The Consular Corps of Cebu-led by Honorary Consul of Russia Armi Garcia, and The Zonta Club of Cebu 1 headed by Stella Bernabe, recently presented a galashow at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. The show, “Fashion and Rhythm, A Night at the Oscars,” was directed and choreographed by club past president Mila Espina.
The program opened with the women legends in classic fashion. They included Consul Garcia (Catherine the Great, Sylvia Paderanga (Queen Isabella), Cely Chiongbian (Queen Elizabeth 1 of England), Margarita Onglatco (Marie Antoinette of France) Lucille Colina (Catherine D’ Medici), Janice Minor (Cleopatra), Stella Bernabe (Indira Gandhi), and Mariter Klepp (Eva Peron of Argentina).
The evening’s hosts Carol Go (Anne Hathaway) and William Sieness (Tom Hanks) introduced the first set of glamorous ladies, who portrayed the popular television series Desperate Housewives. They were Alice Woolbright, Tamsin Booth, June Alegrado and Jackie Lotzof. Making a surprise appearance was Jesselito Moncada, who impersonated world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.
Agnes Huettel and husband Gregg cameas Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler, respectively. Next came Consul of Israel Emily Chioson (Julia Roberts), Tess Chan (Jennifer Aniston), Pilar Puno (Reese Witherspoon), Chabeng Garcia (Demi Moore), Carmen Campbell (Meryl Streep), Floram Limotlimot (Sandra Bullock), Kristin Lerin (Marion Cotillard), Anna Quisumbing (Penelope Cruz) and Joy Onozawa (Kate Winslet).
Amparito Lhuillier in a black lace Monique Lhuillier original beautifully personified Catherine Zeta Jones, while husband Michel Lhuillier, Honorary Consul of France, was dapper as Michael Douglas. Philanthropist Mariquita Yeung in an equally fabulous Chanel gown portrayed Angelina Jolie, while her partner Consul John Domingo was debonair as Brad Pitt.
Hollywood’s movies and musical history unfolded as Aida Uy glided in her flowing red chiffon gown as Scarlett O' Hara in Gone with the Wind. Notable performers included Joe Ng (The Godfather), Francis Monera (James Bond), Bruce Winton (Superman), Chris Lebumfacil (Zorro), Jong Fernandez (Batman) and Iris Arcenas (Wonder Woman).
An endearing interpretation of the Sound of Music’s Do-Re-Mi was performed by Ed Chiongbian, Anita Sanchez, Vince Colina, Lucy Segura, Rufina Tanchan, Pauline Deduque, Malou Mendez and Mat Baguia.
Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia sashayed in an elegant fluid white gown to
the melody of My Fair Lady's musical I Could Have Danced All Night. Honorary Consul of Portugal Samuel Chioson, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was her escort.