La Chaine goes Belle Epoch

CEBU, Philippines - As always expected, the Chaine des Rotisseurs’ year-end Christmas Gala Dinner was simply spectacular.

The much anticipated, well-attended celebration held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel adopted a Belle Epoch theme.

The genuinely warm welcome by the personable General Manager Hans Hauri and his charming wife Bo in an Arcy Gayatin creation, together with the property’s Resident Manager Julie Najar, Purchasing Manager Dottie Adlawan and Vicky Lontok set the evening’s mood and mode, one of graciousness and elegance.

Several statuesque models in flowing gowns of chiffon and lace, bows and ruffles ushered the invitees to the grand staircase that led to the foyer where champagne and cocktails were served.

French Honorary Consul in Cebu, successful entrepreneur Michel Lhuillier, La Chaine’s Bailli Delegue for the Philippines and his philanthropist wife Amparito, simply awesome in a champagne Chantilly lace original by daughter, international designer Monique Lhuillier, were all smiles as they extended the traditional Filipino hospitality to one and all.

Manila based Rey Villar, the able president of Marco Polo Plaza and his wife Carol together with Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe Lhuillier and his wife Edna and Federico Borromeo, Baille de Manila, and his bubbly wife Josephine flew into town for the occasion.

As the doors of the ballroom opened, guests could not refrain but marveled and sighed at the breathtaking sight; two long tables were beautifully draped in exquisitely embroidered white linens, with crystal goblets, the finest of cutlery and the carefully put together center pieces adorned with colorful blooms and tropical appetizing fruits.

Sterling Executive Chef Luke Gagnon and his highly talented and efficient team pleasantly surprised everyone with a sumptuous menu that was delicately chosen and meticulously prepared, achieving a perfect balance of unforgettable flavors topped by impeccable service. Truly an experience beyond forgetting.

Entertainment included inspired performances by Baritone Jack Salud, concert pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz and guitarist and violinist Katharina Ventic Fehringer.

Accepting much applause were the very popular and much in demand San Diego Dancers in their creative costumes made from indigenous materials and the well traveled winner of various competitions here and abroad, the University of the Visayas Chorale, under the tutelage of award-winning choirmaster Anna Tabita Piquero.

Making a dramatic fashion statement with their fabulous long gowns were working socialites with substance Rosebud Sala and June Alegrado in an Oj Hofer creation,                     Vivina Chiu in Ronald Enrico, Iris Arcenas in June Escario and Marguerite Lhuillier in a Cary Santiago original.

Among the ladies of Cebu, admired leaders in the various fields who graciously adhered to the theme included Myrna Ngo Chua, Agnes Huettel, Mila Demecillo, Teresin Mendezona. and Stella Bernabe.

A little surprise awaited attendees as Flemming and Elizabeth Hansen dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus distributed picture frames that contained individual photos of each guest.

At the affair’s end everyone but everyone unanimously agreed with a smile that it more than complied with the Chaine creed that dining should consist of good food, good ambiance and good conversation.

Truly an affair to remember.