Dia de celebracion en Cebu

Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero and his genteel wife Doña Soledad were the guests of honor at the recent celebration of the Dia de Santiago at the Salon de España of the Casino Español de Cebu.

Club president Manuel Sainz, together with his supportive wife Melba and the members of the board of directors headed by its vice president Jose Luis Alba, secretary Antonio Veloso, treasurer Renato Kintanar, house chairman Gabriel Leyson and directors Jaime Escaño and John Pages were on hand to welcome members and their guests.

President Sainz in perfectly worded Spanish greeted members and other invitees and enthusiastically enumerated the planned activities for the club’s 90 th anniversary celebration in the coming year. Past presidents will work to ensure the success of the much- anticipated event.

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 its significance in the global development. The celebration would have been incomplete without the heartwarming toast raised by the ambassador and the board to all present.

The highlight of the evening was the plaque of appreciation given by the board to the ambassador for his continued support in the club’s efforts in promoting Spanish culture and traditions.

Don Santiago Picornell was likewise presented with a plaque of appreciation in recognition for being the oldest member of the club. For years Picornell attended anticipated Mass on Saturdays after which he enjoyed dinner with son Jaime and his wife Cecilia. He is all of 97 years old.

As it was a tapas buffet night, guests feasted on a delightful spread of pica-picas that included jamon Serrano, tortillas, chorizos, gambas, pinchos, ensaladas, and a lot more. Spanish wines continuously flowed all evening.

On The Cover Band played and just about everyone took to the dance floor, including Ambassador Romero and his wife Soledad .

The well-heeled guests in attendance were Annie and Louie Aboitiz, Julina Muertegui, sisters Margot Larrañaga and Myra Gonzalez, event planners Rosebud Sala and Teresin Mendezona, working socialites Tessie Javier, Rafaelita Pelaez, Carmen Campbell, Anamarie Dizon with husband Johnny, exporters Emil and Nora Lamata and civic leaders David and Tess Chan.

General manager Ed Tongco, always ready with innovative ideas, certainly outdid himself with the preparations. Rudy Rubi, the ever-dedicated and loyal service manager, also received felicitations for the impeccable service throughout the evening.

The annual Dia de Santiago is a fun-filled event that toasts to good cheers, cherished traditions and deepening friendship between Filipinos and the Españoles.