Mabuhi Cebu, Mabuhay Philippines, Viva España!
The city’s most prestigious club, the Casino Español de Cebu, hosted a formal reception at the spacious Salon de España in celebration of the Feast of Saint James the apostle, known in all the Spanish-speaking countries as Dia de Santiago, patron saint of Spain.
President Rico Gandionco, together with the members of the board of directors, vice president Gabriel Leyson, secretary Nonoy Tirol, house chairman Ed Gonzalez, cultural affairs director Buddy Veloso, and sports director Paco Jarque, warmly greeted and welcomed members and their guests.
Prior to dinner, the special guest of honor, new Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Don Jorge Domecq, assisted by club president Gandionco and Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell, cut the ceremonial ribbon to open an art exhibit at the lobby lounge, which marked the beginning of the organization’s activities for the month of July. Featured artists were Jesse Rona, George Ruiz and Jess Najarro.
Invitees were soon ushered to the foyer, where they enjoyed a delightful spread of pica-picas that included jamon Serrano, tortillas, chorizos, mejillones al vapor, pulpo a la Gallega, pimientos rellenos con cangrejo de mar, queso de cabra and a lot more. Well-selected prime Spanish wines continuously flowed all evening.
Picornell had the privilege of formally introducing the ambassador, who in his brief remarks spoke about the importance of the long-standing friendship of both countries and pledged continued support in the club’s efforts to promote Spanish historia y herencia, artes y cultura, tradiciones y legados.
Ambassador Domecq, a first-time visitor to the Philippines’ oldest city, was then gifted with a wooden carved image of Santo Niño, which is iconic of Cebu. A bonded copy of the 90th Boletin Informativo was likewise presented.
With the formalities over, innovative chef Toto de los Reyes rolled in a suckling pig, which he masterfully sliced with a plate to emphasize its succulent tenderness. The dramatic demonstration was well applauded and showcased one of Spain’s most famous dishes, cochinillo, very popular particularly in the capital city of Madrid and the nearby town of Segovia, globally famous for its aqueduct and regional cuisine. Immediately after, the evening’s host, past president Glenn Loop, announced that dinner was served.
Invitees feasted on the club’s specialties such as paella Valenciana, lengua estofada, bacalao a la Vizcaina, pollo al ajillo, coliflor a la Mornay and slow-roasted US Angus chuck roll of beef.
General manager Jovie Ay-Ad, F&B director Marina-Codina and events manager Aneth Galoy, with chef Toto, certainly outdid themselves with the carefully planned, fabulous menu. Service manager Rudy Rubi and head waiter Domingo Amisola, ever dedicated and loyal to the club for almost three decades and the kitchen brigade, also received felicitations for the impeccable no-hitches-at-all service throughout the evening.
Casino Español de Cebu once again staged beyond expectation a wonderful affair that members can be proud of.
Mabuhi Cebu, Mabuhay Philippines, viva España!
