The Ambassador of Hungary Dr. József Bencze was in Cebu to open his country’s honorary consulate. He also installed Enrilen Joy Benedicto Tan as first honorary consul of Hungary in Cebu at a ceremony held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
During the program there was a reference to Hungary as a kingdom. Ambassador Bencze diplomatically corrected that this was over a hundred years ago. In 1918, the Austro-Hungarian empire broke up after World War I. Hungary at present is an independent republic.
Happy with Joy’s appointment were members of her immediate family—husband Dr. Charles Tan, parents Enrique and Helena Benedicto, uncle Ambassador Francisco Benedicto, brother Grand Benedicto (honorary consul of Romania) and his wife Genevieve, and brother Enrison Benedicto (honorary consul of Belgium) and his wife Christine Dorothy.
National Day of Belgium
Next diplomatic reception for the Benedicto family at the Marco Polo ballroom was the observance of the National Day of Belgium, commemorating its creation as an independent kingdom in 1830, with King Leopold I of the Saxe-Ceburg-Gotha dynasty.
Hosting were the new Belgian Ambassador Michel Goffin and Belgium’s honorary consul in Cebu Enrison Benedicto and his wife Christine. Joining them onstage for the toasts was Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.
Again present, and glowing with parental pride, were Helena and Enrique Benedicto, who until recently was Belgium’s honorary consul here. He retired after many years of service that merited him a knighthood from King Philippe of Belgium.
A highlight of the reception was a program of delightful classical music played by the Sinfoonia Academy Orchestra under the baton of Belgian conductor David Anne.
Dia de Santiago
Speaking of classical music, the Casino Español de Cebu celebrated Dia de Santiago on July 25 with a recital that featured pianist Rudolf Golez and guitarist Iqui Vinculado. A most appreciative crowd attended and enthusiastically applauded both artists.
With admirable dexterity Golez performed lively pieces by Lecuana, Ravel, Granados, Albeniz and De Falla.
Vinculado’s repertoire consisted of delicate compositions by Torroba, Tarrega, Sainz de la Maza, Rodrigo, Solis and Pipe. Her participation in the recital was courtesy of the Guitar Foundation of the Philippines.
For the grand finale, the two artists gave a stirring rendition of the adagio from “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Joaquin Rodrigo.
There was much applause, a standing ovation, and bouquets of flowers presented to the artists by Monique Jarque, wife of Casino Español president Paco Jarque, and Kaye Sala, wife of the club’s director for cultural events.
Closing remarks were by the club’s general manager May Ocaba, who asked all those who had reserved for dinner to go to Salon de Madrid for quite a spread on the buffet. Scoring superlatives was the Paella Valenciana.
Seated in front during the recital were Amigos de España president emeritus Amparito Lhuillier, Arts Council president Vivina Yrastorza, Josephine Aboitiz Booth and her daughter Mari Booth.
As usual, Rafaelita “Ochie” Pelaez, Rudolf’s mother, chose a seat in a middle row of the ball. Casino Español treasurer Rene Kintanar and his wife Joy were congratulated for coordinating such a beautiful evening of most relaxing music.
“I am glad I came,” said Angie Mathieu. Agreeing with her were Amigos de España president Myra Gonzalez and her sister Margot Larrañaga, Kingsley Medalla with his mom Pacita Sode and good friend Alexandra Maita.
More: Teresin Mendezona, Rosebud Sala and Maia Franco, Cheling and Susan Sala, Glenn and Honey Loop, Nonie Uy, Vikki Hermosisima and Alice Plaza, Nena Montenegro, Eddie Gonzalez, Dr. Ernesto Cabahug, Nito and Josie Sala with daughter Lianne, Petite Garcia and Mariz Rallos, and many more.
