Gala de España at Shangri-La's Mactan

CEBU, Philippines - The Ambassador of Spain to the Republic of the Philippines Don Luis Arias Romero and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s General Manager Joachim Schutte recently invited the island’s social set to an evening of Spanish cuisine and wines at the property’s Acqua Restaurant.

Guests, of whom majority belonged to the Spanish community, milled around the lush gardens for cocktails where typical pica picas were passed around.

A sumptuous six-course dinner prepared by Chef Gianluca Visciglia shortly followed, which was enjoyed by the likes of well-respected members of the diplomatic Corp such as Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell and his wife Cecilia, Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom Moya Jackson, French Honorary Consul Michel Lhuillier and his gracious wife Amparito, Honorary Consul of Sweden Jose Sala and his better half Susan and Honorary Consul of Russia Armi Garcia.

Also among those who attended this event were socialites Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona, Annie Aboitiz, Myra Gonzalez, Carmen Campbell, Vivina Chiu, long time resident of Spain Ana Fe Lujan, accomplished architect Tessie Javier, educator Rafaelita Pelaez, Vilma Ouano and Merle Zamora.

The main attraction for the invitees that evening was meeting once again the Ambassador who has visited Cebu on several occasions. It was likewise the perfect opportunity for him to get to know the Cebuanos a little more in an intimate setting. 

Ambassador Arias Romero and GM Joahim Schutte were the perfect hosts. They sat in different tables to spread their presence more and went around other tables greeting their distinguished guests all throughout the evening.

The event served as a timely reminder of the long standing, friendly ties and extensive cooperation between both countries.