Cebuanos celebrate Dia de la Hispanidad
Inspired by age-revered traditions, the Hispanic communities all over the world commemorate and celebrate their ancestry and the multi-cultural heritage of their race on Oct. 12, which is widely known as Dia de la Hispanidad.
On this very same day, los oficiales y miembros del Casino Español de Cebu, as they have done through the years, got together for a formal dinner-dance at the club’s majestic Salon de España.
Standing tall and proudly at the reception line were the association’s board of directors led by el presidente Jose Sala and his supportive wife Susan, secretary Rico Gandionco, and treasurer Manuel Sainz and his charming wife Melba. They were joined by house chairman Jimmy Escaño and independent directors Buddy Veloso and Jose Luis Alba.
Adhering to the dress code, los caballeros came in either formal barong tagalog or black tie, while las damas were resplendent in elegant evening gowns and cocktail dresses.
Several ladies made a fashion statement such as architect Tessie Javier in a simple bustier short dress that emphasized her hourglass figure; Pet Misa, glamorous in aquamarine flowing chiffon; Ana Climaco in classic shift outfit; Susan Rodriguez in understated white; Melba Sainz in dramatic black; and Monique del Gallego in a stunning black Gone with the Wind-inspired evening gown.
Some of the dashing gentlemen in their exquisite embroidered barongs included furniture maker Ed Alegrado, golfer David Chan, antique car enthusiast Nick Torres, promising young executives Iñaki and Pipin Martinez, and Francis Llaban, realtor Mikel Sala, hotelier Javi Sala, and sportsman Anton Quisumbing. Distinguished men in tailored dark suits were club general manager Ed Tongco, Manulife top honcho Tonyboy Rodriguez, broker Miguel del Gallego, entrepreneur Percy Llaban, and gentleman farmer Manoling Garcia.
Just before dinner, president Jose Sala and the Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell raised their glasses and invited all present a brindar to the presidenta del pais Filipinas, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a los Reyes de España Don Juan Carlos y Doña Sophia and to the peoples of both nations.
Everyone feasted on sumptuous dishes laid out on various food stations that showcased the house specialties. For starters they had jamon serrano, a selection of Spanish cured meats, croquetas, salmon, anchoa jardinera (anchovy and vegetable toast), puerros con crema de queso (cream cheese and leek toast), ensalada casera, and seafood salad. The plato principal consisted of roast leg of lamb with herbs and spices, roasted US Angus prime chuck roll of beef with red wine reduction, lengua con setas, chicken chillindron, glazed pork ham with condiments, and paella marinera.
The evening’s entertainment provided by the Renaissance Band had the guests dancing all night.
This annual grand event was another perfect celebration, which etched a lovely memory guests are sure to treasure for a long time to come.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! ¡Viva España!
