Dia de la Hispanidad at Casino Español de Cebu

On a personal note, October twelve will always be a special day for me. It is the birthday of my dear departed pappy and the feast of one of his great devotions, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the Patroness of Spain.

For the Filipino-Spanish community, there is only one place to be and that is at the Casino Español de Cebu.

On this day, the oficiales y miembros del club once again, as they have done through the years, celebrated the annual Dia de la Hispanidad with a formal dinner-dance at the property's very own grand ballroom.

Standing proudly at the reception line were the association's officers, led by its president Bobby Aboitiz, Vice president Cheling Sala and his wife Susan, secretary Rico Gandionco, House Chairman Bunny Pages and directors Jimmy Escaño and Gabby Leyson.

Several ladies made a fashion statement in their outfits. They included Susan Sala in a classic black shift dress, Amparito Lhuillier elegant in a lace top, statuesque Tessie Javier in a body fit stretch gown, Nima Mangharam in her Indian inspired pantsuit, Lorna Quisumbing in a flowing chiffon attire and Marilou Gruet in an embroidered black and purple spaghetti cocktail dress.

Some of the dashing gentlemen spotted in their impeccable tailored suits and embroidered barongs were Michel Lhuillier, Joey Villareal, Tony Lozada, Ed Gonzalez, Rene Kintanar, Jaime Picornell and Bobit Avila. The evening promised fun, dancing and more fun. It certainly did not disappoint. Wine flowed continuously and guests danced into the early hours.