Diana’s bridal designer David Emanuel enjoys Cebuano hospitality

Would you be gracious enough to host an intimate dinner at your home for David Emanuel when he visits Cebu to film an episode for his show Shop The World? This was the question my brother Edu Jarque, who heads the Invitational Tourism Program of the Department of Tourism, asked me casually on the other end of the line.

The name sounded so familiar, and yet I could not quite place the person. After a few agonizing seconds, his identity dawned on me.

Flashback to July 29, 1981 and the much-acclaimed, highly-anticipated wedding of shy Lady Diana Spencer to the world’s most eligible bachelor, heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the equally talked-about fabulous ivory silk wedding gown that was copied less than 24 hours after the wedding. Its designer – David Emanuel!

Without a moment’s hesitation, I said yes, by all means, yes! I was extremely thrilled, at the same time concerned about the preparations needed given the limited time I had.

I immediately solicited assistance from my dear friend Teresin Mendezona, Cebu’s most sought-after more-than-just-a-party planner, who instantly came to my rescue.

Should it be a garden setting under the huge chico tree, overlooking the pool, amid a sprinkling of a thousand stars? It sounded so enchanting, but the weather was quite unpredictable these past few days. We did not want to take any chances. The final choice was by the lanai al aire libre.

Jaime Chua, the city’s foremost creative landscaper brought along his award-winning white phaleanopsis, floating cabbages, white and purple cattleyas, and a hundred other flora in bloom, plus lush fauna that Teresin magically put together into a masterpiece of a centerpiece in the huge singular dining table.

As guests arrived – there were only 16 to be exact – smiling waiters in colorful camisa chino served freshly-made lime juice followed by a refreshing wine aperitif.

Rocky Urbina, the amiable manager of the family-owned Laguna Café, the islands’ popular and favorite restaurant, was tasked to prepare a sit-down menu with a difference and yet would be strictly Filipino with the lechon de Cebu – there is nothing like it, ask anyone you know – as the piéce de résistance.

Over a leisurely dinner, I could not refrain from asking David, who was sitting on my left, what it was like to create Diana’s wedding gown, which would be seen by millions of people the world over.

This much I gathered. David and his then wife, Liz, had an ongoing friendship with Diana prior to the big day and she liked their relaxed manner of accomplishing what had to be done.

Four months of dedicated work went into the spectacular creation that was the bridal gown, plus those of the other female attendants for the wedding of the century. He even intimidated "that the royal frock had to be altered several times in the run up to the big day because Diana had lost weight: Her waist went from 28 inches down to 23 inches."

I could have chatted endlessly with the guest of honor, the good-looking, he with the movie-star looks, fashion designer and talk show host. But…

So, over cups of coffee and tea followed by sips of liquor, David Emanuel mingled wonderfully with each and every invitee. He may be a big star alright, but on this particular evening, he was simply a true English gentleman enjoying a nice and intimate gathering with people who generously showered him with warm, sincere hospitality as only true Cebuanos can.

I went to bed bursting with unforgettable memories of the fairy-tale wedding, intentionally blocking my mind from the unpleasant.

There she stood, an awkward teenager, transformed from a rather shy nursery school helper in frilly blouses to an elegant English rose in full bloom, a fashion icon of the century. And David Emanuel started it all.

Bless him!