Spook-a-boo 2011

CEBU, Philippines - Halloween which has become the second most anticipated festival – second only to Christmas – is a wonderful occasion enjoyed by everyone irrespective of age and belief systems. It is a perfect time to lose one's inhibitions and simply have fun. 

Halloween is about children and adults alike in fancy costumes with bizarre make-up, complete with noses and red horns that glow in the dark. Some of the activities include trick or treating in subdivisions, playing pranks, narrating scary stories or viewing horror films. For all its gory paraphernalia, it remains a smiling family affair

This time-honored American holiday took on some local color at the Cebu Country Club who for years has hosted spooky Halloween parties like no other.

The highlight of the evening was the parade of costumes. Kiyofumi Takahashi who came as Scary Scarecrow and Stephanie Cabahug as Sadako won the Most Halloween Inspired and Most Original in the individual category. Tamsin and Mari Kris Booth as Plants Vs. Zombies and Anthony and Moya Jackson as Little Red Riding Hood were adjudged The Most Halloween Inspired and The Most Original Couples. Count Dracula and his Brides led by Cely Chiongbian won as the Most Halloween Group while Ramon Sebastian and company as Black Angels were the Most Original Group.

On the other side of town at the well-appointed residence of Bingen and Annette Mendezona, twelve couples got together for an intimate Halloween fun party.   In keeping with tradition, invitees came dressed in their favorite costumes There were glamorous witches, half wrapped mummies, red devils, Frankenstein, black fairies, the zombies and Count Dracula.

The night continued with a jovial atmosphere provided by the generous flow of wines, dancing and lots of camaraderie.    (FREEMAN)