Fashion and Rhythm

CEBU, Philippines - Two years ago, the active members of the Zonta Club of Cebu 1 presented a show entitled Women Legends that featured Cebuanas portraying dozens of women who have left their mark in history for different reasons.  

Because of the huge success and clamor for more of this kind of production, the club partnered with the Consular Corps of Cebu and once again produced a fabulous show dubbed Fashion N Rhythm that had for its inspiration the Glamorous Hollywood Oscars.

Mila Espina, former club president and a dedicated civic leader conceptualized and directed the show whose purpose was to harness the creative fashion craft of Cebu and showcase the island as the hub of wholesome entertainment and performing arts.

The much anticipated and well attended show held at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel   started with a splendid buffet dinner. Honorary Consul of Russia Armi Garcia, president of the Consular Corps of Cebu delivered the brief welcome remarks while Stella Bernabe, president of Zonta Club Cebu 1 led the invocation.

The program proper started with a replay of Women Legends in classic fashion. They included Consul Garcia, as Catherine the Great of Russia,  Sylvia Paderanga, as Queen Isabella,  Cely Chiongbian as Queen Elizabeth 1 of England, Margarita Onglatco, Marie Antoinette of France, Lucille Colina, Catherine D’ Medici,  Janice Minor, as Cleopatra,  Stella Bernabe as Indira Gandhi,  and Mariter Klepp as Eva Peron of Argentina.

Then came 12 statuesque ladies in black donning fashionable hats by Janice Minor. They   were Ester Browning, Nora Sol, Myrna Ngochua, Baby Schaap, Erika Fernandez, Katrina Perez, Aiai Garcia, Merce Abellana, Erika Fernandez, Amanda Booth, Gabrielle Boljak, Issara Ugarte and Janice herself.

The evenings hosts Carol Go as Anne Hathaway and William Sieness as Tom Hanks , soon  welcomed the first set of  glamorous ladies Alice Woolbright, Tamsin Booth, June Alegrado and Jackie Lotzof  who portrayed  the Desperate Housewives. They were joined by Jesselito Moncada who  impersonated  world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

The legendary TV series, Charlies Angels made their appearance also. Gamely joining the fun were Jane Gocuan, Bo Hauri, and  Tessie Javier.

Defining their time  were Agnes Huettel and husband Gregg  as Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler .Next came Consul of Israel Emily Chioson as Julia Roberts, Tess Chan as Jennifer Aniston, Pilar Puno as Reese Witherspoon, Chabeng Garcia as Demi Moore, Carmen Campbell as Meryle Streep, floram Limotlimot as Sandra Bullock, Kristin Lerin as Marion Cotillard, Anna Quisumbing as Penelope Cruz and Joy Onozawa as Kate Winslet.

Amparito Lhuillier in an original Monique Lhuillier black lace serpentine gown  beautifully embodied Catherine Zeta Jones while husband Michel Lhuillier,  Honorary Consul of France was dapper as Michael Douglas. Philanthropist Mariquita Yeung in  an equally fabulous Chanel gown  portrayed Angelina Jolie. She was escorted by Consul John Domingo as Brad Pitt.

Next,  Hollywood’s Movies and Musical History unfolded .Aida Uy glided in her flowing red chiffon gown as the southern belle, Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. Notable performers included Joe Ng as The Godfather, Francis Monera as James Bond,  Bruce Winton as Superman, Chris Lebumfacil rustled about as Zorro, Jong Fernandez trudged in as Batman while Iris Arcenas  was superheroine  Wonder Woman.

Prior to the finale, an endearing interpretation of the Sound of Music’s Do-RE-Mi was performed by Ed Chiongbian,  Anita Sanchez, Vince Colina, Lucy Segura, Rufina Tanchan, Pauline Deduque, Malou Mendez and Mat Baguia as Maria.

Travel specialists Cherry Callelero, Ann Momongan, Penny Carvajal and Baby Dy with the Knapsack Dancers boogied to the tune of  Jailhouse Rock.

For the  grand finale, Cebu Provincial governor, Gwen Garcia sashayed  in an elegant fluid white gown to the melody of My Fair Lady’s musical, I  Could Have Danced All Night. Honorary Consul of Portugal Samuel Chioson, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry was her escort.

Undeniably, it was a fantastic show. Congratulations are in order  to director Mila Espina, members of the Consular Corps of Cebu, the Zonta Club 1 of Cebu and all those present whose generous support will help in attaining the clubs various laudable projects for orphanages, women and children, not to mention sustainable programs on health, education, environment and entrepreneurship.  (FREEMAN)