On A Magic Carpet Ride

CEBU, Philippines - Michel Lhuillier, Bailli Delegue Philippines and his lovely wife Amparito, Bailli de Cebu recently hosted a fellowship dinner for members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and their guests at their magnificent new home in posh Maria Luisa Estate Park. The affair held at the sprawling, beautifully landscaped garden which was splendidly dressed up for the occasion   was aptly billed “A Night with the Stars”.

The invitees graciously adhering to the evening’s mideastern theme came in every imaginable attire. Michel in gold tunic with matching turban was the perfect “royal Sheik” while Amparito looked gorgeous in lounge pants, and tunic printed top accented with plumes held together by a circlet.

Wines from the president’s private cellar flowed throughout the evening. Gustavian’s very own Chef Dietmar Dietrich and the hands-on Joel del Prado, General Manager of Pino Restaurant – incidentally owned by the Lhuilliers – worked together and masterfully created authentic dishes from Greece, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and India.

After a truly fabulous meal, guests enjoyed a fast-paced dance number by ladies dressed in shimmering outfits with bangles and armcuffs that bedazzled everyone with their hip gyrations. 

A snake dancer soon appeared with his gigantic python and paraded it around. Some guests bravely and gamely volunteered to be enwrapped by the non-venomous snake. The few courageous souls included Sandra Pesch, Louis Thevenin, Hans Hauri and Mila Demecillo. 

The highlight of the evening was the parade of costumes. The three judges were Las Vegas resident Cristina Llamas Araneta, Martine Klieger from the Union Bank of Switzerland in Hongkong and London based Margie Richards .

Judge Romulo Senining in multi colored kaftan and Mariter Dumon Klepp as a belly dancer won in the individual category, while Louis Thevenin and his statuesque wife Honeylet in glittering gold and silver outfits together with   Herve Lampert and Maritess Gonzales in authentic Moroccan attires were best dressed couples . 

Bong Suzara and his band provided the music that had everyone dancing and swinging on the dance floor.

 The beauty and perfection of the affair were glowingly reflected the happy faces of the invited guests.  

Michel and Amparito Lhuillier were all smiles for the event proved to be a success beyond expectations. (THE FREEMAN)