Blu Sapphaire

CEBU, Philippines - The number 5 played up quite prominently last Tuesday, November 10. It was the 5th anniversary celebration of Radisson Blu Cebu. And the occasion featured fine creations by five of the metro's top couturiers, along with performances by some of the best acts around.

Shades of cerulean dominated the 10 exquisite pieces in the fashion presentation. With generous accents of beryl, the show was sheer evidence of the fashion ingenuity of designers Ixa Escario, Joyce Maw, Philipp Tamups, Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez.

Collectively, the pieces that comprised the presentation alluded nomcore minimalism. And yet the classic concepts of eveningwear worked very well with contemporary details. The pieces were fluid but not overflowing, elemental but not without flair - candidly coy, defining sheer feminine sophistication.

Noticeably simple yet profound, the fashion part of the Radisson Blu Cebu anniversary celebration  was a fitting match to the other highlights of the gala event - particularly the performances by the Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra, soprano Rachelle Gerodias, baritone Beyong-in Park, saxophonist Joshua Espinosa, the Philippine Ballet Theater's Regina Magbitang and Peter San Juan, and the internationally prized Mandaue Children's Choir.

The "Blu Sapphire" was indeed a fitting celebration of the many gains that Radisson Blu Cebu has reaped in just five years. The great challenge for the hotel now is perhaps to excel over its own past performance. Which obviously is not hard to achieve, given its powerhouse team.  (FREEMAN)