We could have danced all night
For the active members of the Casino Español de Cebu, the city’s most prestigious club since the early ‘20s, the annual party it hosts every October is one of the most anticipated, and well-attended social events of the season.
This year it was the celebration of the Dia de la Hispanidad in commemoration of the feast day of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, patroness of Spain .
The elegant, strictly formal dinner reception began with cocktails at the foyer. Shortly before proceeding to the grand ballroom, guests passed by the reception line where the board of directors welcomed them.
At the forefront was hands-on club president Manuel Sainz and his wife Melba. They were joined by civic leader vice president Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana, everybody’s friend house chairman Jose Luis Alba and his supportive wife Mayet, dedicated treasurer Rene Kintanar and his better half Joy, and director for sports (a natural for his position), the athletic sports columnist, John Pages.
The gentlemen and lovely ladies adhered to the dress code. Resplendent in cocktail attire and making understated statements in their more than just little black classic dresses were simpatica Susan Sala, bubbly Annette Mendezona, fun-loving and hardworking Nora Lamata, a believer of wellness Lehn Jarque and Susan Rodriguez.
Opting for tailored suits were restaurateur Joey Villareal, businessman Tony Quisumbing, golfers Joe Suaco and Ed Misa, and soon to be a full pledged chef Pipin Martinez. Distinguished in formal barong tagalog included past club presidents Jose Sala, Miguel del Gallego, Jose Luis Moro, hotelier Marco Protacio, furniture maker Emil
Lamata, gentleman farmer Mari Miranda and Tourism Undersecretary Edu Jarque.
Simply glowing were infanticipating Ma. Paz Perdices and Chaveli Head who are both in that very interesting stage.
Dancing the night away with grace and finess were full of surprises Tessie Javier, a dancers dancer Cely Chiongbian, US resident Ningning Salcedo, forever youthful Ellen Climaco, pretty eye catcher Chichi Martinez, never missing a bit Charie Mascuñana and the ever so feminine extremely nibbled and a joy to watch at the dance floor Lorna Quisumbing.
Everyone feasted on the house specialties. For starters they had deep-fried piquillo peppers with tuna stuffing, cold seafood salad in vinaigrette, chicken cantaloupe salad and patatas ali oli. The plato principal consisted of lengua con setas, chicken chilindron, Roasted US Angus chuck roll of beef, prawn thermidor and paella marinera.
The entertainment for the night was provided by On the Cover Band and Kenosis Band. The members and their guests dance all night, and how. Ole!
