The Waterfront Lobby Launch: A Vision of Grandeur

CEBU, Philippines - Indeed, it was a fusion of fashion and technology, just as the invite implied, at the launch of the newly renovated Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Lobby Lounge. A virtual ribbon cutting unfolded and projected at the wide expanse of the Lobby walls as honorary guests Gov. Gwen Garcia, Cong. Cutie del Mar, Mdme. Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung and Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Rowena Montecillo initiated the toast unveiling the momentous event as welcomed by Waterfront's general manager Mr. Alfred Portenschlager.

In celebration, a fashion flash of a treat unveiled right smack at the center of the Lobby with a blinding white runway to serve as canvas to the featured designers' most recent collection. Out came Jun Escario's linear jersey sheaths in ivory and black with metallic belts in sync with the hotel's grand facade. Long and lean dresses with graphic effect stood out which came out soberly sexy and the clothes had a pared down, unembellished simplicity. Inspired by the Waterfront's Japanese resto Mi-zu,Protacio's japonais styling on models clad in checkered peplum with black lace knee grazing skirt and stripped and layered top with short pouf skirt (his own authentic and chic fabrication)earned applause with oohs and aaahs from the invited guests. Edwin Ao's ultra modern collection of layered wool over more textured fabrics stamped with the distinctive Edwin Ao magic in the mix of patterns, silhouettes and yes, textures.

Exclusively for grand entrances that echoed Waterfront's Pacific Grand Ballroom were in Philip Rodriguez' red heavily embellished longsleeved top with a cascade of lace and sequins from the shoulder down past the hips and soft red tulle voluminous skirt with a toned down clone in black (but equally elegant). The collection finished off with a dapper gent clad in textured wool severe tailored jacket and stovepipe trousers. The only nod to over-the-top luxe came in the form of a trio of black peek a boo column dresses from Cary Santiago, a most dramatic finale. After all, it wouldn't be Cary Santiago without a little flash here and there! Bravissimo!