Of Mantones and Masks

Never had I been as dazzled with so many Mantones de Manila as I was at Shangri-La’s ballroom where fccp members were recreating a night in Spain. España Cani, Las Sevillanas, the Paso Doble and the Flamenco rated an Ole! for the effort, enthusiasm and beautiful costumes of the señoritas, while fccp head Chloe Romulo Periquet, director and choreographer, rated three Ole’s! for turning amateurs into instant dancers. Chloe joined a few numbers herself, clicking her castanets to deepen ambiance.

Aurora Sagaz, the Spanish ambassador’s wife, literally stood out, being the tallest dancer; soloist Tereret Liboro performed with grace and elegant movement. fccp veep Beth M. Bartolome Cristobal served as an admirable emcee.

I asked Instituto Director Javier Galvan, "Are you dancing the flamenco, too?" He wittily replied," "That will depend on what wine I shall be drinking."

Earlier, the beautiful, brilliant and oh-so-candid Josie Lichauco was holding the fort at our table while the entire diplomatic corps, or so it seemed, arrived as more mantones, peinetas and abanicos ravished the eye.

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Masked figures, jugglers, clowns on stilts were at Rustan’s every floor, the festive touches heralding la dolce vita. Ambassador Umberto Colesanti and the petite Clara, Rustan’s Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Nedy and Rico greeted special guests Senator Ramon and Marilou Magsaysay and "Little President" Alberto and Lovely Romulo. Although the gallant gentlemen did not try to steal the show from the fashion models, they nevertheless proved to be eloquent, off-the-cuff speakers.

Reneé Veyret and Milena Santana Ramirez–themselves elegant dressers–and virtually all other ambassadors headed by Messrs. Francis Ricciardone and Herbert D. Jess, applauded the models who wore giant masks for a glittering end. The Festival closes Nov. 30. Don’t miss its Gran Lotteria!