The Casino New Year’s Ball

CEBU, Philippines -  The New Year’s Eve Costume Ball  of the Casino Español de Cebu is certainly a holiday institution. And this 2013, it was  no less spectacular as fun-loving members and their guests trooped to the club to celebrate the despedida del año 2012 y bienvenida al año 2013.

Under the watchful eyes of the board of judges, composed of Jasmine Cuizon, Mark Canton and Donald Cumming,  the very best joined in the Parade of Costumes vying for prizes.

Among the winners in the individual category were Aurora Fernandez who came as the Fairy Godmother, Percival Llaban as a Chinese Emperor and Maripaz Perdices, elegantly dressed in the roaring 20’s get-up.

The award for the most colorful couple went to Rafael and Ellen Zuluaga who were dressed as revelers from Brazil.  Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana did the Gangnam style dance and voted the most original couple, while Joe and Chinggay Utzurrum, as Venetians, were most elegant.

The grand premio for most elegant group went to the Danza Española composed of Cheling and Susan Sala, Vic and Toots Torres, John and Maria Domingo,  Paking Serafica, Lisette Garcia, Annette Mendezona, Marisol Michael, Glenn and Honey Loop.

Inspired by the top-grosser film Topgun, Ato and Gigi Alvarez, Martin, Marisol and Alfonso Montenegro, Lito, Chati and Bea Garcia were dressed as air force pilots and were most original.  The youthful group, Bollywood, led by director Paco and wife Monique Jarque, with members Eduard Loop, Meryl del Gallego and Alfonso Martinez were judged most colorful. Entrepreneurs Mike Sasnovski and Bryan Head, both talented dancers, choreographed the much applauded presentation.

As the guests built up their appetites, the chefs and the rest of the kitchen crew had a special feast prepared, ready for enjoyment.

As 2013 approached, everyone dashed to the dance floor and before we knew it, the countdown had begun. At the stroke of midnight and with  a resounding Happy New Year, kisses, hugs and handshakes were exchanged, even among strangers. The friendly response was perhaps influenced by many glasses of champagne, cuba libres and overflowing wines and spirits.

Guests continued sipping the bubbly, partying and dancing to the music of  the Purple Notes and Level Up Bands.  From the looks of it, it’s going to be a very good year. (FREEMAN)