The premier private club, Casino Español de Cebu, was transformed into a festive venue for the traditional celebration of the Dia de la Hispanidad or the National Day of Spain.

The elegant, strictly formal dinner reception began with cocktails at the Zaragoza Salon. Huge round tables were filled with unusually delicious canapes as the wait staff served classic Spanish wines that had a wide range of flavors.

A reception line made up of members of the board of directors welcomed guests to the grand Salon de España. Doing the honors were club president Andre Borromeo and wife Maitina. They were joined by vice president Javier Sala and spouse Kaye, house chairman Eduard Loop, director of sports Louie Moro and wife Lyn and director for Cultural Affairs Dino Diez.

The Grand Ballroom was decorated with elegant Spanish fans, with lush greens and cascading red and yellow flowers that depicted the colors of the Spanish flag. Centerpieces on the tables carried the same colorful motif.

Borromeo, in his brief welcome remarks, explained that the Dia has been celebrated by the club since its founding in the year 1920. The guest of honor, Spanish ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado, presented a short video that highlighted the different fiestas around Spain.

Anton Sloot, the dedicated and amiable general manager of the club together with the entire Casino Español staff, meticulously planned and masterfully created the exquisite menu that consisted of a fabulous spread of Spanish dishes that the club is known for.

With this combination of great camaraderie, culinary creations and excellent wines, it truly was a memorable occasion.