Few establish-ments such as hotels, resorts, association venues or club houses come close to the preparations, excitement and merriment that the Casino Español de Cebu offers its members and their special guests to usher in the New Year.
For the past 90 years, long-standing members, all fun-loving, troop to the club to celebrate the despedida del año viejo y bienvenidad al Año Nuevo with Baile de Disfraces, the much-anticipated annual costume ball.
The grand Salon de España was decorated with hundreds of festive balloons that hung in huge clusters from gigantic pewter chandeliers. The table centerpieces carried a colorful theme. As the ever-smiling guests arrived, every imaginable, popular Spanish tapas were served with chilled wines.
An exquisitely laid-out buffet offered an array of specialties such as paella, bacalao, ensaladas and carving stations with a variety of jamones, roasted lamb, grilled Angus beef, and turkey — all prepared by executive chef Toto de los Reyes and his efficient and innovative team.
Before the clock struck 12, members in costumes paraded before a discerning panel of judges to vie for special prizes. Winners in the individual category were cowbow Eduard Loop, Most Original; Russian gentleman Kiting Moro, Most Elegant; Mr. Bean Fernando Lizalde and his sidekick, Most Comical Couple; Anthony & Cleopatra Ralph Zuluaga with his wife Ellen, Most Elegant; Egyptians Del and Marilou Ordoñez, Most Colorful; and the plug and socket pair Tonyboy Rodriguez and his wife Susan bagged the title as the Most Original Couple.
The Jungle Safari group, which had the biggest contingent of hunters, wild animals, king and queen, warriors and natives, were voted Most Elegant, while Barangay Sainz, complete with cockfighting, was awarded the Most Original. The Sweat ’8Os with their outrageous gym wear was voted as the Most Comical Group.
Cebu’s sought-after, music makers, the Purple Notes Band, provided music from once-upon-a-time melodies to today’s top hits.