Amigos welcome a congresswoman

“You’re looking great!” was the unanimous cry of the members of the Amigos de España as soon as former Philippine President and now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) set foot at the function room of Casino Español de Cebu. She was accompanied by dashing husband, lawyer Mike Arroyo and welcomed by Amigos president Amparito Lhuillier and club founder Don Jaime Picornell.

The Amigos de España is very efficient secretary Myra Gonzalez reported that the members were in almost perfect attendance, when they learned that their guest would be Rep. GMA. As the lunch meeting progressed, Rep. GMA took to the podium and addressed the predominantly female assemblage in perfect Spanish. Give credit here to GMA’s late mom, former First Lady Eva Macaraig-Macapagal, who spoke it at home!

A surprise and most welcome guest was former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia, who warmly welcomed an old friend, GMA.

It was also an opportune time for international concert pianist Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria to renew ties with her, recalling that the CYSO (Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra) performed at the hallowed halls of Malacañang Palace, with the blessings of then President GMA. It was an experience one cannot soon forget!

Also, personally thanking GMA for a funeral arrangement, was Manny de Veyra Jr., whose late wife Araceli (Ely) was a good friend, and staunch admirer of GMA since her DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) days.

Many unforgettable memories were relived during the affair, so with cameras clicking, we have a collection here!

HELLO. Former President Gloria M. Arroyo (left), addresses members of the Amigos de España, and right foto, GMA (second from left), with husband, lawyer Mike Arroyo, Carmen Campbell, former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia and local TV host Mike Acebedo Lopez.

SMILE. Amigos smile for the camera: Amigos secretary Myra Gonzalez, Pacita Sode, Dr. Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, Choco E. Laplana, Tita Franco-Huete and Amigos president Amparito Lhuillier.

FUN. Rep. GMA (seated, left), with husband Mike and Myra Gonzalez. Standing are (from left) Carmen Campbell, Amparito Lhuillier and Amigos founder Don Jaime Picornell.

MORE AMIGOS. Seated are Vilma Ouano and Manny de Veyra Jr. Standing are Tessie Javier, Oche Pelaez, Rep. GMA, Myra Gonzalez, Margot Larrañaga and Mem Lao.

LOOKING GOOD. Rep. GMA (third from left), with Dr. Lourdes P. Narcise, a guest, Amparito Lhuillier and Kingsley Medalla.

FRIEND. Rep. GMA with good friend Manny de Veyra Jr.