The ties that bind

Family bonds are almost always the strongest one we have in life. This bond always holds an extraordinary place in each person’s heart. The people, especially those living away from family, experience an urge to reconnect, to belong and to feel accepted.

Realizing that the importance of family can sometimes be lost in the maze of life. It is for this reason that the Escaño clan, one of the oldest and one of the richest entrepreneurs in the Visayas, decided to hold a reunion. The family started holding a tradition of reunions in 1987. The purpose of the reunions was to renew lost contacts, introducing new ones, and celebrate heritage.

 This year’s reunion, which was hosted by the  Paz Escaño Coromina’s line prepared several activities, that included a children’s party and a Mass officiated by Fr. Cristobal Garcia, son of Jose and Rosa Maria Garcia of the Teresa line.

 The highlight of the celebration, and surely the most anticipated, was the fellowship held at the Casino Español de Cebu. The festivities started with cocktails at the Granada Room, followed by a sumptuous dinner buffet at the Salon de España.

 The evening’s entertainment, directed by Django Diolla, showcased excerpts from the popular Broadway musical show Mama Mia as members of the descendants of Fernando Villareal Escaño performed several dance and song numbers. For starters, Shelly Sato sang I Have a Dream followed by gutsy ladies Petite Garcia, Marguerite Lhuillier and Margette Sarmiento who did a fabulous adaptation of Super Trooper. Gifted with beautiful voices, Josie Sala and Irene Yap sang Abba’s Chiquitita while the fourth, fifth, and sixth generation Escaños did Dancing Queen with Tico Aldanese in drag — dressed in a fully-beaded gown as lead performer.

 The Manila-based Escaño’s prepared a surprise dance number to the tune of Voulez Vous. The enjoyable and amusing program ended with the entire cast doing Thank You for The Music amid much applause.

Alex Escaño, president of the Fundacion, along with cousin Angel Veloso Jr., shared the good news that a large piece of real estate that belonged to Don Fernando had been traced enlarging the assets of the organization.

Anna Marie Corominas DeWit told everyone about the upcoming updated book on the Escaño family, which will include the latest genealogical chartering and additional photos for everyone to enjoy.

After much feasting and dancing, each one left with memories to last a lifetime.