Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Domecq was the guest of honor at the annual gala dinner hosted by the Casino Español de Cebu to mark the opening of the Spanish Month celebration.
Casino Español Club president Buddy Veloso together with vice president Nonoy Tirol were on hand to welcome the ambassador. General manager May Ocaba graciously presented a garland of orchids to the ambassador.
Director for cultural and social affairs Paco Jarque was the evening’s program chair. After the bienvenida by the president, Ambassador Domecq delivered his well-expressed message that underscored the visit of Queen Sophia of Spain to the Philippines.
The event featured flamenco and Latin-inspired dances. Some courageous and fun-loving members demonstrated their coordination and flair to the rhythm of the flamenco beat. The guests evidently enjoyed themselves and stayed on till midnight.
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After a fortnight, the Spanish month celebration continued with a painting exhibit by Isabel Echevarria, a multi-awarded Cebuana artist in residence of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria since 2004.
Guests of honor included Cebu Mayor Michael Rama, Casino Español de Cebu vice president Nonoy Tirol, US Consular agent John Domingo, philanthropist Amparito Lhuillier and art lover Elvira Luym.
Echevarria’s works reflect the fusion of her Asiatic culture and her Spanish heritage. She is fascinated by the similarities and differences in the culture of both archipelagos.
The artist’s figures on canvas, whether that of a contemplative look of a Filipina maiden, a galloping horse, or a simple smile of a Canarian musician, captures an emotion of a precise moment reliving her impression in the eyes of the viewer.
The exhibit titled “Morena,” showcased 18 paintings in pastel and bold colors, which focused both on the artist’s fascination for portraits, mostly of women and her commitment to widen the reach of her knowledge and technique honed from her studies in the Philippines and abroad.