Ever since it started printing in 2004, Wedding Essentials (WE) magazine has been the go-to source for soon-to-wed couples wanting to bring their ultimate nuptial fantasies to life. Apart from its inspiring images, wedding planning guides, and dream themes, the magazine also chronicles the first chapter of real lovers as they say “I do.” As it marks its 20th year, the wedding magazine of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. cements its position as a leading force in the industry with a celebration highlighting its legacy and the creatives who have shaped the local wedding scene.
In partnership with The Manila Hotel, WE magazine hosted the sixth edition of Tadhana, the magazine’s grand wedding affair. The event, held on Oct. 17, 2024, featured artistic displays showcased in the lobby of the iconic hotel. These displays highlighted the works of event stylists Drew Menor, Joyce Aguilar, Tiger Lim, and Randy Lazaro. It also spotlighted the cake artistry of Audrey’s Pastries, Mannix Peña, Angelyn’s Cakes, and Penk Ching. Also on display were the bridal creations of designers Carina Canlas, Mikee Andrei, Patty Valle, and Ryan Ablaza-Uson. One of the highlights of the event was the photo exhibit titled “Through the Pages,” presenting images by renowned photographer Marlon Pecjo.
WE magazine would not be a premier wedding magazine without the help of industry leaders and creatives. To recognize their work, passion, and dedication, the magazine honored Marlon Pecjo, Reynaldo Santos Jr., Jasmine Maeirhoffer, Gery Penaso, and Madge Lejano with the WE Stalwarts for Fashion and Creatives award. The Philippine Association of Wedding Planners (PAWP), along with Julius Villamante of Amante Fleurs, Christine Ong Te-Events, Joyce Aguilar, 4th Wall, and Metrophoto, took home the WE Movers and Shakers award. MC Pascual and Kim Torres were named WE Thriving Visionaries, while Benz Co-Rana, Voltaire Zalamea, The Manila Hotel, and Rita Neri were hailed as WE Icons.
The night culminated in a dazzling display of bridal fashion. Gracing the Tadhana runway were the collections of AJ Javier, Audwin Lee, Catherine Cavilte, Christopher Munar, Yeye Pantaleon, Doreen Odvina, and seasoned designer Boy Kastner Santos.
“WE became the ultimate guide for modern Filipino couples, weaving together countless love stories and sparking ideas that inspired a generation. We opened doors for young dreamers, filling our pages with pure inspiration,” said editor-in-chief Kitten Zapata. “I’m grateful for every challenge that made me see the world differently, for every couple who believed in what WE could do. Now, with every love story we tell, we don’t just publish magazines—we share the joy, the creativity, and the artistry of every wedding.”