Dia de Santiago 2011

CEBU, Philippines - The Casino Español de Cebu hosted a formal dinner at the Salon de España in celebration of the Feast of Saint James, popularly called Dia de Santiago, patron saint of Spain.

President Rico Gandionco, together with the members of the board, Gabriel Leyson, vice president; Nonoy Tirol, secretary;   Ed Gonzalez, house chairman; Cultural Affairs Director Buddy Veloso, and Sports Director Paco Jarque greeted and welcomed  members and other invitees.

Guest of honor was the new Spanish Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, his Excellency  Don Jorge Domecq.

Prior to dinner, the ambassador, assisted by Gandionco and Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell, cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the art exhibit at the lobby lounge which  marks the beginning of the club’s  Spanish month activities. Guest  artists were Jesse  Rona, George Ruiz  and Jess Najarro.

Invitees were soon ushered to the foyer where they enjoyed  a delightful spread of pica-picas that included jamon Serrano, tortillas, chorizos, mejillones al vapor,  pulpo a la Gallega, pimientos rellenos con cangrejo de mar, queso de cabra and a lot more. Spanish wines continuously flowed all evening.

Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell had the privilege of formally introducing the ambassador who in his brief remarks spoke on the importance of the long standing friendship both countries enjoy and pledged continued support in the club’s efforts in promoting Spanish culture and traditions.

Ambassador Domecq was then gifted with a wooden carved Santo Niño which is iconic of Cebu.  A copy of the 90th Boletin Informativo was likewise presented.

With formalities over, Chef Toto de los Reyes rolled in a suckling pig, cochinillo en Español, which he masterfully cut with a plate to emphasize its succulent tenderness. The demonstration  showcased one of Spain’s most famous  dishes, very popular  in Madrid and Segovia.  Immediately after, the evening’s host,  past president Glenn Loop, announced that dinner was served.

Invitees feasted on the club’s  specialties such as paella Valenciana,  lengua estofada, bacalao a la Vizcaina, pollo al ajillo,  coliflor a la Mornay and slow roasted U.S. Angus chuck roll of beef.

General Manager Jovie  Ay-Ad,  F & B director Marina-Codina  and Events Manager Aneth Galoy, and Chef Toto certainly outdid themselves with the carefully planned, no hitches  preparations and fabulous menu. Service Manager Rudy Rubi and  head waiter  Domingo Amisola,  ever dedicated and loyal to the club for almost three decades and the kitchen brigade  also received felicitations for the impeccable service throughout the evening.

Casino Español de Cebu once again delivered beyond expectation a wonderful evening that members and their special guests can be proud of.

Mabuhi, Cebu! Viva, España! (FREEMAN)