True to Casino
Español tradition

True to tradition, the Casino Español de Cebu celebrated a "Despedida del Año 2005 y Bienvenida al Año 2006" with a "Baile de Mascaras." With the ladies in de rigueur long evening gowns and the gentlemen in dark suits and ties or Barong Filipino it was truly "elegantissimo" in the mode of a Venetian "Bal Masque" or Viennese "Opera Ball." The management and staff of this just renovated, "tres" exclusive club, that dates back to the pre World War II era of gentility and grace, outdid themselves with the creation of an atmosphere in the "Salon de España" that was oh so mesmerizing. Round tables draped in white linen centered by a towering arrangement of multi-hued fresh flowers and hanging candles gave a vision of an inverted chandelier. It was a creation of perfection and beauty. The sight of customary New Year's Eve party favors of golden top hats, glittering crowns and trumpets made me "dig deep into my piggy bank of fond memories" when as little kiddies we would curiously gaze at our parent donning on costumes of all sorts and getting ready for the party of the year. Early dawn while the older folks were sleeping off a sweet hangover we would tippy-toe in the rooms and scrounge for what was brought back to us as souvenirs. "Ah, that was life then!"

Plate full of choice canapés of pate, caviar, rare veggies and Spanish meats with bottles of red and white wine and champagne, Spanish of course, completed the table décor. Imaginative and creative masks were visible with Southlandia's "creamiest of the cream" eagerly waiting who would win the fabulous prizes for the Best Masquerade Attires for groups, couples and individuals. "Lo and behold", our groupie of Annabelle and Douglas Luym, Lulu and Hank Aboitiz, Choy and Rosebud Sala, Harry and Carmen Campbell, Nicole Gonzalez and David Witt, Carlos and Maripi Aldanese, Tico and Piluling Aldanese, Danny and Zeny Deen, and "moi" and my aunt Hazel Gonzalez, with our Phantom of the Opera "palabas" ran-off with the group prize. La divina Amparito Lhuillier in green and a masque created by her jewelers got the individual category prize. Natch!

Dressed in their usual sophistication Southern Aristocracy the likes of the M. Lhuillier Clan led by their doyenne Doña Angeling, the Aboitizes, Morazas, Escaños, Salas, Osmeñas, Gullas, Aldaneses, Gonzalezes, Picornells, and five hundred more oh so important personas to mention, and from Negros came Felix, Ditas (dressed in a ravishing red Anne Taylor original), Taira and Fian Trebol, Franco and Florita Diaz and Tomas and Mariglor Arnaiz, danced to the lively music of the Firelights and Fusion Bands. At the stroke of midnight a blizzard of blue and white balloons fell on the "huggin', kissin' and tearin'" crowd. Bar Chow and Hot Soup was served past midnight.

It was undoubtedly a Happy New Year! How was yours, cher amis? We will work together for a great 2006! Love ya…………………………………………………………………NOUS!*