A fashion trip down history with Cebu’s Zontians

My Zontian friends in Cebu are known to be selfless, dedicated ladies, organized to perform service to the community with projects geared toward education, protection of the children and women, health delivery system, daycare centers, and catechetical lessons.

However, to achieve such goals, financial resources are needed and, consequently, fund raising is somehow essential.

Responding to this realistic call, dynamic educator and hard-working Zontian Mila Espina first conceived, then orchestrated to its minutest detail, a brilliant idea — “The Women Legends,” a fashion-musical diorama that was educational, entertaining and humorous, and proved to be a community project in itself and a highly successful fund-raiser.

Twenty-seven women of substance and achievers in their own right graciously adhered to Mila Espina’s request to portray famous and infamous women from the Bible, mythology, history, literature, show business, and our very own from the Philippines.

Except for Mayen Tan, who is an accomplished thespian, the members of the cast were not performers. As a matter of fact, the majority never stood or perhaps very seldom stood in front of an audience, let alone act. They were simply ladies who gave of their time for a truly worthy cause that would assist the club in maintaining its livelihood and day care programs in places such as Bulaan and Ermita.

The Women in the Book of Genesis had Charie Mascuñana as the temptress Delilah, Tina Ebrada as the faithful Neomi, and Isabel Garcia as the dancer Salome.

The Women in Classical Mythology were working socialite Amparito Lhuillier as Venus, goddess of love and beauty, globetrotter Aida Uy as Diana, goddess of the moon and the woods, and trendsetter Lorna Quisumbing as the desirable Helen of Troy.

The Women in History included Teresita Schaap as Cleopatra of Egypt, fashion designer Minnie Yuvienco as Marie Antoinette of France, Honorary Consul Armi Garcia as Catherine the Great of Russia, entrepreneur Julie Gandionco as Queen Isabella I of Spain, Melanie Ng as the Empress Dowager of China, Mariter Klepp as Jacqueline Kennedy, Bessie Espina Villamor as Eva Peron of Argentina, Stella Bernabe as Indira Ghandi of India, and Anita Cabiñan as Mother Teresa.

Representatives from the United Kingdom were Teresa Chan as Anne Boleyn, Cely Chiongbian as Queen Elizabeth I, and Carol Ballesteros Go as Princess Diana, Queen of Hearts.

The Women in Literature were Enrilen Joy Benedicto as the tragic lover Juliet, and Mayen Tan as the manipulative Lady Macbeth.

A closer look at the Women in Show Business had Angeles Antigua as the ageless Elizabeth Taylor, Connie Cimafranca as the forever ingenue Audrey Hepburn, Honey Jarque Loop as the classic beauty Grace Kelly and Alice Woolbright Fernandez as the bubbly yet suffering Marilyn Monroe.

Graced by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the finale featured Women in the Philippines with Department of Tourism regional director Dawnie Roa as Gabriela Silang, Nelia Neri as Imelda Marcos, and Matthea Baguia as President Corazon Aquino.

In as much as it was an evening by the ladies, for the ladies and with the ladies, the gentlemen, such as US Consular Agent John Domingo; Cris Lebumfacil, manager of Philippine Airlines Passenger Sales; Robby Alugar, Cebu Chamber of Commerce PR officer; and Gani Villarojo, USJR Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble Alumni, gamely portrayed cameo roles.

Oh yes, an unprecedented amount of funds was generated. Ladies, kindly take a bow. Gentlemen, please join. Cheers to Mila Espina!