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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Luminaries and Life devider More Filipinos dream of saying 'I do' in destination weddings and honeymoons

More Filipinos dream of saying 'I do' in destination weddings and honeymoons

Let's Celebrate Expo highlights how couples are blending travel, design, and culture to celebrate milestones in unforgettable ways

Published Sep 4, 2025 06:12 pm
Let’s Celebrate Expo 2025 placed the spotlight on one of the most dynamic trends in the wedding and travel industries today: destination weddings and honeymoons. Held on Aug. 16 and 17, 2025, at Space at One Ayala in Makati City, the two-day expo gathered wedding stylists, event suppliers, travel experts, and tourism boards for a focused and curated look at how modern Filipino couples are choosing to celebrate milestones through meaningful, experience-led journeys.
The expo was curated by Marbee Shing-Go, a wedding industry insider and tastemaker. This edition emphasized the importance of intention, creativity, and collaboration in shaping the future of weddings—both locally and abroad.
Janna Sanchez
Janna Sanchez
Khim Cruz
Khim Cruz
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Gideon Hermosa
Gideon Hermosa
Opening program and kick-off
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Kevin Lapeña and led by Space at One Ayala’s Rio Mayuga and Frances Agustin, veteran event stylist Teddy Manuel, TESDA director Kiko Benitez, and expo curator Marbee. Their presence underscored the growing intersection of design, tourism, and hospitality in the celebration industry.
A live performance from Made to Dance welcomed guests and marked the start of the two-day program.
Design highlights from top and emerging stylists
A key feature of the expo was the stylists’ showcase—a series of vignettes by established and emerging designers offering fresh perspectives on destination-themed celebrations.
Gideon Hermosa opened the row with a dramatic use of crimson fabric and chrome, creating a sculptural installation. Nikki Chatto presented a lakeside-themed display in soft, moody tones. May Mañalac of Eye Candy Manila designed a floral-filled balcony garden with a working fountain. Bhem Meijer of Il Fiore recreated a mirrored interpretation of Taal with bright florals and reflective panels.Michael Ruiz offered a gold-accented vignette anchored by a minimalist white centerpiece. Anna Winstel built her vignette around pink hues, chandeliers, and soft lighting.
Pushing boundaries, Teddy Manuel introduced the first AI-assisted styling concept at the expo—a fuchsia and chrome vignette inspired by surrealism and Schiaparelli. Khim Cruz presented a regional showcase with Davao’s iconic orchids in oversized sculptural form.
Rising names also contributed distinct styles.Gabrielle Custodio featured a Jacquemus-inspired setup with rich blue draping and a silver heart centerpiece. Miguel Bautista of Miel’s Event Styling presented a forest-themed vignette with oversized roses and a leafy canopy. Jos Curates, John Robert Flowers, Dan Ordoñez, Moki Gray, and Indy Ycasiano (Smitten by Indy) completed the showcase with installations ranging from showgirl glam and reflective dreamscapes to regional palettes and botanical details.
Together, the vignettes reflected how Filipino event stylists are pushing creative boundaries while exploring design narratives that can travel across cultures and locations.
‘Destination: I Do’ fireside chats
A major component of the expo was the “Destination: I Do” fireside chat series, hosted by Kevin Lapeña. These sessions brought together established professionals to discuss insights and challenges related to planning and designing weddings beyond Metro Manila.
Teena Barretto opened the series by discussing how she manages weddings remotely: “We’re not the stars of the event—we’re there to serve.” She later joined Teddy Manuel, Michael Ruiz, and Gideon Hermosa in a panel on designing weddings abroad. “When you go to destinations, challenges are unlimited,” shared Hermosa. “As an artist, you need to be resourceful.”
The next day, “Voices of the Region” featured stylists Anna Sotto (Tagaytay), Khim Cruz (Davao), Alex del Rosario (Batangas), and John Llona (Bulacan) in a discussion about the growing interest in weddings across the country’s provinces. Mayad Studios presented a session on how engagement shoots are now evolving into immersive storytelling experiences, reflecting how visual documentation is shifting alongside the way people celebrate.
The final panel included Teena Barretto, Teddy Manuel, and Dominique Oi from Switzerland Tourism, who spoke on Switzerland’s increasing popularity among Filipino couples as a wedding and honeymoon destination. From lakeside ceremonies to alpine escapes, the panel highlighted the pairing of scenic locations with trusted hospitality partners.
Closing highlights and what’s ahead
The event concluded with a live performance from Frigora Band, followed by closing remarks from Marbee Shing-Go, who emphasized that Let’s Celebrate was created not just to fill a venue, but to serve as a purposeful platform for collaboration and inspiration.
“It’s about building a stage where creativity, culture, and community come together—where homegrown brands and next-generation talents can shine,” she said.
She also confirmed that the next edition of Let’s Celebrate will take place on July 16 and 17, 2026, again at Space at One Ayala, continuing the brand’s focus on meaningful celebration, regional inclusion, and industry advancement.

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