Delectable! Fashionable!

CEBU, Philippines —  Last October 5 and 6, presented the fourth biggest and grandest bridal fair in the city was presented by Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino – the Cebu Wedding Expo “Weddings at the Waterfront.” The highlight of the event was the Haute Couture Bridal Collection that featured five of the most celebrated and world-class Filipino designers – Michael Cinco, Francis Libiran, Furne Amato, Ezra Santos and Cary Santiago.

The event took one year to prepare, according to Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino general manager Anders Hallden. It was strictly ‘by invitation only’; attire was formal and, indeed, everyone came in formal attire. I was included in the guest list along with prominent names like, excuse me, socialite and fashion icon Tessa Prieto, Dawn Zulueta, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Derek Ramsay.

A welcome drink at the cocktail reception for very important guests was a drink called Tropical Duo. Raffa Sparkling Vino Blanco from Spain, Chardonnay 2014, Merlot 2015, and Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 from the Gallo Family Vineyard were also served. 

GM Hallden went all out with his choice of world-class hors d'oeuvre or appetizers for his esteemed guests: Prawns Kebab, Pea Brûlée & Orange Salad, Goat Cheese Ravioli, Lemon Zest & Saffron Cream, Roast Beef Horseradish Sauce & Spinach Sponge, Roast Duck with Hoisin Glaze, Pearls of Foie Gras, Sweet Onion Marmalade & Parmesan Foam and Lemon Pancake, Orange Cream & Smoked Salmon. Cocktail Pass-Around also included sweets like the Mini-Fruit Tartlets, Raspberry Macaroons and the Cake Pops Nougatine.

The prawns were appetizing with the orange, giving a mild tangy taste and the crème brûlée made with peas gave the dish a smooth finish. The goat cheese in the ravioli was a bit sharp but toned-down by lemon zest and the addition of saffron cream gave a second level of flavor. The roast beef and roast duck were both tasty with its flavors enhanced by horseradish sauce and hoisin glaze respectively. The Pearls of Foie Gras was quite tasty with the onion marmalade toning down its rich flavor.

Sweets are not often served as cocktail party food but it does satisfy guests who crave for it, and its service is a sign that the reception is coming to an end. The Raspberry Macaroons were quite attractive with a slice of cheese sandwiched between the cookies. The Cake Pops Nougatine, which looks like tiny oranges, is basically a cake ball with stick and the sweet taste comes from the nougatines, made from golden caramel mixed with sliced almonds.

Back to the bridal collection, because of my very limited knowledge about the subject, I  know only one fashion designer, Cary Santiago, because my nephew’s wife wore his creation at a wedding ceremony in Santuario de San Antonio Parish last year. Actually, I know one more Filipino, no, Filipino-American fashion designer, who made the bridal gown for her mom for their 50th wedding anniversary… her name – Monique Lhuillier!