Dia de la Hispanidad

CEBU, Philippines- Inspired by age-revered traditions, the Hispanic communities all over the world commemorate and celebrate their ancestry and the multicultural heritage of their race on October12 every year. The occasion is widely known as "Dia de la Hispanidad," or Spanish Day.

On the very same day last month, the board of directors and members of the Casino Español de Cebu, as they have done through the years, got together for a formal dinner-dance at the club's majestic Salon de España.

Standing proudly at the reception line were the association's board of directors led by el presidente Ed Gonzalez and his supportive wife Therese, vice-president Antonio Veloso Jr., secretary Paco Jarque and treasurer David Chan and his civic-minded wife Tess. They were joined by house chairman Luis Moro and his statuesque wife Lyn, director for cultural affairs Edgar Chiongbian and his bubbly wife Cely, and sports director Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana.

Adhering to the dress code, the gentlemen came in either formal barong Tagalog or black tie, while the ladies were resplendent in elegant evening gowns and fashionable cocktail dresses.

Several ladies made a fashion statement, such as Lisette Garcia in a black and gold plunging neckline, architect Tessie Javier in a bustier gown that emphasized her hourglass figure, Myra Gonzalez glamorous in flowing purple chiffon, Grace Lozada in classic black lace cocktail dress, Renu Sadarangani  in understated white and Lorna Quisumbing in dramatic orange.

Some of the dashing gentlemen in their exquisite embroidered barongs included antique car enthusiast Tony Lozada, Antonio Veloso, Miguel Diaz and Lito Garcia from Dumaguete, and gentleman farmer Mari Miranda.

Distinguished men in perfectly tailored suits were musician Rene Kintanar, former Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell, businessmen Oliver Ko and Sonny Alo.

Just before dinner, president Ed Gonzalez and the Spanish Honorary Consul Anton Perdices raised their glasses and invited all present to toast to the peoples of the Philippines and Spain.

Everyone feasted on sumptuous dishes laid out in various food stations that showcased the house specialties. For starters they had tomato slices with pork loin and leeks, mushrooms and quail eggs, chorizos, assorted cheeses and chicken croquettes in béchamel.  The main course had paella Valenciana and marinera, deep fried marinated turkey with prune and cranberry sauce, lengua estofada, bacalao a la Vizaina, chuck roll in rosemary sauce and roasted whole lamb. 

The evening's entertainment, provided by the On the Cover Band, had the guests dancing till very late. 

This annual, always successful event was another perfect celebration which etched a lovely memory that guests are sure to treasure for a long time to come.

Mabuhay ang Plipinas, Viva España!