Partying with Madonna and Austin Powers
All roads led to the Ca-sino Español de Cebu to celebrate the Despedida del Año 2011 y Bienvenida al Año 2012.The much-anticipated festivities started with cocktails at the foyer where Spanish wines and appetizers were served.
At 7:30 p.m. the Salon de España, festively decorated in all colors of the rainbow, opened its doors to members and their guests who came dressed in a variety of costumes.
Amiable club president Rico Gandionco welcomed one and all. And as promised he kept his remarks short. Soon after, the hands-on club secretary Nonoy Tirol joined him and presented a plaque of appreciation to Tina Jordana, who has consistently worked in organizing the annual medical mission, whose beneficiaries are the dependents of the employees.
I was an awardee for my role in spearheading the monthly club newsletter, Boletin Informativo, that chronicles the various club activities and events.
Under the watchful eyes of the board of judges of Paul Cerullo, Fred Escalona and Carmen Burgos, the very best joined in the parade of costumes.
Among the winners in the individual category were Shalini Sadhwani as an Indian Princess who was most colorful; Kathy Javellana in Once Upon a Time was most original and Aurora Fernandez as fairy godmother was most elegant.
Ralph and Ellen Zuluaga as Peter Pan and Tinker Bell were the most colorful couple. Joining them as Austin Powers couple were Gabby Leyson and Tina Jordana as the most original. Completing the list were club past president Manuel Sainz and his lovely wife Melba as an African couple who were most elegant.
Participating in the group category were the sons and daughters of members, who gamely portrayed the evolution of Madonna. The cowboys were Bryan and Chaveli Head, Paco Jarque, Mike Sasnouvski and Eduard Loop. Material Girl was Bernice Montilla escorted by Pipin and Iaki Martinez, Frozen Madonna was Monique Jarque, Vogue Madona was Martha del Gallego and Madonna Like a Virgin were Miren Jarque and Meryl del Gallego. They bagged the most original group.
The most colorful group went to the Egyptians portrayed by fun-loving couples Ed and Therese Gonzalez, Tony and Grace Lozada, Tico Aldanese, Marko and Aimil Sarmiento, Mark and Simone Gonzalez, Bruno Gonzalez and Ayen Cortes.
Six tall, good-looking gentlemen in white satin robes in the persons of Cheling Sala, Ramon Jarque, John Domingo, Alan Mill Irving, Paking Serafica and Robbie Vicente went as Lawrence of Arabia. They were joined by Susan Sala and Amanda Vicente who were dressed in burqa complete with head covers and veils. The colorful belly dancers included Lisette Garcia, Annette Mendezona, Maria Tagalog, Lisa Mill Irving and myself. Once again the troupe who are consistent winners were judged the most elegant group.
All-night music was provided by Cebu’s top bands Renaissance and Sold Out.
