MANILA, Philippines ? Spain's Ambassador to the Philippines, Luis Arias Romero, came to Cebu on his first visit since his arrival in the country four months ago.

He was accompanied by his wife, Soledad, and their young son, Javier Arias. The family was billeted at the Marriott Hotel and was welcomed by general manager Roy Abraham, marketing director Anne Olalo and public relations manager Joan Danao.

Ambassador Arias had wanted to visit Cebu having heard of its historical importance and impressive economic growth in the last 20 years.

He also received an invitation from Casino Español de Cebu that traditionally observes July as Spanish month.

Highlight of the celebration was the July 25 Dia de Santiago (St. James) marking the feast of Spain?s patron saint. Casino Español de Cebu has been doing this since its founding in 1920.

Ambassador Arias and family, who arrived on the eve of St. James? feast, had dinner with Michel and Amparito Lhuillier at their restaurant/deli, Hola España.

Jamon Serrano, Gambas al Ajillo and Paella, as well as other typical Spanish dishes, were served.

Michel reminisced on his term as president of Casino Español and talked about his work with Amigos de España en Cebu that promotes Spanish language and Hispanic culture.

On July 25, the family paid a courtesy call on Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama. (Mayor Tommy Osmeña and wife Margot were in Macau celebrating their birthdays that were just a day apart.)

Cebu?s Antonio Banderas

Vice Mayor Rama, dashing and handsome enough to be called Cebu?s Antonio Banderas, has an illustrious lineage. His grandfather, Senator Vicente Rama, was a brilliant writer in three languages?Spanish, English and Cebuano. He wrote the 1937 Cebu City Charter.

Historical landmarks

Next stops for the visitors were Magellan?s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño. The cross is on the very spot where Ferdinand Magellan planted it for the first Baptism in the Philippines. Cebu?s King Humabon was christened Carlos; his queen, Juana.

Basilica del Santo Niño is located on the spot where, in 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and his men found the image of the Holy Child in a house spared by a fire.

Pigafetta?s chronicles indicated the image was the same one given to Queen Juana on her Baptismal Day.

Not so far from the basilica is Fort San Pedro, a bastion built of coral stones centuries ago. A marker told the visitors that on Feb. 11, 1998, Spain?s King Juan Carlos, with Queen Sofia, visited Cebu, the very first Spanish monarch ever to do so.

The family admired the imposing building, the serene covered patio with its display of ?Hola España? Spanish products and the myriad sports facilities.

Governor?s invitation

The Arias family then paid a courtesy call on Cebu?s lady governor, Gwendolyn Pilar Garcia. Slim, pretty, and witty, Governor Gwen charmed the guests as she spoke in Spanish, telling them she was born on Oct. 12, feast of Spain?s patroness, Virgen del Pilar.

After the ambassador expressed a wish to return to Cebu again, she suggested, ?How about Aug. 5?? That?s Governor?s night and the eve of the 438th founding anniversary of Cebu as the first province of the Philippines by decree of King Philip II, who gave the Philippines its name.

The family also called on His Eminence Cardinal Ricardo Vidal at the Archbishop?s palace. With his usual joviality, the Cardinal spoke, in Spanish, of his day?s activity, including dedicating the parish church of Compostela in northern Cebu as a shrine of Santiago Apostol.

A glittering reception and dinner at Salon de España of the Casino Español capped the day. Ambassador Arias and his family were welcomed by acting president Gabriel Leyson (president Jose Sala and wife Susan are on a motorcycle tour of the United States).

Other officers present were treasurer Manuel Sainz, house chair Jaime Escaño and sports director Jose Luis Alba.

A wall-to-wall backdrop featured the facade of Spanish mansion of the 1800?s, ?Casa Escaño,? ancestral home of the Escaño clan in Malitbog, Southern Leyte. ?I remember it well,? said Choy Sala to his wife Rosebud, recalling how in 1957 it burned down.

Ana Maria Escaño, who was at the dinner, still lives in Malitbog, in another ancestral home, Villa Margarita.

The guests sipped cava (Spanish champagne) and sampled ?Jamon Iberico? courtesy of Hola España. Then Manoling Sainz asked everyone to be seated for the brief program. Dinner was served immediately after.

Eloquent speech

Antonio Veloso Jr., director for social and cultural events, gave the welcome on behalf of Casino Español. Ambassador Arias delivered an eloquent speech in Spanish, assuring everyone he would return to Cebu more often.

With Ambassador Arias and his wife at the presidential table were Vice Mayor Rama, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, Gabriel Leyson, Tina Jordana, and the Lhuilliers.

A splendid plated menu was served, specially prepared by chef Ipar Miranda, son of Jose Maria and Happy Miranda, who studied culinary arts in Spain. His menu was quite a showcase.

It started with tiers of marinated grilled vegetables, followed by shredded cod on a bed of lettuce and seaweeds. A hearty seafood soup, Sopa de Mariscos, came next.

After the champagne sorbet, came Mar y Tierra that featured tenderloin and tiger prawns. There was a typical Spanish dessert, Arroz con Leche, topped by coco crème.

Wines, also from Hola España, were excellent: white Señorio de Valei, Rias Baixas 2005, and red Rondan Rioja, Crianza 2001.

Nelson Marin, one of the original Salas Biys of international fame, livened up the dinner with his Spanish songs. He even enticed some people to dance after dinner.
Chef Ipar was called forth to collect due applause. Congratulated for making this a wonderful event were the Casino Español?s general manager Ed Tongco and services manager Rudy Ruby.

Previous columns:
International night for charity ? 07/29/07
A book for the amigos - 07/22/07
Gustavian nights in Cebu ? 07/01/07
A Santacruzan to remember ? 06/24/07
Farrales makes Cebu feel like Paris ? 06/10/07