Three kings

CEBU, Philippines - The young children of the members of the Casino Español de Cebu, ages one to 12, all gather at the club's Salon de España to await the arrival of the Three Kings every Epiphany, which is celebrated on the first Sunday of January.

The anticipation this year was even prolonged as the Three Wise Men paraded through some of Cebu's most traveled streets distributing candies and chocolates to all along the way. Their only traditional stop over is at Barangay Parian where they share good tidings, toys, snack food and candies with the area’s street children.

The bearded Three Kings in flowing satin robes and capes of green, gold and red represented by Louie Moro as Melchor, Paco Jarque as Baltazar and Eduard Loop as Gaspar arrived in all their pomp and glory looking so majestic and regal on horseback.

The association's General Manager, Mary Jovy Pastor Ay-ad, then called out their names one by one to come up to the stage. All the innocent faces lit up. Some bravely alone, and others within the security of parents, elder siblings or yayas marched up to collect beautifully wrapped packages.

One could catch a glimpse of the ageless Milagring Sembrano lovingly escorting her great granddaughter Isabella Iway to claim her gift. Doting grandparents likewise took time off to be with their grandchildren. Civic leader Pilar Puno was busy looking after Sabine, Lia and Rianne while glamorous grandma Nenita Chiongbian was happy watching over petite Sophie tinker with her new toy.

Proud parents Anton and Mari Paz Perdices cheered on their energetic boys Renzo and Yano as they went solo while pretty daughter Karolina, all of two years old, was carried by her mom.

For all the children present, Christmas is not over until the Three Kings make their annual appearance at the Casino Español de Cebu. Once again this Dia de los Reyes annual tradition of gift giving ended with lots of laughter and fun games for one and all. (FREEMAN)