Welcoming the New Year!

CEBU, Philippines - Few establishments such as hotels, resorts, association venues or club houses if at all, can come close to the preparations,  excitement and merriment that the Casino Español de Cebu offers its members and their special guests to usher  in the  New Year.

 For the past  90 years,  long standing members, viudas y supernumeraries all fun loving, troop to the club to celebrate the despedida del  Año Viejo  y bienvenidad al Año Nuevo with the Baile de Disfraces, the much anticipated annual  costume ball.

The  grand Salon de España was decorated with hundreds of festive balloons that hung in huge  clusters from gigantic pewter chandeliers. The table centerpieces likewise carried the colorful  theme.

As the ever smiling guests arrived, every imaginable, popular   Spanish  tapas were served with chilled  wines.

The fiesta  had an  exquisitely laid-out buffet that offered an array of specialties such as paella, bacalao, ensaladas  and  carving stations that had a variety of jamones, roasted lamb, grilled Angus Beef, and turkey that were all prepared by executive chef Toto de los Reyes  and his  efficient and innovative  team.

Before the clock struck midnight, the very best in costume  marched in a parade before a discerning panel of judges to vie for  special prizes.  

The winners in the individual category were Eduard Loop, who was very much an authentic  cowboy from head to toe, as most original  while  Kiting Moro, as a Russian gentleman, was  most elegant.

Fernando Rizalde  as Mr. Bean with his side kick  were proclaimed the most comical couple, retiree Ralph Zuluaga with his  Ellen  as Anthony & Cleopatra were the most elegant, Del and Marilou Ordoñez as Egpytians were adjudged most colorful and Tonyboy Rodriguez and his wife Susan  as the plug and socket pair ran away with the most original couple.

The Jungle Safari group who  had the biggest contingent of  hunters, wild  animals, king and queen, warriors and natives were  unanimously voted most elegant, while Barangay Sainz complete with cockfighting was the most original. The Sweat 8Os with their outrageous gym attires were certainly the most comical group.

 Cebu’s  sought after music makers, the  Purple Notes Band, provided the music from once-upon-a-time melodies to today’s top hits.

Casino Español de Cebu was definitely the place  to greet the New Year .  

Happy New Year. Feliz Año Nuevo. (FREEMAN)