Casino's Dia de la Hispanidad

For active  members of the Casino Español de Cebu, the city’s most prestigious club since the early 20s,  the annual party that it hosts every October is certainly considered as one of the most anticipated and, rightfully so, a well attended social event of the season.

Such affair was the recent celebration of the Dia de la Hispanidad in commemoration of the feast day of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, patroness of Spain.

The elegant, strictly formal dinner reception began with cocktails at the foyer. Shortly before proceeding to the Grand Ballroom, guests passed by the reception line where the Boar of Directors welcomed them.

At the forefront was hands-on club President Manuel Sainz and his wife Melba. They were joined by civic leader Vice President Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana, everybody’s friend House Chairman Jose Luis Alba and his supportive wife Mayet, dedicated Treasurer Rene Kintanar and his better half Joy and Director for Sports a natural for his position, the athletic sports columnist,  John Pages.

The gentlemen and lovely ladies adhered to the dress code. Resplendent in cocktail attires and making understated statements in their more than just little black classic dresses were simpatica Susan Sala, bubbly Annette Mendezona, fun loving and hard working Nora Lamata, a believer of wellness Lehn Jarque and Susan Rodriguez.

Opting for  tailored suits were restaurateur Joey Villareal, businessman Tony Quisumbing,  golfers Joe Suaco and Ed Misa, and soon to be a full pledged chef Pipin Martinez. Distinguished in formal barong tagalog were past club presidents Jose Sala, Miguel del Gallego, Jose Luis Moro, hotelier Marco Protacio, furniture maker Emil Lamata, gentleman farmer Mari Miranda and Undersecretary for Tourism Edu Jarque.

Simply glowing were infanticipating Ma. Paz Perdices and Chaveli Head who are both in that very interesting stage.

Dancing the night away with grace and finesse were full of surprises Tessie Javier, a dancer’s dancer Cely Chiongbian,  US resident Ningning Salcedo, forever youthful Ellen Climaco, pretty eye catcher Chichi Martinez, never missing a bit Charie Mascuñana and the ever so feminine, extremely nibbled and a joy to watch at the dance floor Lorna Quisumbing.

Everyone feasted on the house specialties. For starters they had deep fried piquillo peppers with tuna stuffing, cold seafood salad in vinaigrette, chicken cantaloupe salad and patatas ali oli. The plato principal consisted of  lengua con setas,  chicken chilindron, roasted U.S. Angus chuck roll of beef, prawn thermidore  and  paella marinera.

The night’s entertainment, provided by the On the Cover Band and Kenosis Band, ensured that the members and their guests would dance all night. And they did. And how. Ole!