The "Wedding Expo 2015"

CEBU, Philippines - Every now and then, the metro gets the chance to demonstrate its collective fashion consciousness - the very thing that puts it among the ranks of the design capitals in this part of the world.

The latest such chances took place on October 24 and 26, during the three-day "Wedding Expo 2015" at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino. The hotel's new signature wedding fair opened and closed with runway presentations - both held at the Atlantic Hall - that set the spotlight on the creations of Cebu's top couturiers.

Opening Bridal Fashion Show - October 24. The highlight was a curated selection of bridal ensembles by Cebu's Edwin Ao, Jun Escario, Philipp Tampus, Philip Rodriquez and Cary Santiago. It featured pieces steeped in contemporary designs, as well as novel renditions of draping, patterns, volume, embellishments and cut-outs. It was a fitting preview of what was forthcoming in the three-day fair.

Merging classic design philosophies and contemporary interpretations, the show had an undeniable "now" tone, allaying the concerns that Cebu's fashion-forward designers may have reached a deathly saturation point.

Closing Fashion Presentation - October 26. The wedding expo closed with a honeymoon-themed runway presentation.  The show was a collaboration between Cebuana couturier Valerie Alvez and the Victoria's Secret brand.

Alvez's flowing shawls and select accessories and intimate-wear by Victoria's Secret were the highlights.  The metro's top runway models aptly exuded the qualities that the show intended to put across - maximum comfort in maximum style. (FREEMAN)