British Ambassador Stephen Lillie hosted a reception at the Cebu Country Club in honor of Moya Jackson, member of the British Empire, on her retirement as the British honorary consul in Cebu.

Ambassador Lillie proposed a toast to Moya and Antony Jackson, who came to Cebu in 1961 in what was supposed to be a temporary assignment. They’ve been part of the Cebu tapestry for the past 52 years.

Ambassador and British Consul in Manila Brendan Gill took the opportunity to present Moya with a special consular award for distinguished service, oftentimes beyond the call of duty.

“I love you all,” said Moya, who has been Her Majesty’s honorary consul for the past 25 years. Loud cheering came from the assemblage of the British community, the Cebu Consular Corps and a sprinkling of dear friends.

Moya said the same to a group of friends who held an everybody’s party for her and Antony at The Beehive, one of Cebu’s oldest restaurants. Their “Cocido Completo” is legendary, and that’s what the party’s organizers Carmen Campbell and Teresita Moraza Mendezona ordered as “plato unico.”

Among those present were Hazel Gonzalez (the Beehive’s owner), Mario Mendezona, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Angeles Marthieu, Evelyn Ugarte, Julina Muertegui, Maritere de Rotaeche, Margie Taylor, Rosebud Sala, Teresin Mendezona, Annie Aboitiz, Conchita Taylor, Maricar Medezona and Lourding Marquez.

Before the evening was over, Moya recalled some anecdote about each and everyone present, mostly dealing with the first time she and Antony had met the person. There were some hilarious recollections, prompting someone to tell Moya that when she gets to London she should write a book about Cebu memories.

It’s not goodbye, the Jacksons were told by all. They may be leaving for England by the middle of May but they intend to be back before the year is over, to spend the cold months here.

“So, it’s sooner than you think,” quipped Antony.

Besides, they have family here. Daughter Tamsin lives in Cebu, married to Robert Booth. She just might follow in the footsteps of her mother as British honorary consul.

Grand bash

One of the grandest bashes of the season was the opening of Bibendum Wine Shop at the MLD building in Banilad. It is on the same ground level as Café George, a favorite watering hole serving excellent food and pastries by Bunny Ludo Alcordo.

The Bibendum bash was also a wine-tasting occasion, and you could do the rating on a pad provided at the entrance. Welcoming all were managing director Hans Joerg Eulenhoefer, his pretty mom Margie Ricards Taylor who is director for the Philippines, marketing director Mikel Perdices and sales director Cristina Olvido.

Guests explored the interiors where a fabulous display of wines was quite tempting (read that as very attractive prices), sipped the various bottles constantly being uncorked, or sat comfortably at Café George.

Congratulated were Kaye Sala and Cybill Gayatin of A-List for organizing the event with their usual flair and thoroughness.

Shortly after came the opening of another wine shop—Just Wines, along the road that leads to posh Maria Luisa Estate Park. It is the concern of Cora and Joseph “Opep” Gandionco, CEO of Julie’s Bakeshop, and Joe Meneses of Titania Wine Cellar.

Just Wines is more than just wines, since aside from the retail sales, it also offers a few tables and chairs where you can drink your favorite wine and nibble on homemade tapas.

Anne Marie Conejero of Graphic FX, who organized the opening party, also said that Just Wines delivers wine to your doorstep. Just give them a call; they have perfectly chilled white wine for those who like it “en su punto.”

Luncheon party

Ingrid Sala Santamaria’s birthday is in February but she says she can celebrate it anytime, like Queen Elizabeth II whose natal day comes in April but who celebrates it with a parade in June.

Some weeks back, in the midst of the April heat wave, Ingrid was asked what her favorite colors were by Bo Hauri, wife of Marco Polo Hotel general manager Hans Hauri. Ingrid said pink, purple, violet, and asked why?

“I’m planning a luncheon party for you and will use it for the color scheme,” said Bo, to which Ingrid countered, “Make it red, and we can celebrate my birthday.”

The date was set and the place, too: the Continental Club lounge on the top floor of the Marco Polo, where the view is magnificent any time of day or night. Guests were asked to wear a touch of red, but most came completely in red, crimson, scarlet, rust, deep pink.

“This is mainly to honor a wonderful person,” said Bo at the start of the luncheon. ” Ingrid is a special blessing; she brings about magic with her music.”

She added that that is what Hans would have said had he been present, but as it was, Hans had to attend a meeting of Marco Polo hotel general managers in Beijing.

Present on this occasion were Ingrid’s sister Chona Sala Montinola, sister-in-law Susan Montenegro Sala, aunt Rosebud Sala, Cristina Ebrada, Pilar Cusi, Elo Fernan and Honey Loop.

Bo and Ingrid plotted the menu around the latter’s favorite dishes; Caesar Salad with bits of smoked salmon, an aromatic pumpkin soup, Surf ‘N’ Turf with juicy steak, shrimps and lobsters, and Raspberry Panna Cotta.