February 9, 2005

  • BJ,


    Oh how happy you must be that we are all together.  Not by the fact that we are remembering you, but because of the fact that we are working together for a common cause.  That cause, my friend, as humble as you are, is you.  You have that power, and you've demonstrated it many times.  I hope that we do you justice, even though I know that you would never complain.  We'll never forget you. 


    THANKS

    Thanks to all who responded to our earlier e-mail regarding BJ Alisago, including those who did not know him but offered their kind thoughts nonetheless. For those who may not have met BJ, he appeared in his first Sinag-tala Theatrical Revue in 1994 and also appeared in subsequent shows and touring ensemble engagements, originating several memorable solo roles (Wishing You Were Brown, Babalik Ka Rin, Hanggang Sa Muli, etc.) that have since been revived over the years by other company soloists. His last performance with us was in Sinag-tala 2003 as a returning artist (Balikbayan Box and Hanggang Sa Muli, and kulintang/blowon gong artist in the Tiboli Suite). He has also worked with various theater, dance and musical groups spanning various ethnic orientations. He was respected and loved by many for many reasons. A more complete bio will be provided in the next few days.

    VIEWING AND BURIAL

    Location details are forthcoming, but the tentative schedule for the viewing of BJ's remains is 11AM to 7PM on both Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14. This will make it possible for us to visit with BJ and his family either before or after our memorial fundraiser (see below). The funeral will take place at 10AM on Tuesday, February 15. The viewing and burial will take place in Vallejo. Please watch for announcements.

    MEMORIAL FUNDRAISER

    When, Where, Why. You are invited to a memorial celebration/fundraiser/potluck in BJ's memory at 4:30PM this coming Sunday, February 13, at Health for All Adult Day Health Care Center, 2730 Florin Road, Sacramento. This event will honor BJ and also help raise contributions towards the Benito Alisago Memorial Fund, which will help defray funeral and related expenses. For planning purposes, an RSVP by Friday noon - February 12 - via e-mail to me would be desirable.

    Informality. In keeping with BJ's preference for the simple and casual, you may bring a throw rug and/or floor pillow to sit on if you wish. Chairs and tables will of course be available also. Comfortable attire is encouraged.

    Program. There will be an informal and loosely-structured program of entertainment, testimonials and remembrances. Several Sinag-tala artists will be on hand to give performance tributes, but anyone who wishes to offer a musical number, poem, dance, anecdote or any other form of tribute in BJ's memory is welcome to do so. The only requirements are that the offering be celebratory in spirit and that you let either Ben Fenkell or Lorraine De Arco know in advance at funkeel@aol.com, bfenkell@parks.ca.gov, or RaineD7@softcom.net. All respectful forms of expression are welcome, but please don't forget that hearty humor and fun are also in keeping with BJ's memory.

    Other Tributes. There will be photo displays, a video restrospective, a memory book and an offertory altar. Those inerested in contributing to the memory book may bring an item that represents a memory of BJ and is insertable in a 3-ring binder sheet protector. Examples include photos, notes, personal testimonials, cds, playbills, written prayers, souvenir programs, newsclippings, etc. This book will be given to the Alisago family. For the altar, you may similarly bring any objects that you deem appropriate, such as an artifact, memento, symbol, photo, book, candle (unlit), musical instrument, etc. that celebrates BJ. Altar items will be returned after the event.

    Potluck. We encourage you to bring whatever food and/or or drink you feel like bringing. Try to bring enough to share with 4 people. We'll provide rice, plates, utensils, ice and water. For those who may be interested, the food that BJ had a liking for included chicken adobo, Filipino-style spaghetti (with sliced hot dogs mixed in), Hongkong-style pan-fried chow mein, mango pie, and ramen noodle soup. He also enjoyed a little rum and Jack Daniels.

    Donations. There is no admission fee, and donations are entirely voluntary. All proceeds will be deposited in The Benito "BJ" Alisago Memorial Fund Account .589344 at the Golden One Credit Union and turned over to the Alisago family. You're urged to be as generous as possible not only because BJ himself was very self-giving but also because the Alisagos can really use everyone's help.

    If you cannot attend the fundraiser but would like to make a donation, you may either:

    a) Go to any teller operated Golden One Credit Union branch and personally deposit your donation in the above named account; or

    b) Write a check payable to The Benito "BJ" Alisago Memorial Fund and mail it to: The Golden 1 Credit Union, P.O. Box 15249, Sacramento, CA 95851-9905, Attn: Teller By Mail. Be sure to indicate Account .589344 on your check.

    The sooner you are able to do either, the sooner it will help the Alisago family.

    Outreach. Unfortunately, many of BJ's friends, admirers and supporters (such as many previous Sinag-tala company members) are not listed in our e-mail directory. Please help us get the word around quickly.

    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Lorraine or Ben at funkeel@aol.com, bfenkell@parks.ca.gov, or RaineD7@softcom.net. Thanks.

    Sonny Alforque