One of the most anticipated traditional customs of the Casino Español de Cebu is the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas trees at the Moorish inspired lobby.
Club vice president Antonio Veloso assisted by secretary Gabriel Leyson, treasurer Rene Kintanar, and directors Ishmael Limkakeng, Rico Gandionco and John Domingo did the honors of switching on the Christmas lights.
As perfectly chilled champagne was uncorked, club members were ushered to the grand ballroom for a sumptuous buffet dinner prior to the raffle of baskets. Wonderful musical entertainment was provided by the multi-awarded University of Cebu Choir, which rendered a medley of beautiful Christmas carols, as well as Broadway and classical pieces.
Thirty-five baskets packed with a variety of delectable treats and goodies such as wines, jamones, chocolates y bombones were up for grabs. Two major prizes were raffled off. The first was a round-trip ticket for two to Spain, which was won by Manuel Tan. Certainly the highlight of the evening was the grand raffle of a Suzuki Swift with Jerome Lu as the lucky winner.
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Allen Arvin Tan, managing director of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines, once again launched the “Give Back” campaign with Ticker Card. Each card contains 24 boxes to fill. When it’s completed a percentage of sales from the holiday season promo will be given to this year’s chosen beneficiary — the Real life Foundation. The foundation is an institution that provides material and financial assistance to underpriviledged Filipinos through its scholarship programs.
Aside from the campaign, holiday products such as the apple caramel ice-blend, a mix of apple juice, vanilla powder and caramel, and apple pie tea latte were introduced.
The proceeds from the sale during the open house were also given to the Real Life Foundation.