Lito Canillas

Having met up with Manny Relova and Lou Madamba in San Francisco and the guys at Las Vegas (Art Sicat, Victor Sy, Gary Salcedo, Joey Zamora and Manolo Carrillo), it was fulfilling to cap my US trip with a get together with Batch63's  Lito Canillas. A few days ago, Lito emailed that he is just in nearby Queens and so we linked up on a balmy Friday morning in NY. 

Since he came over to the US in 2001, Lito, his wife Jo and a young daughter stayed in Queens. Jo had an opportunity to work in America and Lito gave up a career in Manila (insurance industry) to be with his family. Today, Lito likes to say that he is a ‘servant of the lord’ who is quite active in his parish – St. Nicolas of Tolentine in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, NY. 

Over the years, Lito had involved himself with sound system applications where today he is an expert in the trade. Much of his work is in the service of his parish and friends who require his expertise. I told him that his skill may be needed by Vince Misa who is putting together our ‘Stars of YesterYears’ show. When I also mentioned that our Manila Batch63 group have personalities who can 'rock', Lito got excited and said he has friends who are also into Band music. 

Lito and I started the morning by going to Sam Ash music store in NYC to browse some acoustic gadgets. Proceeding to Queens, we had a hefty lunch in a steak grill house after which we went to Lito’s house where I met his family. Shortly after, Lito got his car and we drove over to the house of Joey Martinez (DLSC 66 LA) and his wife Tere. At Joey’s large house I was shown Joey’s basement that had been converted into a band studio. There were guitars galore and other musical instruments. 

Needless to say, they thrust an acoustic-electric Ovation (that curved-back guitar) in my arms and we proceeded with some jamming. Joey of course played twangy lead on his Stratocaster. But the surprise for me was when Lito took on the Fender Base guitar and provided the rocking base undertone to the music. It was all impromptu of retro tunes and was a real fun time. After a guinatan merienda prepared by Tere, it was time to call it a day. 

Lito is definitely coming for the Jubillee Homecoming event in Manila next year. While Jo has limited vacation time, they will try to make it to the Batch63 Bienvenida Event one week before. Regarding the Homecoming activities, Lito asked if a day for reflection and recollection is included. Lito said that it would be nice to share ideas on the benefits of DLS Christian education particularly on its impact on our Batch63 group. Paging Francis Horn, Jimmy Ortigas and Boy Nazareno – Lito is willing to start the activity by preparing an agenda. He will however need back up for the organizational requirement at the Manila end of the project. 

Another day, another great experience. Hasta la vista to all and Animo La Salle!

See slide show for more photos.