The Philippine Star

The colors of New Year in Cebu

- By HONEY JARQUE LOOP

The New Year- 's Eve costume ball of the Casino Espa – ol de Cebu is a holiday institutio­n. And this 2013, it was no less spectacula­r. Funloving members and their guests trooped to the club to celebrate the despedida del a–o 2012 y bienvenida al a–o 2013. Under the watchful eyes of the board of judges, composed of Jasmine

Cuizon, Mark Canton and Donald Cumming, the very best joined in the "Parade of Costumes" vying for prizes.

Among the winners in the individual category were Aurora Fernandez who came as the fairy godmother, Percival Llaban as a Chinese emperor and Mari

paz Perdices elegantly dressed in the roaring Ô20s get-up.

The award for the most colorful couple went to Rafael Zuluaga and Ellen Zu

luaga who were dressed as revelers from Brazil. Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana did the Gangnam Style dance and were voted the most original

couple, while Joe Utzurrum and Chinggay Utzurrum as the Venetians were most elegant.

The grand premio for most elegant group went to the Danza Espa – ola composed of Cheling Sala and Susan

Sala, Vic Torres and Toots Torres, John

Domingo and Maria Domingo, Paking SeraÞca, Lisette Garcia, Annette Mendezona, Marisol Michael, Glenn Loop and author Honey Loop. Inspired by the hit film Topgun, Ato

Alvarez and Gigi Alvarez, Martin Monte

negro, Marisol Montenegro and Alfonso Montenegro, Lito Garcia, Chati Garcia and Bea Garcia dressed as air force pilots and were judged most original. The youthful group, Bollywood, led by director Paco

Jarque and wife Monique Jarque, with members Eduard Loop, Meryl del Gallego and Alfonso Martinez were judged most colorful. Entreprene­urs Mike Sasnovski and Bryan Head, both talented dancers choreograp­hed the much-applauded presentati­on.

As the guests built up their appetites, the chefs and the rest of the kitchen crew had a special feast prepared, ready for enjoyment.

As 2013 approached, everyone dashed to the dance floor and before they knew it, the countdown had begun. At the stroke of midnight and with a resounding Happy New Year, kisses, hugs and handshakes were exchanged, even among strangers. The friendly response was perhaps influenced by many glasses of champagne, cuba libres and overflowin­g wines and spirits.

Guests continued sipping the bubbly, partying and dancing to the music of the Purple Notes and Level Up bands.

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