed with the printmaking workshops (at UP and the Cultural Center) sponsored by Lenore RSLim Foundation for the Arts.  Nore brought the said art materials with her for this NY show where those that will not be sold will be shipped back in Balikbayan boxes. 

The guests of honor were the 3 master printmakers who went to the Philippines to do the workshops. The event was later graced by the attendance of Manuel "Mang Maning" Rodriguez, Sr. who came straight from the airport. Mang Maning, the Father of Contemporary Philippine Printmaking, is 101 years old and now resides in the Bahamas with his daughter. 

CAFA friends In attendance are Rody Picar, Sam Santamaria, Tong and Rita Salgado (day off from apostolic work) and Bili Mayo (early time off from apostolic work), Oni Mayo was in NY but missed the show by a few days.  After posing with Mang Maning the CAFA group at the exhibit posed in front of their favorite artists' works.  Naturally these were those by Pearl, Emy and Nore. The reception offered delicious finger foods and generous servings of wine throughout the evening.

Successful!

See slide show more photos.