The more-than-just-an-exhibition event attracted fashionable, well-heeled ladies, hip and trendy party people and a sprinkling of soon-to-be brides searching for inspiration and guidance and all one can yearn for from the country’s most sought-after designers, able wedding coordinators, caterers and all that’s very important for the most memorable day of days.
Guests of honor Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his always-correctly-dressed for whatever the occasion, hardworking wife Margot cut the ceremonial ribbon. They were joined by the newlyweds, the very-much-in- love couple Darren and Rica Deen.
Among the Manila couturiers who flew in for the occasion, which was held at the newly-renovated Atlantic Ballroom, were Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz, Rhett Eala, Vittorio Barba, Frederick Peralta, Patrice Ramos Diaz and Ernest Santiago.
Acknowledging the well-deserved applause were Cebu’s equally talented designers, such as multi awardees Philip Rodriguez, Arcy Gayatin, Jun Escario, Ditas Rodriguez and Oj Hofer, together with Marichu Tan, Anthony Romoff, Dino Lloren, Jude Elardo, Mario Colmenares and Protacio.
This year’s well-attended affair had a unique touch in the form of a special bridal show created exclusively as a tribute to the Filipino terno, which elevated this national costume to a world-class fashion statement. Admiring the beautiful ternos, with their signature upright, flat sleeves against the shoulders like clipped butterflies in dozens of variations, from elaborately embroidered sleeves, hand-painted skirts with intricate accessories to match, were the island’s best dressed ladies, such as interior designer for the exclusive few, the classic dresser Rosebud Sala, events specialist par excellence, la simpaticisima Teresin Mendezona, patron of the arts Elvira Luym and Joy Onglatco, mover and doer of events seemingly impossible to host Marissa Fernan, young matrons Arlyn Romoff and Eva Gullas, accomplished ladies Candice Gotianuy and Bunny Ludo, the very gracious Zeny Deen, Socorro Protacio, proud mom of GM Marco Protacio, las turistas de España, las Cebuanas Ana Fe Lujan, a longtime resident of Valencia, and Ma. Luisa Suarez of Oviedo, and a host of others.