Beijing Wedding Expo welcomes Filipino entourage

MANILA, Philippines - The opening of the Beijing Wedding Expo welcomed our local entourage hosted by the Department of Tourism in China, last seen in 2005.

One of the largest fairs in Asia, Department of Tourism Secretary Bertie Lim’s emphasis on quality tour products had vibrant celebrity-designer Renee Salud’s creations taking center stage, in tandem with top fashion director Raymond Villanueva who choreographed 24 shows with success for eight days.

Salud bared his collections, which served as a selling point of our country to Beijing’s market as guests basked in the Pearl of the Orient’s fantastic island destinations.

The muses personified each collection, with Tourism Queen International winner Justine Gabionza modeling the black piña fiber with ochre accents channeling the sultriness of Boracay. Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos’ beauty was enhanced by the floral lace motif of the Palawan look. Professional Models’ Association of the Philippines’ stunner Aya Abesamis looked most charming in her Spanish bridal gown. Also drawing raves were Salud’s jewel-toned silk chamois cocktail dresses for Manila, while statuesque model Paula Figueras, leading the finale with Mr. World Philippines’ Bobby Mago, complemented the mood.

Great Wall of China tableau: Paula Figueras, Aya Abesamis, Jeniffer Barrientos, Gionna Cabrera, and Justine Gabionza with Mr. World Philippines Bobby Mago

Of course, this affair-to-remember wouldn’t have been complete without the beautiful, well-applauded music provided by Filipino violinist Merjohn Talaga and international opera singer Jonathan Badon. They performed at the Shangri-La Beijing’s Kerry Centre with the Cebu Pacific team giving the opening remarks for the gala show of “Romantic Philippines.” Another gala show followed for the Asean ladies’ tea party at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, with charge d’affaires Alex Chua entertaining media guests.

During these eight days, Tourism Attaché of the Philippines to Beijing Jay Esguerra outlined the guests’ itinerary, which included the exquisite Ming Dynasty courtyards along the Embassy Avenue. There were also good bargains at the Silk Market. Guests admired the Swire Hotel’s avant-garde exhibit at San LiTun (a hip, artsy area), relaxed at the Solana for a more high-end shopping experience, toured the 2008 Beijing Olympic City for an hour, and best of all, had a cover shoot wearing the latest bridal collection of Renee Salud at the Great Wall of China.

Filipino guests agree that visiting the political, educational and cultural center of the People’s Republic of China after two decades has been inspiring, and seeing how it has empowered itself as one of the top international exchange centers of the east made them realize that Peking is definitely “peaking.”

Kerry Shangri-La Hotel Gala show with Cebu Pacific: Bobby Mago, DOT’s Gigi, Jonathan Badon, Aya Abesamis, Charge d’Affaires Alex G. Chua, Tourism Attache Jazmin Esguerra, Cebu Pacific head in China, Renee Salud, Gionna Cabrera, Justine Gabionza, Jeniffer Barrientos, and Paula Figueras