Cebu parties as the clock strikes 12

The most-anticipated and much- talked-about New Year’s Eve celebration at the Casino Español de Cebu, a club founded in the 1920s, broke tradition. In place of the time honored baile de disfraces, the annual costume party, members and their guests dressed to the nines to attend the strictly formal masquerade ball. They came with eye-catching mascaras in every imaginable size and shape, fully decorated with dazzling ornaments and trinkets, complete with colorful feathers and plums, and lavishly embellished with pearls, crystals, and rhinestones.

The very best joined in the parade of masks. Ever popular, the simpaticisimo Hank Aboitiz gave life to the phantom of the opera in his fully beaded black and white cover-up. Beside him was his ever supportive wife Lulu, dressed in an elegantly cut aquamarine gown. They were joined by fun-loving amigos para toda la vida couples Choy and Rosebud Sala, Douglas and Annabel Luym, Danny and Zeny Deen, Carmen and Harry Campbell, Tico and Piluling Aldanese.

Another muy llamativo grupo was composed of the Sarmientos, Rene, Girlie, Manila residents Pico and Shella, and son Robin, who flew in from America; Alberto and Tere Rotaeche; Tomas and Mari Glor Arnaiz; the Jarques, Francisco and Marilen with their children Paco and Miren; and the Loops, Glenn and Eduard.

Also receiving aplausos were the Lhuilliers, led by the grand matriarch, the ageless Angeling, dressed in a fully beaded flaming red evening gown. Lending a hand was loving son Michel and spouse, the trendsetter Amparito, Johnny and Ana Marie Dizon, and long-standing friends Jaime and Cecilia Picornell.

Individuals and couples who made a statement with innovative masks were Antonio Lozada, Pet Misa, Marlinda Tan, Joy and Leahliz Sia, and Benny and Gemma Sala, who both wore original masks from the Carnivale in Venice.

With the Firelights Band playing a program of music from the yesteryear, dancing melodies to today’s top hits, guests swung and swayed, boogied and waltzed practically the entire evening, taking a brief break to feast on a sumptuous spread of roasted lamb, stuffed turkey, grilled steak, salads and delectable desserts.

As the clock struck 12, there were many besos y besitos, abrazos y mas abrazos celebrating beautiful memories of the year just past and welcoming with great anticipation a new 2006. Feliz añonuevo!