This year’s grand celebration of the Dia de la Hispanidad at the Casino Español de Cebu was certainly one of the most-anticipated events for the club members and their guests.
The evening began with an anticipated Mass officiated by Msgr. Achilles Dakay. Shortly after guests proceeded to the Granada Salon for cocktails and canapés as they awaited the arrival of newly-appointed Spanish Ambassador Luis Calvo, who came with his amiable wife Maria Jose and their son Lain.
On hand to welcome the Ambassador were club president and Honorary Consul of Mexico Eduardo Gonzalez and his gracious wife Therese, secretary Edgar Chiongbian and his bubbly wife Cely, treasurer Rene Kintanar with his better half Joy, house chairman Paco Jarque and his lovely wife Monique, director for socials and cultural events Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana, and sports director and Honorary Consul of Spain Anton Perdices with his wife Maripaz.
At 7:30 p.m. guests moved to the Salon de España for the reception and program, which started with a beautifully choreographed flamenco number by the University of Southern Philippines Dance Troup.
Club president Gonzalez formally welcomed the Ambassador and his family to Cebu and thanked them for gracing the event which is the most significant for the Spanish community in Cebu.
Doing the honors of formally introducing Ambassador Calvo was honorary consul of Spain Anton Perdices. The Ambassador then delivered a well-received speech which culminated with a toast to the continued friendship of both countries.
A delightful buffet dinner was served at Salon de Madrid where attendees feasted on Casino Español’s gastronomic specialties.
The club’s accomplished hands-on manager May Ocaba and the ever-loyal and dedicated service head Domingo Amisola received warm felicitations for a truly successful dining experience.
One of the highlights of the evening was the surprise number by club members Rico Gandionco, David Chan, Edgar Chiongbian and Lau Rogero, who performed a medley of Spanish songs. All night dancing was provided by the Circle of Six band.