Four years ago, Casino Español de Cebu launched a talent show featuring club members with unique gifts for entertaining. Each year the show has grown in both participation and attendance. It showcased Broadway musicals, the ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll, as well as different versions on stage of singing icons Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Matt Monroe and Julie Andrews.
This year, the show “Casino Revives the Legends” threw the spotlight on home-grown talents from the club and their families. It uncovered the club members’ hidden talents like singing, dancing and stage performance. It was not a competition, just an evening of pure fun and entertainment. Who would not be spellbound by an 88-year-old gentle lady who gamely and graciously entertained everyone with a classic song and dance presentation.
Rorie Fernandez captivated the audience with her interpretation of Reflection from the musical Mulan.
Cely Chiongbian did a fabulous dance number a la Ginger Rogers. Gifted special child Yasmin Ngo endeared herself to the audience with her rendition of Abba with Tina Jordana.
Amanda Gabucan and Christina Gabucan showed their vocal mastery of songs popularized by the late Whitney Houston. Ballerina Tessie Javier brought the house down with her exhilarating version of Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger, while 89-year-old Aurora Causing Fernandez received thunderous applause for her rendition of Barbra Streisand’s The Way We Were.
Old-time and much admired members Rico Gandionco, Edgar Chiongbian, David Chan and Lau Rogero elicited roaring cheers for their flawlessly delivered medley of Barry Manilow’s songs. Accomplished musicians, cellist Rene Kintanar and his wife pianist Joy Kintanar, awed guests with their three classical pieces.
Tony Quisumbing beautifully played the harmonica, while his bubbly wife Lorna Quisumbing danced to La Conga by Gloria Estefan. Not to be outdone was house chairman Paco Jarque and his charming wife Monique Jarque who thrilled everyone with their unique Sonny and Cher performance.
The program’s finale had the Casino staff doing a perfectly choreographed surprise dance number from the Broadway musical New York, New York.
Bunny Pages, gifted with communication skills and humor, hosted the event.