New Year at Casino Español de Cebu

Firm believers of time-honored traditions, the active members of the Casino Español de Cebu and their guests attended the traditional Baile de Disfraces to celebrate the New Year.

As expected the invitees came in every imaginable attire. They came solo, as a couple or in groups, all vying for the nod of the Board of Judges, Don Cummings, Martin del Rosario and Rosalina Ramos, for the much coveted best in costume prizes.

Cely Chiongbian as the masked lady was adjudged the Most Original. Joe and Chinggay Utzurrum dressed as Arabs won in the recreation category. But not to be outdone were Del and Marilou Ordoñez in Filipiniana outfits who went home as the Most Original Couple.

The grand prize for the group went to the colorful roaring twenties composed of Cheling and Susan Sala, Tintoy and Maricar Perdices, Cisco and Marilen Jarque, Bingen and Annette Mendezona, Dennis and Kathy Javellana, Ramon Jarque, Marisol Michael, Maribel and Bo Backman, Ana Climaco, Len Jarque, Glenn Loop and this writer.

Inspired by the top grosser sound tract, Thriller, ten young sons and daughters of the members that included the Martinezes: Iñaki, Pipin and Bea, the Jarques: Paco, Chaveli and Miren, Vanessa Aman, Mariane Mendezona, Eduard Loop and lead dancer Bryan Head performed a much-applauded exhibition number that earned the top honors in the recreation category.

Club manager Ed Tongco and resident manager Rudy Rubi laid out a fantastic buffet that had just about everyone coming back for seconds. The lively music of the Baile Baile Band and the Renaissance Band roared all night and way past the countdown till the early dawn. What a celebration! Feliz Año Nuevo 2007.