The Charm and Flair of The Wedding Essentials Gala

Weddings will often be a blissful celebration, creating an air of wonder and romance for everyone.

As one of my many firsts, Wedding Essentials magazine invited me to "20: A Grand Wedding Gala". In one evening, twenty fabulous tablescapes and gowns were unveiled, in celebration of EDSA Shangri-La's twenty years. I was really anxious to take a glimpse of it all. As I've said to Kitten Zapata, editor-in-chief of Wedding Essentials magazine, I've never worked with a wedding magazine before and I'm quite curious with what happens during its events.

As I entered the ballroom, creatively styled tablescapes welcomed me, alluring me to sit on my table of choice. Still, every table looked fascinating that I hesitated to take a seat and disrupt its beauty. There was a choice for everyone from classic, eccentric, colorful, understated, and over the top. A delectable choice of dishes from different Asian cuisines were served as guests walked around to admire each table.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes after, sounds of church bells ringing was heard as the path to the grand fashion show stage opened.  Mr. Henry Lee, General Manager of EDSA Shangri-La, opened the show with gratitude to everyone who supported the hotel. Marbee Go, publisher of Wedding Essentials, spoke of the many wonders of a wedding and the interesting views of a wedding that her magazine highlights.

Twenty designers participated in the gala, offering a unique look on the always immaculate wedding gown. I was so proud to see the pieces by designer friends Chris Diaz, Lui & Jon, and Nat Manilag, while admiring the creations of designers who I've yet to meet. I had an interesting conversation with Marbee during the show. She mentioned that there are lot of upcoming designers that are really talented and deserve the attention in the industry. I must say that I totally agree with her on that.

  

  

 

My experience for that night was fun and, at the same time, romantic. The gala was a great opportunity for people to be inspired and to not settle on one of the grandest days of their lives. It will require a lot of work but it is a glorious challenge to turn a wedding celebration into a magical and wondrous display of love and style.

My love and support always to Lesley, Kitten, Mr. Lee, and Marbee!

Dusit Thani's 2012 Christmas Tree Lighting

These days, I see people doing their personal countdowns, leading to the biggest occasion that people look forward to this December (more important than my birthday on the same month, of course).

 

Is Christmas really just for the kids? It's one very debatable argument. Being in my twenties, I often hear about people comparing Christmas to when one was a kid, and now that they have grown and live with a professional career. Still, people shouldn't detach themselves from the core message that has always been imparted to everyone during this holiday: giving and sharing.

Dusit Thani had its third annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The theme this year centered on children as the hope for the future. The Christmas trees in the lobby of the hotel were created by the students of different schools, using diverse recycled materials. Making this annual tradition more meaningful this season, Dusit Thani will award a prize money to the beneficiary of the Christmas tree which garners the most votes this year.

Parents and students were present, all awaiting for the grand tree lighting ceremony. Dusit Thani's General Manager Prateek Kumar gave a wonderful opening remarks about the yearly tradition and how it has evolved through the years. "The Bag Hag" Ingrid Go, who was christened with her first hosting gig, was in support of the Christmas tree by his sons' school, Everest Academy Manila. Choirs from the different schools sang Chritmas carols throughout the entire event. 

 

Taking a walk around the lobby, I saw how each tree exhibited its own touch of whimsy, artistry, and fun.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Chance encounter, I was able to see lifestyle columnist Bum Tenorio during the event. He was in support of the Divine Healer Academy's Christmas tree entitled, "Puno Ng Pangarap". The red tree is made of bamboo twigs sticked together into stars, with Christmas balls made of organic materials. As Bum narrated to me, if the school wins the prize money of the competition, hundreds of students from the school will be given to opportunity to continue with their education.

You may read on Bum Tenorio's touching article on the students of Divine Healer Academy on his column: http://www.philstar.com/allure/2012-11-18/867848/‘puno-ng-pangarap’

To vote for your choice Christmas tree, here are the mechanics.

It's not December yet but I already feel Christmas in the air from the sparkling lights, cool breeze in the morning, and the constant playing of Christmas songs everywhere. I don't need any subtle reminder as I know that November is ending and December is fast approaching. After my birthday during the first week of December, I look forward to spending the Christmas holiday with families and friends. Still, I hope everyone remembers to share and give as much as they can to people or families in need so that they may also enjoy a very Merry Christmas.