New Beginnings

CEBU, Philippines – “Arcy’s magic is that she knows how to make clothes. She styles her clothes in sync with her taste,” a well-heeled socialite opined as the audience, which included Wedding Essentials’ Marbee Go and Kitten Zapata with guest speaker Abbeygale Arenas gathered at the lobby of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel before the lights went down.

It was a resort-themed bridal show with some designers getting flirty and fluid, like Albert Arriba, whose goddess gowns showed intricate beading, Cary Santiago who unveiled translucent dresses stamped with his signature laser cuts and Arcy Gayatin—ever one to dance to her own drummer—was going fashion forward. A chiffon gown had fine pleating that ran into a graceful pattern and a tube dress in the daintiest of popcorn lace. Felix Yu’s Cebu lace also took center stage as quasi-textural gowns sashayed the bamboo and Chinese lantern adorned walkway of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel grand staircase. Salvador Malto, ever the staunch environmentalist looked back to nature and, “took some elements that really touched me and spoke to my heart,” he quipped.

Jun Escario’s halter dress in silhouette, similar to those from his recent collection for his website, were finished with beads, tiers, and drapes that rounded the neck like a modern Athena. Oj Hofer visualized the “halcyon days” colors of his bold palette, a ‘20s inspired silver gown and a perfectly tailored charcoal suit for the dapper groom. Philip Tampus’ strategically beaded transparent blouse and bubble skirt in Thai silk showed mastery of his craft. Philip Rodriguez, fresh from his Bantayan resort escapade, had his model bride in a strapless gown with wave-like undulating pleats layered endlessly with beads that shone through in the finesse with which he applied his craft. For the finale, a parade of model brides and grooms stepped softly and regally down the runway, while the loudspeakers were blaring “Time to Say Goodbye” crooned live by Lorenzo amidst thunderous applause.

Bravissimo!