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)