The 81st birthday of Emperor Akihito of Japan was celebrated in Cebu with a glittering diplomatic reception held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Here for the occasion was the Japanese Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Tetsuro Amano.
He headed the reception line, and very close to him to do the appropriate introductions was the Consul of Japan in Cebu Shoji Otake with his wife Naomi, clad in a beautiful kimono.
During the brief program that highlighted the event, Minister Amano mentioned that there are over 180 Japanese business firms in Cebu. There are more than 5,000 Japanese nationals residing here, and about 180,000 Japanese tourists visit Cebu annually.
Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale greeted the Emperor in behalf of all the Cebuanos, expressing their “sincere prayers for his majesty’s well-being. “The vice governor said that she had just returned from a vacation in Japan with her granddaughter.
“I can say that they were the happiest six days of my life,” she said. “My granddaughter even told me she would like to be Japanese.”
It was Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s turn to lead a toast and express more best wishes. He said many phrases in Japanese which drew much applause from everyone. He was assisted by the city’s protocol officer, lawyer Leslie Ann Reyes.
Among those present were Marco Polo general manager Julie Najar who was congratulated for the fine spread of Japanese specialties on the offet; and Chris Lebumfacil, top man of Philippine Airlines (PAL) in Cebu. Coming up soon are PAL direct flights from Cebu to Nagoya and Osaka.
Sellout Spanish dinner
Casino Español de Cebu held a gastronomic dinner with a Spanish theme at the club’s El Comedor, in coordination with Barcino resto and bar of Manila. It was a sellout.
Welcome remarks were delivered by the dynamic general manager, May Ocaba, who introduced Barcino’s man in Cebu, Aitor Zaldumvide. He explained the wines that were paired with the menu prepared by Barcino chef Nicolas Diaz who is from Spain.
La Viña white wine from El Penedes, Cataluña, went well with the cold soup—“Salmorejo con Jamon Serrano.” The rose Altozano Rosado accompanied the cod salad with sweet red pepper strips.
The Maya-Maya fish done the Basque way (that means with a green parsley sauce and poached clams) was matched by chilled Terrapura Sauvignon Blanc.
“Arroz Rabo de Toro” consisted of minced ox tail on a flavorful bed of rice, paired by excellent Ramon Roqueta Tempranillo. “Estofado de Ternera con Setas” translated as stewed veal with mushrooms, paired by a rich red Beronia Crianza.
Dessert was the heated topic of the evening; it was so good—“Torrijas,” the Spanish version of French toast. Many recalled their mothers’ recipes, and there was much said about its basic ingredient—stale bread soaked in milk.
“Canela, si; canela, no.” That was the argument about to drizzle cinnamon or not. The chef had done even better, bathing the torrijas with thick sweet milk chocolate. That’s how chef Nicolas got all that enthusiastic clapping when he emerged.
Present was Casino Español de Cebu president Eduardo Gonzalez with his wife Therese and their daughter Aimil Sarmineto. Seated at their table were Spanish Honorary Consul in Cebu Anton Perdices and his wife Maripaz.
Former Casino Español president Rico Gandionco was with his wife Judith. Another former president, Jose Sala, and his wife Susan shared a table with Michael and Rose Hennessy.
In a table for two were Casino Español secretary Paco Jarque and his pretty wife Monique, joined by her father Cuco del Gallego, also a former Casino Español president. Paquito and Joyce Garcia, breezing through Cebu, were at the dinner, too.
A lively table was that of Michel Lhuillier, honorary consul of France, and once also a president of the Casino Español. With him was wife Amparito Llamas Lhuillier, sister Angie L. Mathieu and son Mickey Paulson, Rosebud Sala, Carmen Campbell and Myra Gonzalez y Osmeña.
Friends of Spain
Myra was reminding those concerned about the Christmas gathering of Amigos de España en Cebu, of which she is the efficient secretary. That will be over lunch on Dec. 10, at the Casino Español’s Salon Barcelona.
“Don’t forget,” she tells everyone, about “intercambio de regalos,” which means exchange of gifts. It can be quite hilarious, and full of surprises.