Women who merienda

Anamarie Dizon, Margette Sarmiento, Amparito Lhuillier, Nena Garcia and Petite Garcia

In 1987, Españo-la Rosario Muñoz, a long time resident of Cebu gathered an intimate group of Spanish speaking ladies and founded the Amigos de España.

The ladies eager to converse in Spanish would religiously meet once a month, often times at the Casino Español de Cebu, and participate in the chosen topic or theme. Unfortunately when Muñoz went back to Spain for good, the group likewise disbanded. But not for long.

Five years later with Amparito Lhuillier at the helm, they got together, and this time more members were tapped to join.

 Recently Amparito the incumbent president hosted a relaxed late merienda for members and their guests at her new, well-appointed home located at the posh village of Maria Luisa Park. Delectable all-time favorite Filipino dishes prepared by Pino Restaurant, that incidentally the Lhuilliers own, which were served together with cool refreshments, sodas and sparkling wines.

Immediately after the sumptuous meal, Amparito and Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell assisted by Myra Gonzalez Osmeña took to the floor and started the carefully thought out, fun-filled parlor games. The popular “bring me” game had everyone looting their bags for items mentioned and running to the emcees. Amparito, the gracious host that she is, made certain that everyone and I mean everyone went home with a specially wrapped gift.

It was a wonderful gathering of friends from all sectors of society. In attendance were the well- respected matronas, the civic leaders, educators, philanthropists, travel experts, the young working socialites and a few selected media. The officers of the Amigos de España have Susan Sala as vice president, Myra Gonzalez Osmeña as secretary, Julina Muertegui as treasurer and public relations officer Jaime Picornell.

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