A grand day for RP, Spain

The grand celebration of the Dia de la Hispanidad at the Casino Español de Cebu by the Filipino-Spanish community is always one of the most anticipated social events. And certainly, this year’s affair was no exception.

The hardworking-with-a-vision board of directors standing tall y con mucho orgullo at the reception line, led by its president Bobby Aboitiz, vice president Cheling Sala, house chairman Bunny Pages, sports director Jimmy Escaño, and cultural affairs director Gabby Leyson, warmly welcomed miembros and their guests to the formal cena y baile at the fabulously decorated grand ballroom.

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

Making an understated statement in their black classics were Amparito Lhuillier, Lita Aldana, Adela Jarque, Marilou Gruet, Susan Sala, and Gigi Alvarez. Equally distinguished were House Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar, Antonio Lozada, Ed Gonzalez, Ben Aldana, Gino Salvador, Rexlon Gatchalian, and Joey Villareal.

Just before dinner, Aboitiz and the Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell raised their individual glasses and invited all present to toast to the presidenta del pais Filipinas Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a los Reyes de España Don Juan Carlos y Doña Sophia and to the peoples of both countries.

Everyone feasted on the house specialties. For starters, they had fideos a la marinara, ensalada casera, marinated stuffed herring and salmon and pimiento del piquillo rellenos. The plato principal consisted of pollo al ajillo, callos a la madrileña, pinchos de verdura, lapu-lapu en salsa verde, lengua con setas, roasted round of beef, and roast leg of lamb with lots and lots of herbs and spices.

The night’s entertainment, provided by the Firelights Band and the Renaissance, ensured that the guests would dance all night. And they did. And how. Ole!