Celebrating the Bastille

CEBU, Philippines - Honorary Consul of France in Cebu Michel Lhuillier, supported by his wife Amparito, together with Alliance Francaise de Cebu, graciously invited the ever growing French community in Cebu, to a formal sit-down dinner held at the Cebu  Marco Polo Plaza Hotel to celebrate the National Day of France popularly known as the Bastille.

The University of Cebu military cadets in their crisp grey uniforms lined the imposing staircase as the lovely ladies in their eye-catching cocktail dresses and alluring evening gowns escorted by  their male partners in fully embroidered barong tagalogs or  perfectly fitted dark suits, made their way to the foyer where the finest of French champagnes and delicious hors d’oeuvres were served.

As the Grand Ballroom doors dramatically opened, invitees marveled at the dramatic ceiling, which was draped with the colors of the French flag – blue, white and red. The tables were perfectly aligned and these too carried the same color scheme.

On stage was a gigantic backdrop painting of the historic Bastille.

On command, the physically fit and youthful cadets marched double file to the main entrance,  faced each other and crossed sabers. Honored guests, Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama  and  His Excellency the Ambassador of France, Thierry Borja de Mozota, accompanied by Honorary Consul  and Mme. Michel Lhullier, then  walked down the red carpet to their  assigned  table.

Governor Gwen Garcia spoke on the strong ties between France and Philippines and noted the various tourism promotions between the two nations.

The French Ambassador, in his brief remarks, mentioned the universal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity that the French fought for over two centuries ago. He also emphasized that though he is Manila-based  being Ambassador to the Philippines he has visited Cebu 10 times and has been to every region in the country.

One of the highlights of the evening was the exquisite dinner prepared by Chef Luke Gagnon and his team. The seafood station had oysters Rockefeller, scallops, lobsters, salmon and mussels while the carvings available were roasted rib-eye of beef, and legs of lamb with lamb jus. Other favorites included quiche Lorraine, chicken casserole, sole Meuniere delice with lemon and  Boulangere potatoes. 

As the night progressed with a jovial atmosphere, everyone raised their wine glasses for a toast to both countries. Immediately after, guests hit the dance floor with enthusiasm inspired by one of the longest playing sought after bands in Cebu, the Firelights Band.

With the festivities so perfect, Hans Hauri, the  dynamic  General Manager of Cebu Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, and F & B director Stephan Wienprich, once again proved to one and all that the hotel by Nivel Hills  is the perfect place to celebrate such an auspicious occasion. (FREEMAN)