Casino swings and rocks to the 60s

CEBU, Philippines - In response to the clamor of the club members to feature once again individuals with unique talents, Casino Español de Cebu led by its  president Ed Gonzalez gave their full support  to this favorite club activity.

The musical variety, aptly dubbed  “Casino Swings and Rocks to the 6os,”  threw the spotlight on homegrown performers, all of them club members and their dependents. The performers gave life to an evening of sharing one’s blessings and, inspired by guts and courage, in the spirit of fellowship and fun, exhibited their very best amidst applause and cheers.

The show opened with 10 spirited, lovely ladies doing the twist with Chubby Checkers’ great hit  “The Twist.” They included Grace Lozada, Lisette Garcia, Susan Sala, Therese Gonzalez, Toots Torres, Rose Hennessy, Mali Garcia, Mayen Tan, Ana Climaco and this writer. It was followed by Tony Quisumbing who sang  “Can’t help Falling in Love,”  while graceful wife Lorna interpreted the lyrics with a Hawaian dance. American national John Domingo sang “Besame Mucho,” followed by tenor Del Ordoñez with  “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” popularized by The Four Aces.

The mother-daughter tandem of Tina and  Miren Sofia Jordana 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.

Remarkable  singers Leigh Ramos and Rorie Fernandez did not disappoint the audience with their “Can’t Say Goodbye To You,”  by   Helen Reddy, and  “Moon River,” popularized by Andy Williams. First time singer Tony Lozada surprised the audience with his well-practiced rendition of  Michael Buble’s “The Way You Look Tonight.”

Accomplished and sought after realtor and singer Herbert Buot enthralled everyone with his own 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 avid and passionate singers, did  “Aint No Mountain High Enough”  by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to the delight of everyone. Successful architect and ballet dancer Tessie Javier simply 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, all decked in white complete with sideburns and shades, bringing the house down with the King’s immortal  song  “Are You Lonesome Tonight”  Supporting band for the “King” were his two sons Steven  and JB.

The program finale had 10 Casino staff members from the different departments doing a perfectly choreographed surprise dance number  that earned them the members’ standing ovation. Bunny Pages was the show host.