The recently concluded Santacruzan by the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC), Clothes for Life and the Marco Polo Plaza was a big success. The not so cooperative weather was not at all a hindrance for Cebu’s well-heeled set to show up and witness the spectacular cultural event.
All dressed-up to the nines, the 35 bejeweled and beautiful reinas and zagalas paraded at the hotel’s mezzanine floor and main lobby instead of at the hotel grounds. They were led by socialite and philantrophist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung as Reina Emperatriz and Fiona King as Reina Elena. Cebu’s top fashion designers provided them with their Filipino-inspired gowns. The event started with a Holy Mass with Rev. Carmelo Horlador, MSP, at the lobby before the procession which culminated at the Cebu Grand Ballroom with a Filipino dinner buffet. Cebu’s pride, Dulce, rendered beautiful songs to everyone’s delight. Very visible that night, too, were past Reina Emperatrizes, Amparito Lhuillier (2000) and Teresin Mendezona (2002); HRRAC Executive Director Aissa dela Cruz; Clothes for Life’s Philip Rodriguez; Albert Arriba; Arcy Gayatin; Peewee Senining; Marco Polo GM Hans Hauri with his pleasing wife, Bo, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa’s GM, the daper Efren Belarmino and a lot more.
The gloomy weather that late afternoon was definitely overpowered by Cebu’s glitterati who converged at the Marco Polo. Here is a photo play of another HRRAC, Clothes for Life and Marco Polo-initiated successful event. Enjoy!