Time to party
Almost a century ago, a close-knit group of lovely and talented ladies, all musically blessed in strumming stringed instruments, got together and would occasionally perform at select ritzy social events.
In no time, the dashing, unattached men from similar backgrounds, who were very much a part of the party scene, joined and eventually the Bachelors-Femina Club, also endearingly known as BF was born.
As expected, the activities centered purely on socials, and the highlight was always the grand ball featuring the traditional Rigodon de Honor, where the ladies donned exquisite ternos, while the gentlemen came in the formal suits of the era, and then later in intricately embroidered barong Pilipino. This practice was interrupted during World War II until 1977 because concerned members felt that such a lavish celebration was inappropriate due to the economically trying and uncertain times.
In 2007, US-based Perla Agudo Peterson, who was the club’s last president, returned home to Cebu and asked former members if they were still willing to assist and revive the BF. Of course, they were. Peterson even tapped the younger generation, who were mostly sons and daughters of past club members. Kit Lopez and Celeste Rodriguez readily accepted the challenge and enticed their own friends to join the club as well. The response was overwhelming. Before long, membership increased and the grand revival was on its way.
Today after 90 years, the helm of leadership was passed to current presidents Andrew Escaño and Mary Ann Rose Dakay. They left nothing to chance when club recently celebrated its “Jubilee Anniversary Bachelors-Femina Ball” at the Casino Español de Cebu. The event was showcased by the much-anticipated march/dance — Rigodon de Honor.
Working socialite Marguerite Lhuillier and the city’s handsome Vice Mayor Michael Rama graciously accepted to be the Mama and Papa for the Bachelors while philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung and renowned musical director and choreographer Benjie Diola represented the Mama and Papa for the Feminas.
The celebration, which was truly an eve-ning ofelegance and élan, glamour and glitz reminiscent of the years gone by, was spectacular, simply awesome!
Accepting felicitations were members of the board of officers led by Andrew Escaño and Mary Anne Rose Dakay, Patrick Yared and Berdynne Garcia, Bonn Anthony Moreno and Alessandra Ghidoni, Nana Avola and Angelique Javier, Armando Suzara and Adrienne Lim, Richmond Tiu and Joanna Maria Alba, and alumni president Perla Agudo Peterson.
