DOING THE GROUNDWORK
How Agel Go makes Christmas gatherings more memorable for everyone else
“I started when I was in college, but it wasn’t that serous then. I just did kids’ [ parties] for my friends,” Agel Go reminisces her beginnings in events planning. Her passion for it eventually grew and her little sideline turned into a real life profession, expanding to flower arrangements and set design for bigger and grander events like debuts, weddings, and corporate events.
After more than a decade of learning— then mastering— the ropes through trial and error, Go can now pull off an event for a client she has never met personally, discussing details with them only through Viber. Still, being a party planner entails great sacrifices because of the different demands of the job, something she also knows all too well. What are the most usual parties you organize during the holidays?
It depends. I don’t know why, but there are different events [ booked] this season. They’re mostly birthdays, store openings, and corporate events.
Did you ever encounter a bizarre request for an event for the “ber” months?
None. [People often request for] traditional Christmas themes—red, gold, green, or winter. What are the most important things one should never forget when planning events?
First, you need to choose the perfect venue. Once you have the venue, you will know what kinds of tables [are available]. [From there], you can plan what kind of table setting to prepare. After I have seen the tables to be used, the design follows. I’ll know what props are workable in the venue. After that comes the execution. Surely mishaps are inevitable during events. What is the greatest one you’ve experienced so far?
People stealing my props, even the big ones.
What was the biggest one that was stolen?
I saw some people bring home the luggage props for a destination setup. Also, an old
womanthink they’re tried forto get free. the candelabra. They If November and December are busy for you, do you still have time to host dinners and reunions for your friends and family?
Not anymore, because of my hectic schedule. If that’s the case, do you still have time to attend dinners and reunions?
I really make it a point to find time, but I cannot stay at the party for long. If you were to create a Christmas event for you and your friends, what would be the ideal theme?
What’s ideal for me is something wintry: snow flakes, cotton, silver glitter. But it really depends on my mood and the venue, whether it’s indoor or outdoor.