Just two weeks after celebrating its first anniversary, Solaire Resort North marked another milestone—its first-ever celebrations fair, “Finding Your North.” Held last June 7 and 8, 2025, at the hotel’s grand ballroom, the two-day event brought together a curated community of seasoned professionals, emerging talents, and creative newcomers across the weddings and events industry—each one contributing to a shared vision of how today’s milestones can be meaningfully celebrated.

Organized in collaboration with Let’s Celebrate Expo, the event was curated by longtime industry insider Marbee Shing-Go, who envisioned a gathering that went beyond the typical fair. “This isn’t about who’s best—it’s about finding what feels right for you,” she says. “It’s about opening doors for the next generation while celebrating those who’ve paved the way.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Marbee, design legends Teddy Manuel and Badang Rueda, key Solaire executives led by president and COO Gregory Hawkins, and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero III.

Inside the ballroom, attendees were welcomed by a choreographed showcase from Made to Dance PH, who presented a fresh take on first dances and entourage numbers—reminding guests that with the right teacher, anyone can own the dance floor. The festivities continued the next day with live music from Frigora and a vibrant DJ set by DJ Toons, made possible with immersive sound and lighting from industry leader Forsc Ink.

The heart of the expo lay in its visual storytelling. Two rows of central VIP tables featured design concepts by six rising event stylists: from Ralph and Co’s playful pink candyland, Dan Ordoñez’s bold sunset hues, and Smitten Events + Floristry’s bakery-inspired warmth to Eye Candy Manila’s translucent floral garden, Moki Gray’s painterly romance, and Anna Winstel’s refreshing greenery-on-mirror setup.

Surrounding them were immersive vignettes by the industry’s most respected names: Miguel Bautista, Kyno Kho, Bhem Meijer, Jo Claravall, Nikki Chatto, Allen and JP of Blooms Event Styling, and Badang Rueda, whose all-white, non-floral crystal display included an architectural cake by Chef Castillo Fuentes and a signature champagne tower centerpiece.

Outside, Teddy transformed the al fresco space into a Villa Palladio-inspired cocktail lounge—an homage to Jaipur, complete with striped canopies, a fountain centerpiece, and curated accents from Glam Lane Rentals, Flower Mom PH, and Forsc Ink. His vision hints at a shift in event design: from towering installations to more intimate, lounge-style celebrations.

But the soul of the expo wasn’t just in the design—it was in the people. In line with Marbee’s advocacy, five slots were intentionally reserved for emerging stylists and creatives, nominated by industry leaders. This commitment to mentorship and inclusion shaped the narrative of “Finding Your North” as more than a showcase—it was a collective step forward.

The ballroom also featured a full spectrum of suppliers, from planners and photographers to stationery houses, stylists, florists, and specialty booths such as a portrait service, a bloom bar, and curated celebration souvenirs. All were given consultation-style setups to encourage genuine conversations with couples and celebrants—less transactional, more thoughtful.

“Our goal was to allow visitors to imagine their own celebration here,” shares Marbee. “We wanted them to feel the possibilities come to life—not just through what they see, but through the people they meet.”

With “Finding Your North,” Solaire Resort North positions itself not just as a venue, but as a creative partner for milestone moments. As the only five-star hotel in Quezon City, its facilities offer the sophistication of a premier event destination, now paired with an emerging community of trusted suppliers and new-generation talents ready to redefine what celebrating in the North can look like.