In response to the clamor of the Casino Español members to feature once again individuals with unique talents, the board of directors led by its president Ed Gonzalez gave their full support to this exceptionally popular club activity.
The evening’s musical variety aptly dubbed “Casino Swings and Rocks to the 60s” threw the spotlight on home-grown performers, all of them club members and their dependents.The gifted performers gave life to an evening of sharing one’s blessings and, inspired by guts and courage, in the spirit of fellowship and fun, the participants exhibited their very best amid applause and cheers.
The show opened with nine spirited, lovely ladies doing the twist with Chubby Checkers’ great hit Let’s Twist Again. They included Grace Lozada, Lisette Garcia, Susan Sala, Therese Gonzalez, Toots Torres, Rose Hennessy, Mali Garcia, Mayen Tan and Ana Climaco. This was followed by Tony Quisumbing who sang Can’t Help Falling in Love with You while graceful wife Lorna interpreted the lyrics with a Hawaian dance. American national John Domingo confidently sang Besame Mucho, followed by tenor Del Ordoñez who did justice to the song Love is a Many Splendored Thing popularized by The Four Aces.
The mother-daughter tandem of Tina Jordana and Miren Sofia received much applause for their interpretation of Natural Woman and Respect by Aretha Franklin. Not to be outdone was 88-year-old grandmom Aurora Fernandez who sang and danced with gifted granddaughters Amanda and Christine Gabucan.
As expected remarkable singers Leigh Ramos and Rorie Fernandez did not disappoint the audience with their interpretation of Can’t Say Goodbye To You by Helen Reddy and Moon River as popularized by Andy Williams. First-time singer Tony Lozada surprised the audience with his well-rehearsed rendition of The Way You Look Tonight by Michael Buble.
Accomplished and much sought-after realtor and singer Herbert Buot enthralled everyone with his special version of And I Love You So by Perry Como and You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You by Dean Martin.
For the second year in a row, Kathie Javellana and Cheling Sala, both passionate singers, did Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to the delight of everyone. Successful architect and ballet dancer Tessie Javier outdid herself with an upbeat boogie number that had the audience tapping their feet.
The ‘60s saw the formation and evolution of rock music that spawned a generation of singer-songwriters. One such singer that became the most significant cultural icon of the 20th century and referred to as “The King of Rock and Roll” was Elvis Presley. In our midst that night was Cebu’s very own “Elvis” in the person of Steve Lava, dressed in white, complete with sideburns and shades, who brought the house down with the King’s immortal song Are You Lonesome Tonight. Supporting band for the King were Steven and JB, his two sons.
The program finale had 10 Casino staff members from the different departments doing a choreographed surprise dance number that earned them the members’ standing ovation.
Event host Bunny Pages ensured that the evening’s program flowed freely from start to finish without any hitches. It was truly a fun fellowship among members filled with laughter and lots of amusing surprises.