Bastille Day in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu-based Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier and his wife Amparito recently hosted a formal reception and dinner to celebrate the National Day of France, traditionally one of the biggest events, with French Ambassador Gilles Garachon. Special guest of honor was Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia.

Cocktails were served at the foyer after which the elegantly dressed invitees were led into the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

The entire room carried the French tri-colors of blue, red and white. The high ceiling was draped with vertical bands reminiscent of the national flag. The table center pieces which were filled with beautiful clusters of blooms also carried the same color scheme.

Ambassador Garachon in his brief speech highlighted not just the celebration but also reminisced about the historic events which give French citizens the opportunity to unite around the motto of the French Republic proclaiming "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity".

Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia for her part delivered a most enjoyable and utterly witty speech which was well applauded and left everyone almost speechless. 

It was a night of surprises as talents were quickly revealed, starting off with Trina Echivarre and Yemma Judilla   who rendered a moving interpretation of both the Philippine and French National Anthems respectively. This was followed with a medley of popular songs by the   scholars of Amparito Lhuillier . Multi talented international singer, Cebuana Anna Fegi, likewise   serenaded everyone with a selection of Broadway classical songs. The performance was met with thunderous applause.

The merriment marked a fitting Bastille Day celebration that truly epitomized the French joie de vivre. (FREEMAN)