Paradise Found

CEBU, Philippines - The highly anticipated sequel to last year's bridal fair at Parkmall, Nupcias Cebuanas, had sent many brides-to-be zeroing in on the featured designers' ateliers. This year's inspiration focused on Cebu and its influences, unveiling creative juices translated into exquisite works of art.

Featured here are what every bride (and groom) should pack for their big day in a resort ceremony whether in the beach or a garden. "I've been working on a couple of old Cebu photographs, so I'm a 50s and 60s fanatic right now," said Protacio of the influences behind his latest collection that featured tapered trousers on the runway and jusi and cotton layers in an embroidered barong ensemble for the groom. Ren Manabat's ballerina dress was also inspired by the salvaros, what with its repetitive pleating arranged painstakingly around the bodice. The multi-hyphenate designer cum make up artist Wendell Quisido scaled way further back into the 20s with his jersey fluid dress intimately hugging the confines of his envisioned bride. Another fluid number was unveiled by Edwin Ao with his oatmeal flowy dress with back interest obviously influenced by the sparkling sands in nay of our world class resorts. A short sand colored dress with Swarovski beading was William Manahan's take on the concept of resort weddings – this came across most clearly in the models' five inch-long heels of exactly the same color with a comfy groom in tow dressed to compliment.

Volume, bows, waist-cinching silhouettes-lady designers Barbie Alvez and Marichu Tan has them all. The former opening the show with a bustier and bouffant skirt with very light draping with the latter in a serpentine silhouette with flowerettes and the minutest butterflies flitted on the bodice that reminds me of harvest time in Busay. With the Cebu Fashion Designers' Alliance (C.F.D.A.) teaming up with Parkmall, expect the unexpected, as excitement never ends. Bravissimo! (FREEMAN)