Beautiful people light up a wedding fashion parade
THE CEBU City Marriott Hotel recently held a bridal fair titled “A Whimsical Affair.” Its opening day proved to be a smashing success, attended by a large and appreciative crowd. General manager Patrick Car
roll stood at the foyer welcoming the steady flow of fashionistas who came to applaud an impressive fashion parade.
Guests went through a tunnel of white linen adorned with masses of flowers, strings of crystal beads dripping from the ceiling, and a tinkling fountain.
Little girls from Balletcenter, supervised by Nicolas Pacaña and Greg Aaron, led everyone to the Sampaguita ballroom where more flowers bloomed.
The program started with eloquent words from Carroll and from Cleofe Albiso, the hotel’s director for sales and marketing.
Opening the fashion parade was international model Joe
Vince Cañizares, who is from Cebu, and Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2015Rogelie Cat
acutan, wearing a white ball
gown by Francis Libiran.
Well-patronized
Next on the rampwere the creations of Jun Escario, who has a well-patronized shop at the Cebu Marriott lobby. Wearing them were jeweler Gladys Young, who has quite a display in Jun’s shop;
Maitina Borromeo with her little Andrea Rocio; and Kate Dychangco Anzani escorted by husband Marco, with their little
Ambra as flower girl.
Monique del Gallego Jarque modeled for Edwin Alba.
Dr. Christine Fernandez and Tasha Dixon were gowned by Wendell Quisido. Laurise Chiongbian wore an item by Protacio Empaces.
The regnant Miss Cebu 2016 Raine Baljak came with her
court— Tracy Perez, Shaila Mae Rebortera, Merl Gayo and Felina Lim, garbed by Dino Lloren; Roni Yu, Mary Ty, Rei Escario
and Marichu Tan. Miss Mandaue City 2014 Steffi Aberasturi wore a gown by
Rey Umberto Villegas. Raine’s beautiful mom Merce Abellana
was in a number by Lord Maturan.
Lana Osmeña was dressed by Hans Coquilla, while Mandaue City treasurer Regal Oliva wore a creation by Jul Oliva. With her was her niece Khristen Olvido.
The parade continued with couple Santi Osmeña and Renske Bijl, by Dexter Alazas; Tessie Javier, by Harley Ruedas; Julia Paula Alcantara and Nico Dotillos, also by Ruedas. Cebu’s chocolate queen
Raquel Choa asked Philipp Tampus to recreate her wedding gown in rich lace, which she herself dyed in the lightest of browns. It was quite stunning. Her escort was son Anthony Choa, in a tuxedo also by Tampus.
Only ‘terno’ For the climax, Marguerite
Lhuillier wore the only Philippine terno in the show, created by
Arcy Gayatin. Peinetas of gold filigree completed the ensemble.
Philip Rodriguez did the sleek barong worn by Alan Ong, and the starkly simple white number modeled by Fiona King. The grand finale had Ampari
to Llamas Lhuillier in a white- and-gold masterpiece by her daughter Monique. It had been created for Amparito and
Michel’s wedding anniversary. The lace floating panels that served as train were from the original gown made 52 years ago.
Designers and models were on stage with Carroll for countless photo-ops, while champagne and canapés were being served to the dressy crowd. Then came the rush of congratulatory friends and family members. It was fun.
Getting their share of acknowledgments were Cebu Marriott’s communications manager
Frances Alfafara and public re
lations officer Nico Velasquez.