Many countries celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on Oct. 12,1492. The event, which marked the emergence of a large Spanish-speaking community whose people share the same values, customs and traditions, is also celebrated at the Casino Español de Cebu. It is no coincidence that Oct. 12 is also the feast day of Dia de Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar, the patron saint of Spain.
This year, the event was organized by the club board of directors led by two-term president Manuel Sainz, vice president Antonio Veloso Jr., secretary Gabriel Leyson, treasurer Renato Kintanar, house chairman Rico Gandionco, director for cultural affairs John Domingo, and director for sports activities Ishmael Limkakeng.
The celebration, which is popularly known as Dia de la Hispanidad, is one of the highlights of the club’s annual activities.
There was a special sparkle to the evening as those in attendance came in their best finery. The lovely ladies wore beautiful gowns and the gentlemen were clad in their barong tagalog made of delicate and intricately embroidered jusi or piña.
The program began with welcome remarks from Sainz followed by the celebratory toasts proposed by Honorary Consul of Spain Jaime Picornell to the Reyes de España Rey Juan Carlos y Reina Sofia, the president of the Philippines, and to the people of both nations..
The elegant table settings decorated with red American roses and yellow dancing ladies depicted the colors of the Spanish flag. Executive chef Toto de los Reyes masterfully created a delicious selection of tapas and terrines, which were enjoyed by everyone prior to the dinner proper.
The well-thought-out menu included house specialties arroz paella, lengua estofada, pescado a la Vizcaina, cordero al horno and ensalada Española, which complemented the Spanish wines from Rioja and the popular Cervezas de San Miguel.