New Year at Casino Español

CEBU, Philippines - It seemed like all roads led to the Casino Español de Cebu to celebrate the Despedida del Año 2011 y Bienvenida al Año 2012. 

The much-anticipated festivities started with cocktails at the foyer where  excellent Spanish wines and delectable appetizers were passed around by attentive waiters.

At exactly seven thirty in the evening, the Salon de España – festively decorated in all colors of the rainbow – opened its doors to members and their guests who came dressed in a variety of costumes.  

Amiable club president Rico Gandionco welcomed one and all. And as promised, he kept his remarks short.  Soon after,  the hands–on  club secretary Nonoy Tirol joined him and presented a plaque of appreciation to Tina Jordana who has consistently worked hard in organizing the annual medical mission whose beneficiaries are the dependents of the employees.

Another awardee is yours truly for spearheading the monthly club newsletter, Boletin Informativo that chronicles the various club activities and events.

Under the watchful eyes of the board of judges, composed of  Paul Cerullo, Fred Escalona and Carmen Burgos,  the very best joined in the Parade of Costumes vying for prizes.

Among the winners in the individual category were Shalini Sadhwani as Indian Princess,   Most Colorful; Kathy Javellana in  Once Upon a Time, Most Original; and Most Elegant Aurora Fernandez as Fairy Godmother.  

Ralph and Ellen Zuluaga as  Peter Pan and Tinker Bell won as  the Most Colorful couple. Joining them as Austin Powers were Gabby Leyson and Tina Jordana who bagged the Most Original price. Completing the list were  club past president Manuel Sainz and his lovely wife Melba as an African couple winning  the Most Elegant.

Participating in the Group Category were sons and daughters of members who gamely portrayed the evolution of Madonna. The cowboys were  Bryan and Chaveli Head,  Paco Jarque, Mike Sasnouvski and Eduard Loop. Material Girl was Bernice Montilla escorted by Pipin and Iñaki Martinez, Frozen Madonna was Monique Jarque, Voque Madona was Martha del Gallego and Madonna like a Virgin were Miren Jarque and Meryl del Gallego. They bagged the Most Original Group.

The Most Colorful Group went to the Egyptians portrayed by fun-loving couples Ed and Therese Gonzalez, Tony and Grace Lozada, Tico Aldanese, Marko and Aimil Sarmiento,  Mark and Simone Gonzalez, Bruno Gonzalez and Ayen Cortes.

Six  tall,  good looking gentlemen  in white satin robes  in the persons of Cheling Sala, Ramon Jarque, John Domingo, Alan Mill Irving, Paking Serafica and Robbie Vicente went as Lawrence of Arabia. They were joined by  Susan Sala and Amanda Vicente who were dressed  in burqa  complete with head covers and veils. The colorful  belly dancers included Lisette Garcia, Annette Mendezona, Maria Tagalog, Lisa Mill Irving and Honey Loop. Once again the troupe who are  consistent winners  were judged  the Most Elegant Group.

The party continued with all-night dancing provided by Cebu’s top bands, the Renaissance and the  Sold Out Band.

Happy New Year! (FREEMAN)