AMIGOS DE ESPAÑA AT CASINO ESPAÑOL

Amigos de España en Cebu held a luncheon meeting at Salon Barcelona of the Casino Español de Cebu on February 28, with a good attendance.

First to arrive was Carmen Campbell. As usual, her preoccupation and concern were if the food that was prepared had MSG and/or chicken powder, to which she is allergic.

Not to worry, she was assured by the club's general manager May Ocaba, and further convinced by Bernardo Losada, the food & beverage consultant.

The menu had been very well chosen by Myra Gonzalez, who was looking pretty as always, and perfect in her role as president of the "Amigos". She is Bernardo's mother.

On March 9, Myra and Bernardo depart for Sevilla where Myra will stay for two months. Bernardo will join his family after his annual stint with the Casino Español de Cebu. Aside from Bernardo,Myra has three other children -- Bea and Jose Maria who live in Spain, and Inmaculada who lives in Cebu with husband Paolo Manguerra and their children -- Santi, Paloma and Ignacio.

Going back to the gathering, vice president Susan Sala was there, as well as treasurer Julina Meurtegui who found "croquetas de jamon" delicious. Bernardo informed her they were stuffed with "tropezones de jamon serrano."

Causing the usual stir was the arrival of Doña Carmen Rodriguez de Martinez. Everyone stood up to greet her. She looks very beautiful at 98 (she'll be 99 in July) and is sharp as ever. Granddaughter Menchit Martinez sat beside her.

Special guests were Ruth Palacio, Diana Ledesma, Marian Miranda, and Mitos Montilla who will soon leave for Cuenca, Spain, after having spent the winter months in Cebu. It can be very, very cold in Cuenca.

Chinggay Utzurrum was thanked for helping call up the members. Among those present were Paqui Aboitiz  with her sister Quina Melendez, Vilma Ouano, Marian Aboitiz, Lourdes Narcise, Rosebud Sala with daughter Marvi Sala, and Conchita Taylor.

Kingsley Medalla came with his mother Pacita Sode and Alejandra Macuare Wadskier who has become a member of the "Amigos." She is from Venezuela and is greatly concerned about her mother who lives there.

Also present were Angie Mathieu, Margot Larrañaga, Annabelle Luym, Margie Taylor, Anna Conejero, Mem La O, Tina Ebrada, Gema Pido, Teresin Mendezona, Tessie Javier, and Maritere de Rotaeche.

There was a film showing of the comedy "Ocho Apellidos Vascos." Many left before it ended. Among those who stayed until the end were Myra, Julina, Chinggay, Lourdes, Teresin and Annabelle who were intrigued about the story's outcome. It had a happy ending.

Myra was asked to bring back some videos about the "Semana Santa" and "Feria de Abril" in Sevilla, and maybe one about the prancing horses in Jerez. The next gathering of "Amigos" will be in May when Myra returns.

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What's up for the coming days?

On Wednesday, March 13 at noon, the Arts Council will hold its monthly meeting of the trustees, led by president Dr. Vivina Chiu Yrastorza, at El Comedor of the Casino Español de Cebu.

On the agenda is the recent performance of the boys choir Libera on February 23, which was a resounding success. The committee was formed by Marissa Fernan, Elvira Luym and Teresin Mendezona.

On March 14, also at noon, the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel will launch the St. Patrick's Day food festival. It will be at the hotel's Cafe Marco for lunch and dinner, a culinary journey that involves Irish cuisine. It is on up to March 17, feast day of St. Patrick, patron of Ireland.

On March 15 at 6 PM is the civil wedding ceremony of Antonio "Toñing" Blanco and Esmeragda Tan Villa, at the ballroom of the second floor of the Cebu Grand Convention Center.

Antonio Blanco is the son of our dear friends, the late Dr. Guillermo Blanco and Esperanza "Inday" Briones Blanco, Esmeragda is the daughter of Milagros Tan Villa and the late Augusto Villa.

Antonio's siblings figure prominently among the principal sponsors: his brother Dr. Manuel Blanco and his wife Ave; his sister Dr. Gloria Blanco McMullan and her husband Dr. Thomas McMullan who live in Iowa, USA; and his younger sister Monina Blanco.

On the evening of March16 is the induction gala of La Chaine des Rotisseurs Cebu Chapter at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Presiding will be Michel Lhuillier, Baili Delegue of La Chaine for the Philippines. Baili de Cebu is his wife Amparito Lhuillier.

Nineteen new members will be tapped on their shoulders by Michel with a golden sword. The over 120 guests expected will then sit down to a formal dinner whose menu has been elaborated by executive chef Juanito Abangan.

Marco Polo Hotel's Cebu general manager Brian Connelly promises to make it an unforgettable night, working on the theme of Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the globe. That will be quite a show!