Wedding fairs will never be the same again. And all it took was one
idea, one hotel and some of the country’s exceptional creative think-tanks.
Five years since its last bridal exhibit, the Century Park Hotel
orchestrates what has been tagged as ‘Manila’s Bridal Fair of the Century’ which
takes off on July 15 and 16. Pulling together Manila’s best and finest in
couture, styling, entertainment, cakes and more, the upcoming fair
boasts of the biggest production seen in years that have passed, with
creative guru Rachy Cuna at the helm.

With no less than Cata Figueroa Jr. directing the fashion show, the
production poses as one of the industry’s highlights, featuring fifty
premier designers’ most elegant and opulent creations. Consultants
Pitoy Moreno and Ben Ferrales share the experience with fashion mavens Barge
Ramos, Ben Farrales, Edgar Madamba, Edgar San Diego, Edwin Tan,
Francis Calaquian, Frederick Peralta, Ito Curata, JC Buendia, Joji Lloren, Len
Nepomuceno-Guiao, Mike De La Rosa, Noli Hans, Ole Morabe, Patrice
Ramos Diaz, Pepsi Herrera, Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Raoul Ramirez and Toni
Galang.

Also to be featured during the two-day exhibit are the obre maestras
of some of the country’s budding artists. With over twenty gowns by the
Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines plus five more from
the students of the De La Salle– College of St. Benilde’s Institute of
Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, the Century Park Hotel will be
transformed into a showroom of Filipino talent in full flair. With live
performances of DJ Cocoy Puyat of Bed and DJ Joseph Alturas of Tower
Records.

What sets this affair apart from many others of its kind is how it presents
itself as every designer’s dream playground. Going highly thematic
with several focal concepts, the fair will showcase motifs unrestrained.
This is one event where the fine lines between reality and art intertwine. “We
want each artist and designer to go all the way with his creativity. Although
each theme provides guidelines, their space is their canvas,” assures
Cuna.

With a multifaceted array of the Filipino wedding experts, the fair
gives a sumptuous taste of every wedding’s barest necessities. And photography
is one that takes the limelight. Collections of photos will be displayed,
featuring the big day through the eyes of the leaders in the field.
Also on display will be photo exhibits of different bridal creations of the
members of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, shot on
location at the different cultural niches of the City of Manila, developed by
Mayor Lito Atienza.

Bouquets will be scattered all throughout the venue, giving onlookers
a sight to behold. With cakes in all shapes and sizes, the affair will
likewise play host to the creations of top chefs and dessert
authorities. With every knick and knack from wedding novelties to giveaways and
such, the bridal fair will feature everything and anything, literally the
full package of wedding A to Z.

Many celebrated and illustrious personalities loved the idea and
committed to share some time and thoughts on what it means to have all ends
tucked when getting ready to be wed. Philippine Daily Inquirer
columnist-cum-health and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, guests and
shares nifty ideas on how to set the mood and prepare for the big day with
pampering and fitness. Manila’s Civil Registrar’s office shares tips
and pointers on legal concerns for couples to be wed. The Archdiocese of
Manila comes well-represented, with a guest speaker to share some well-kept
secrets on keeping a marriage after the grandiose wedding day is over.
Even television and news personality, Tin-Tin Bersola reveals the highlights,
lessons learned and unforgettable moments of her high-profile wedding
to news anchor, Julius Babao. There will also be dance lessons for the
newlyweds’ first dance during their wedding reception courtesy of
seasoned >dance sensation-Poncy Quirino. The afternoon program will be hosted
by brother and sister tandem- JC and Bianca Gonzales.

On the last day of the fair, July 16, the Century Park Hotel will host
a chic cocktail reception at their Atrium Lounge, introducing the garb
parade in a fashion show, featuring a multitude of creations by the primera
klase designers of our time. Fifty of the best. All in one show.

Joining the Century Park Hotel are its major sponsors, the Philippine
Daily Inquirer, ETC Entertainment Channel, Rustans, Dermclinic, 923 Joey,
Premiere Wines & Spirits, Philippine Airlines, Tower Records and Music
One, Foreign Post, Gulf Air, Metro Weddings and Star Cruises.

With the participation of the City Government of Manila, Living Well,
Gourdos, Epson, Asian Spirit, W.G. & A. Super Ferry, CATS-Mercedes
Benz, Nestle Yogurt, Taal Vista Hotel-Tagaytay, Baguio Country Club, John
Hay Manor Hotel-Baguio, Island Cove-Cavite, Punta Fuego-Batangas, Mandala
Spa-Boracay, Nami Resort Villas–Boracay, Sun Village Resort–Boracay,
Red Coconut–Boracay, 357-Boracay, Tambuli Beach Club-Bohol, Pearl
Farm-Davao, Club Noah Isabelle-Palawan, Plantation Bay-Cebu, FVJ Photography,
Kyoto Flower Shop, Metro Weddings and Dream Weddings, the fair is one not to
missed.

Proceeds of the Manila’s Bridal Fair of the Century will be donated to
the Home for the Angels Foundation, a home for abandoned babies, located
in San Andres Bukid, Manila.

What began as a grand concept of pulling the biggest clout of Filipino
wedding experts in one event turned out to be more than just that. The
affair retells the truth that when bound by one undertaking, Filipinos
stand out in full cloth of magnanimity, talent and sheer flair for
elegant style. The bridal fair unveils in July for what truly is, the display
of the Century.