Salud al Año Nuevo

CEBU, Philippines -  It has become a much cherished tradition for many Cebuanos to usher in the New Year at Casino Español de Cebu. As always, the Salon de España was dressed up festively with multi-colored vertical buntings for the  occasion.

 The club's executive chef Nicolas Rafols and his able  team laid out a hard-to-beat buffet that showcased  all-time favorites such as  paella completa, jamon serrano,  savory beef stew,croquetas and tortillas, baked stuffed fish fillet with crabmeat and an assortment of salads. The dessert station had crema de catalan , natillas and canonigo.

 In keeping with the long-standing tradition, the celebration started with the  parade of costumes with participants vying for the nod of the board of judges composed of Jay Harris as chairman, Caitty Schuck and Menchie llaguison.

 The winners in the individual category were Kathie Javellana as an American Indian as most colorful, Cely Chiongbian as a Mexican Aztec, most original and Betty Young in timeless Filipiniana heritage as most elegant. 

 The award for the most colorful couple went to Alex and Josie Ho who were dressed in authentic Chinese attires; Ellen and Ralph Zuluaga in Tahitian costumes were the most original while Gabby Leyson and Tina Jordana were ever so elegant as the King and I.

 The gran premio for the most elegant group went to  the Vampires led by Cheling and Susan Sala, Paking Serafica,Glenn and Honey Loop, Tony  & Grace Lozada, Lisette Garcia,  John  & Maria Domingo and  Vic  & Toots Torres.

 Inspired by the F1 Grand Prix races, Louie Moro, Sony  Alo and  Anton Perdices   sported  trendy relaxed shirts while their better halves Lynn, Annabel and Maripaz looked  fashionable in black and white checkered leggings earning for them the most colorful group.  Andre and Maitina Borromeo, Paco and Monique Jarque, Eduard Loop,  Alfonso Martinez and  Meryl del Gallego, dressed as animals,  were rightly  adjudged most original group.

 Even before the countdown to 2014 began, the atmosphere was already jovial as many old friends met up and joined in the merry making. The  Level Up and the Fire and Lites Band roared way past midnight  with revelers dancing till early dawn. What a fun-filled celebration! Happy New Year.