Christmas and concerts
Felices Pascuas! This was the hearty greeting that members and guests of the Amigos de España received upon entry to the Casino Español de Cebu to celebrate their annual Christmas lunch. “La Presidenta” Myra Gonzalez, clad in fiery red, welcomed one and all to the “comida” (meal), which included the much-anticipated “cambio de regalos” (exchange of gifts). Also very visible were Presidenta Emeritus Amparito Lhuillier and Amigos founder Don Jaime Picornell.
After lunch, president Myra thanked all for their presence (splendid attendance!) and the exciting gifts were exchanged. Some were pleasantly surprised; others’ eyes lighted up, as they got what they wished for.
Todos (all) rated the lunch an “A.” Feliz Navidad y Un Bien Ano Nuevo! (Happy New Year) The color was scintillating gold as the Zonta Club of Cebu 1 marked 50 years of service to the community via numerous advocacies, particularly women’s issues.
For this momentous occasion, they very appropriately invited prestigious and popular singer/ composer Jose Mari Chan to perform at a benefit concert entitled “Celebrate life: Golden Years of Service and Music,” as Chan was also marking 50 years in the music industry. The perfect and happy coincidence was held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, where a capacity crowd jammed the area!
Apparently, the Chan family is totally immersed in their craft, for performing with the maestro were his three equally talented “Chips off the Old Block” Jose Antonio, Francisco Rafael and Michael Philip who sang a capella.
But the ultimate showman par excellence was the maestro himself, who held the audience in the palm of his hand, as he traced his own golden jubilee through songs, trivia, endless jokes and more songs!
Bravo, Jose Mari Chan!