Masked elegance at the Casino

Each year, the Casino Español de Cebu is the venue of choice for a good number of members and their guests as they bid farewell to the year past and celebrate el Año Nuevo.

This time, the prestigious club did away with the traditional Baile de Disfraces, the annual costume party, and opted instead for a strictly formal Masquerade Ball.

Ladies dressed in elegant evening gowns matched with colorful mascaras and the gentlemen dashing in their formal Barongs and stylish cut suits easily brightened the grand ballroom.

Those ushering in the New Year included the Aboitizes: Hank and Lulu; the Salas: Choy and Rosebud, Chiling and Susan, Benny and Gemma; Alberto and Tere Rotaeche, the Del Gallegos: Cuco and Marilen with their lovely daughters Monique, Michelle, Maitina, and Merill; Guimo and Inday Blanco, Millie Avila, Percy Llaban, Ed Dakay and Chona Bernad, Ed and Therese Gonzalez, John and Eileen Domingo, Tony and Grace Lozada. the Sarmientos: Rene and Girlie and Pico and Shella; Dumaguete residents Tomas and Mari Glor Arnaiz, Chito and Pet Misa, Joe Suaco and Mary Adad, Johnny and Ana Marie Dizon, Ralph and Ellen Zuluaga, Douglas and Annabel Luym and lots,lots more.

Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, one of the island's most photographed couple and top hosts, were also seen partying and simply enjoying as guests, for a change.

As the midnight hour approached, everyone gathered at the dance floor for the traditional count down followed by many hugs and kisses.

Another year over and a new one just beginning. Guests continued sipping wine and champagne and dancing to the music of the Firelights Band until the wee hours of the morning.