It was a super elegant affair for the Cebu chapter of La Chaine des Rotisseurs when it held the annual induction gala at the impressive ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
A record of 138 people had reserved for this night of gastronomic splendor and fine artistry. Presiding was the honorary consul of France in Cebu, Michel Lhuillier, who is La Chaine’s Baili Delegue for the Philippines.
Beside him stood his beautiful wife Amparito Llamas Lhuillier, Baili of the Cebu chapter. She singled out the Marco Polo Cebu’s general manager Julie Najar for making it all such a wonderful experience.
Golden sword in hand, Michel proceeded with the ceremonies, surrounded by the board of directors—Dr. Vivina Yrastorza, Teresin Mendezona, Winglip Chang, Dr. Nestor Alonso and David Sharpe.
First to be called was Yrastorza, recipient of the silver medal and current treasurer of La Chaine in Cebu. Miranda Konstantino received the bronze medal, while Mila Demecillo was proclaimed “commander.”
Promotions
Other promotions in rank were given to Herve Lampert and Edgardo Tongco, Grand Officier Maitre Hotelier; Rene Egle, Officier Maitre Hotelier; Laurent Boisdron and Anders Hallden, Maitre Hotelier; Carlo Cordaro and Louis Thevenin, Pair de la Chaine.
Welcomed as Dames de la Chaine were Beverly Dayanan, Sharon Kawase, Wibitz Stewart and Marcele Cinco Tochihara.
Inducted as Chevaliers were David Barnes, Derick Bulkley, Jean-Claude Cottet-Moine, Dr. Aden Kim and Ralph Reyes.
Dinner was served impeccably. Performances were provided by the Fire Angels belly dancers, sand artist Brian, chocolate sculptor Naza Maban and the string ensemble of the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra led by Mark Hamlet Mercado. The orchestra practically played its full repertoire.
Among the other guests present were Marguerite Lhuillier, Angie Mathieu with her son Mickey Paulson, Nelly Egle, Joji Alonso, Honey Thevenin and Daisy Barnes.
At the Lhuilliers’ table were Talisay Mayor Eddie Gullas with his wife Norma, Rosebud Sala, Roberto Kunitz, Stella Bernabe, Johannes Schulte from La Chaine of Bangkok with his pretty fiancee Chompoo Pahanetram, Glenn and Honey Loop and Efren Belarmino.
More: Karen and Kaisser Tan, Ruby Nepomuceno, Marissa Fernan, Elvira Luym, Kwin Kim, Geñi Reyez, Joy Sharpe, Ana Corominas, Mariter Klepp, Michael and Bethilda Smith, Jurgen and Sandra Pesch, Patrick Carroll, Jose Antonio Nigro, Lisa Mill Irving, Luis Echarry with Elena Palacio, Michael and Rose Hennessy and Aida Patana.
Stronger than ever
La Chaine des Rotisseurs in Cebu is stronger than ever. In her speech, Amparito Lhuillier thanked one and all for their support and cooperation on the organization’s 24th year of existence.
There were special words of appreciation for GM Julie Najar who is due for a promotion. Her post as the Marco Polo’s Cebu general manager will soon be taken by Brian Connelly who is already in Cebu.
After the La Chaine event, Michel and Amparito left for a well deserved rest in the United States and will return in June.
Next La Chaine event will be a fellowship to be held at La Vie Parisienne, tentatively set on June 29. It promises to be another wonderful event.
