Christmas tree lighting at Casino Español

CEBU, Philippines - One of the most anticipated traditional customs of the Casino Español de Cebu is the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas trees at the Moorish inspired lobby.

Club vice president Antonio Veloso assisted by secretary  Gabriel Leyson, Rene Kintanar, treasurer, and directors Ishmael Limkakeng, Rico Gandionco and John Domingo did the honors and switched on the Christmas lights.

Immediately after,   perfectly chilled champagne was uncorked, and flowed down the pyramid of glasses. Members were then ushered to the grand ballroom of the Salon de España for a sumptuous buffet dinner prior to the raffle of cestas, meaning baskets. Wonderful musical entertainment was provided by the multi-awarded University of Cebu Choir, which rendered a medley of beautiful Christmas carols, as well as Broadway and classical pieces.

Thirty five bursting baskets packed with a variety of delectable treats and goodies such as wines, jamones, chocolates y bombones were up for grabs.

Aside from the cestas, two major prizes were raffled off. The first was a round trip ticket for two to Spain, which was won by Manuel Tan. Certainly the highlight of the evening was the grand raffle of a Suzuki Swift car, with Jerome Lu as the lucky winner.