Bastille Day fete in Cebu: That's what French are for

An Independence Day celebration commemorates the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood.

America has its Fourth of July festivities, while the center of its commemoration by the People’s Republic of China is a military-based ceremony at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

In the Philippines, we mark our independence from the colonial rule of Spain on June 12 with  nationwide parades and  fiestas.

During the National Day of France, popularly known as Bastille Day, Honorary Consul of France in Cebu Michel Lhuillier, supported by his wife Amparito and the Alliance Francaise de Cebu, graciously invited the ever-growing French community in Cebu, to a formal sit-down dinner held at the Cebu  Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

From the moment guests stepped into the grand lobby, it was apparent that they were in for an evening of pomp and pageantry.

The University of Cebu military cadets in their crisp gray uniforms lined the imposing staircase as the lovely ladies in their eye-catching cocktail dresses and alluring evening gowns escorted by their male partners in fully embroidered barong tagalogs or perfectly fitted dark suits, made their way to the foyer where the finest of French champagnes and delicious hors d’oeuvres were served.

Eventually in perfect precision, the Grand Ballroom doors dramatically opened to reveal the spectacular ceiling, which was draped with the colors of the French flag in blue, white and red. The tables were perfectly aligned and these, too, carried the same color scheme.

On stage was a gigantic backdrop painting of the historic Bastille.

On command, the physically fit and youthful cadets marched double file to the main entrance, faced each other and crossed sabers.  Honored guests were Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, French Ambassador Thierry Borja de Mozota and Honorary Consul and Mme. Michel Lhullier.

Governor Garcia spoke on the strong ties between France and Philippines and noted the various tourism promotions between the two nations.

The French Ambassador in his brief remarks mentioned the universal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity that the French fought for over two centuries ago. As French Ambassador, Thierry emphasized that has visited Cebu 10 times and has been to every region in the country.

One of the highlights of the evening was the dinner wonderfully prepared by chef Luke Gagnon and his team. The seafood station had oysters Rockefeller, scallops, lobsters, salmon and mussels, while the carving station featured roasted rib eye and legs of lamb with lamb jus. Other favorites included quiche lorraine, chicken casserole, sole meuniere delice with lemon and boulangere potatoes.

 As the night progressed with a jovial atmosphere, everyone raised their wine glasses for a toast to both countries. Immediately after, guests hit the dance floor with enthusiasm inspired by one of the longest playing, sought-after bands in Cebu — the Firelights Band.

Cebu Marco Polo Plaza general manager Hans Hauri and F&B director Stephan Wienprich were more than delighted that the meticulously planned affair was a rousing success.