Spain’s Consul General in Manila Ma. Pilar Villanueva visited Cebu to install Anton Perdices as the new honorary consul of Spain in Cebu. She arrived in the Philippines two and a half months ago, and she has already been to Zamboanga, Siquijor and Negros Oriental (Dumaguete City).
In Cebu, Consul General Villanueva visited the Provincial Capitol, paid a courtesy call on Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and saw the historical landmarks—Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro.
She also paid a call on Naila Beltran, director for external affairs and international linkages of Cebu Normal University.
The highlight of Consul General Villanueva’s sojourn in Cebu was the opening of the exhibit “Liberal Streaks” at the foyer of Casino Español de Cebu. The exhibit commemorates the 200th year since the Spanish Constitution was promulgated in 1812 in Cadiz.
At the time, part of Spain was still occupied by Napoleon’s armies. The Philippines, being a colony of Spain, was represented by a delegation led by Ventura de los Reyes. This constitution later served as the model for the one drawn up during the Malolos convention.
This is well-depicted in the exhibit which will be open to the public at Casino Español until Nov. 26. Groups of students and history buffs have been asked to view it.
Francisco Jarque Jr., director for cultural and social activities of Casino Español, gave the welcome remarks and announced the playing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Spain. Consul General Villanueva gave the rationale of the exhibit, and Mayor Rama delivered a congratulatory message.
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Mayor Rama, Consul General Villanueva, Casino Español de Cebu president Antonio Veloso Jr., and Perdices.
There was a large crowd of VIPs, members of the Spanish community, and a good representation of Amigos de España en Cebu led by president Amparito Llamas Lhuillier, secretary Myra Gonzalez Osmeña and treasurer Julina Pando de Muertegui.
The celebration continued at Salon Madrid in the upper floor where the installation program was held and dinner served. Rosebud Sala had a hand in the floral decorations, which were very much admired by everyone.
Consul General Villanueva sat with Mayor Rama, Anton Perdices and his lovely wife, Ma. Paz Vicente de Perdices, and Anton’s parents—Mariano Perdices and Maricar Gonzalez de Perdices, who had chosen the evening’s menu and made sure there was Spanish bacalao.
Aside from Casino Español president Antonio Veloso, other officers present were VP Editho Tirol, secretary Gabriel Leyson, sports director Luis Moro III, and Paco Jarque with his wife Monique.
Mayor Rama was once more in the spotlight, and on a dais, to officially welcome Anton as honorary consul of Spain. The appointment paper and Exequator was presented by Consul General Villanueva, and Señor Perdices gave an eloquent acceptance speech.
Acknowledged for making the exhibit possible were its sponsors from the Cebu end—former Casino Español de Cebu president Dr. Rico Gandionco, Cherry Muntuerto, and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation represented by its president, Roberto Aboitiz, and his daughter, Amaya Aboitiz.
There was a large group of Amigos de España. A random enumeration would give us Johnny and Anna Marie Dizon, Mayen Tan with colleagues Flor Ynclino and Honey Loop, sisters Teresin Mendezona and Carmen Campbell, Max and Marivic Borromeo, Gema Pido, and Fe Sala Villarica, discussing the Metropolitan Ballet Company she has formed and her insistence that “it is not a school.”
More: Dr. Lourdes Narcise with Ma. Socorro Escaño Laplana and son Ado, Marichu Garcia, Tina Ebrada Manuel and Margot Larrañaga, Del Ordoñez, Alberto and Maritere de Rotaechem and Kingsley Medalla with a group of pretty Spanish girls from the Ex Libris call center.
Glimpsed among the Consular Corps were Cebu chairperson Armi Garcia of the Russian Federation; France’s Michel Lhuillier; Germany’s Franz Seidenschwarz, with wife Elizabeth; Austria’s Arcadio Alegrado, with daughter Julie A. Vergara, who will take his place; and the UK’s Moya Jackson with husband Antony.
It was an all too short visit and Consul General Villanueva has promised to return. Before taking the plane to Manila the next morning, Perdices took her to see the Magellan monument in Mactan.
Tapas Night
Later in the day, it was Tapas Night at Ipar’s, the best place in Cebu to enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine. It is on Ramos street, occupying what was once the garden of the Miranda mansion. It still is home for José Mari and Happy Miranda and their children Merche, Josu, and Ipar, of course.
Ipar Miranda had prepared quite an array–Escalivada, Salpicon de Mariscos, Tortilla Española, croquetas, Gambas al Ajillo, orejas (chopped pig’s ears), homemade chistorra and a delicious paella with no bones or shells.
Wines were from Barcino, personally poured by Aitor Zaldumvide. José Mari, and Josu Miranda were around, as were Benjamin and Marian Miranda, Miguel and Cristina Monreal, Chucho and Margot Larrañaga, Myra Gonzalez, Mikel Ugarte, Iñake Antunez, Richard Uysiuseng, Imanol Larrañaga, Yvonne Quisumbing, Eddie Osmeña, Anton Osmeña, Sven Serafica, Tessa Peard and Jigs Arquiza.
Joel and Carla del Prado were expecting the group of Pilita Corrales to drop by after a show in Aznar Coliseum with Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez. Eddie and Annabelle had earlier been to Ipar’s and left proof of it.
On large white plates Eddie had signed his name to “Muy rica la comida,” and Annabelle’s calligraphy in Cebuano attested to “Lami kaayo.” Mao ba? Mao gyud!