A SAFARI ENCOUNTER

Michel Lhuillier's Cebu Safari and Adventure Park. I had been there before, last year on an excursion with the Cebu media.

The Cebu chapter of La Chaine des Rotisseurs scheduled an event there for May 18, and I signed up for it, including my two sons - Jimmy and Louie with his wife Charmaine.

We also signed up for the back and forth transportation arrangements through Elmera Abellanosa and Vic Vic Alquiza. They handle the secretariat of La Chaine and its office in the home of Michel and Amparito Lhuillier.

Meeting place was the lobby of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel where we assembled before the 1PM departure time. With us in the van were Angie Mathieu and her son Mickey Paulson.

In less than two hours we were in the municipality of Carmen in northern Cebu where the Safari Park is located. It is an uphill climb to make it, getting steeper to reach the top of a dominating mountain.

The demesne you see all around you is the domain of Michel Lhuillier, and close to 200 hectares of it is taken by the Safari Park.

There were many people walking around the paths to view the animals - lions, tigers, llamas, antelopes, giraffes, monkeys, snakes, eagles, varieties of fine feathered birds, even swans gliding on a lake.

In no mood for sweating the sultry afternoon away we availed of the strong vehicle provided with an informative guide, and we saw everything at leisure.

Then we rested at the covered party area cooled by large electric fans, and plied with substantial canapes and cool drinks. The chilled white wine was most welcome, taken in small sips given the intense humidity of the clime.

It was a good while to await the start of the evening's action. Just as in a movie, there was Michel Lhuillier in khaki looking like big game hunter Clark Gable in "Mogambo" shaking it up with a spirited dance number, surrounded by a bevy of beauties forming a chorus line clad in animal prints.

There was much applause for that as well as for his appreciative words of welcome. It is more than palpable to feel how much he enjoys these occasions, and that really sets the mood for the celebration.

Due praise was given the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel which joined hands with the Safari Park to cater the extensive buffet. That high praise was due Brian Connelly, the Marco Polo's general manager; Joward Tongco director for restaurants, bars and events. executive chef Juanito Abangan; sous chef Riz Degamo; banquet services manager Francis Ompok; events/promotions manager Barbie Burchards; and communications officer Febe Compañon who was at the entrance amid cawing birds to welcome everyone.

From the Safari Park end were vice president Eduard Loop (Michel is president), general manager Ronwell Bete, and executive chef Arsenio Basa Jr.

Up front to present certificates of appreciation were Michel and Amparito together with board members Dr. Nestor Alonso and Hans Eulenhoefer.

As the evening progressed ther were streaks of distant lighting, and torrential rain fell intermittently. Electricity flickered for some brief moments, but it all seemed to be part of the fun.

Dance music began to play. Michel and Amparito were first to boogie, as a circle gathered around them. It was a joy to see how Michel was having a truly wonderful time. He has been called the pawnshop king but for those like me who have known him since childhood, he is much more than that. Oh, so very much more!

Alone this Safari Park speaks for itself as quite an achievement. As we have repated, it is not just the animals in a private zoo, but the lush growth of plants all over. Among them are a million orchids plants in bloom.

Before the evening ended Michel announced the forthcoming events for La Chaine in Cebu. One is a Chinese dinner at the Hai Shin Lou restaurant in the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

There is also the possibility of an event at the J Resort in Mactan. Both activities will be discussed at a board meeting soon.