The New Year’s Eve costume ball of the Casino Español de Cebu is a holiday institution. And this 2013, it was no less spectacular. Fun-loving members and their guests trooped to the club to celebrate the despedida del año 2012 y bienvenida al año 2013.
Under the watchful eyes of the board of judges, composed of Jasmine Cuizon, Mark Canton and Donald Cumming, the very best joined in the “Parade of Costumes†vying for prizes.
Among the winners in the individual category were Aurora Fernandez who came as the fairy godmother, Percival Llaban as a Chinese emperor and Maripaz Perdices elegantly dressed in the roaring ‘20s get-up.
The award for the most colorful couple went to Rafael Zuluaga and Ellen Zuluaga who were dressed as revelers from Brazil. Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana did the Gangnam Style dance and were voted the most original couple, while Joe Utzurrum and Chinggay Utzurrum as the Venetians were most elegant.
The grand premio for most elegant group went to the Danza Española composed of Cheling Sala and Susan Sala, Vic Torres and Toots Torres, John Domingo and Maria Domingo, Paking Serafica, Lisette Garcia, Annette Mendezona, Marisol Michael, Glenn Loop and author Honey Loop.
Inspired by the hit film Topgun, Ato Alvarez and Gigi Alvarez, Martin Montenegro, Marisol Montenegro and Alfonso Montenegro, Lito Garcia, Chati Garcia and Bea Garcia dressed as air force pilots and were judged most original. The youthful group, Bollywood, led by director Paco Jarque and wife Monique Jarque, with members Eduard Loop, Meryl del Gallego and Alfonso Martinez were judged most colorful. Entrepreneurs Mike Sasnovski and Bryan Head, both talented dancers choreographed the much-applauded presentation.
As the guests built up their appetites, the chefs and the rest of the kitchen crew had a special feast prepared, ready for enjoyment.
As 2013 approached, everyone dashed to the dance floor and before they knew it, the countdown had begun. At the stroke of midnight and with a resounding Happy New Year, kisses, hugs and handshakes were exchanged, even among strangers. The friendly response was perhaps influenced by many glasses of champagne, cuba libres and overflowing wines and spirits.
Guests continued sipping the bubbly, partying and dancing to the music of the Purple Notes and Level Up bands.