Los Amigos y Amigas with consul Perdices

It was “muy alegre” when the Amigos de España met for their regular “comida” at the Casino Español de Cebu. Where else?

Obviously brimming with smiles was La Presidenta Myra Gonzalez, at the full attendance of guests and friends. The buffet was extra generous, and scrumptious too, as arranged by Casino general manager May Ocaba.

The mood was electric with anticipation, with the special presence of Honorary Consul of Spain in Cebu, Anton Perdices, who had exciting items on the agenda.

The epic year 1920 was a historic milestone not only for the Spanish community in Cebu but for the locals as well. This marked the year when the Casino Español de Cebu first saw the light of day! In this connection, celebrating its centenary in 2020, a special committee was organized to enhance and highlight all the events that made Casino Español go down in Cebu’s history and culture!

Consul Anton’s second announcement was that Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on our shores in 1521, and that come 2021, the Philippines will mark five centuries since its discovery.

Now, what does this have to do with the Spaniards? Remember that Magellan was sailing under the Spanish flag, and we became a colony of that country for some time. What if the Spanish Royals would want to drop by for a visit in the year 2021?

That would indeed go down in Cebu’s history! Keep posted for more “noticias”!

Meantime, pass the paella please?

ONE MORE FOR POSTERITY. Angie Mathieu, Gema Luisa Pido, Kingsley Sode Medalla, Mem Lao, Pacita Sode and Alejandra Maita.

TODAS “GUAPAS.” Quina Melendez, Paqui Aboitiz, Margot Larrañaga, Annabelle Luym, Amparito Lhuillier, Teresin Mendezona, Maritina Araneta and Myra Gonzalez.

SPECIAL GUEST. Honorary Consul to Spain in Cebu Anton Perdices (second from left), shown here with from left, former a.h. Consul to Spain Jaime Picornell, Oche Pelaez and Maricar Montilla-Madrazo.

ALL SMILES. Señoritos and señoritas: Lorna Quisumbing, Pacita Sode, La Presidenta Myra Gonzalez, Alejandra and Hector Maita, Amparito Lhuillier and Kingsley Sode Medalla.

Anton Perdices with Mari Miranda.