If you’re absolutely certain about walking down the aisle yourself, The Westin Manila offers a stylish first step to ‘I do.’
The recent headlines surrounding an on-and-off celebrity wedding have proven one thing: people are fascinated by every detail that comes with a wedding—from the dress and venue to the food, flowers, and celebrations. And, of course, whether or not it’s actually happening.
The Westin Manila—Marriott International’s first Michelin Guide-recognized, 5-star wellness-focused hotel in Ortigas Business District—offers couples a place to start planning their wedding. The hotel recently launched Yours, Truly Celebrations Fair held at the hotel’s Sonata Ballroom. Held on April 17, it brought together planners and creatives in the industry for a night of food, fashion, and music.
“It’s an opportunity to meet and personally thank those who have supported us since we opened the hotel three years ago. We also designed this event to showcase what we can do for events and the limitless possibilities of our spacious, pillar-less venue ballroom, with its 7-meter ceiling height and built-in LED wall,” shares General Manager Alexander Dietzsch. “Our indoor and outdoor venues make for an ideal canvas for creativity to take root and offer space and flexibility to bring any theme or vision to life. Whether you’re planning a grand party or an intimate one, we offer a suite of packages and options.”
Dietzsch adds that Marriott Bonvoy members earn points with every event booking and enjoy exclusive member perks and privileges for travel and stays with over 9,000 Marriott International properties across the globe.
“Since we opened our doors in 2023, we’ve had the honor of hosting a number of milestones celebrations, and what really stood out from those experiences is how they are now shaped by collaboration and personalization,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Meegee Yap. “As an initiative to bring the community together and open doors for connections and for more collaborations, we created Yours, Truly.”
One of the key pillars of the fairis to bring people and purpose into the heart of the planning. “We want to shine light on the people behind the scenes and open more opportunities for established names and emerging talents, brands, and suppliers, who can help translate any couple’s or family’s style and vision into a beautiful experience.”
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Cocktails and dinner
The evening started with welcome cocktails and savory bites from the grazing table by Mich Ongpauco and Joy Oyson of The Great Food. Dietzsch and Yap led the ceremonial pour on the champagne tower provided by Champagne Towers Manila, then guests were ushered into the ballroom styled by Indy Ycasiano of Smitten Events.
The sit-down dinner by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team took guests on a culinary journey across different regions. “Tonight’s repertoire is a collaboration by our specialty chefs,” reveals Executive Chef Rej Casanova. “It’s a medley of flavors from the East and the West.”
A surprise amuse-bouche was set on the plates. Fashioned as a gift, it came with edible crackers used as a gift tag and a flower-shaped Davao goat cheese.
After dessert, each guest was handed a box of premium pralines from partner brand Pâtisserie Le Choux-Colat by Chef Ely Salar, which specializes in handcrafted desserts and chocolates made from Philippine cacao.
Fashion presentation
The highlight of the evening was the fashion show featuring the works of Davao-based designer Maizy Colleen, who started her career as a junior designer for a luxury fashion house in Dubai which specializes in haute couture, bridal, and ready-to-wear collections.
“What drew me to fashion as a form of self-expression was the way it can hold a memory. I’ve always felt that what we wear has the power to seal a moment in time. A dress isn’t just a fabric; it becomes a part of the story,” says the young designer. “I am a registered nurse, but I’ve always loved fashion design. I decided to pursue it after completing the board exams. I did my apprenticeship in Cebu with Philipp Tampus and moved to Dubai to work as a fashion designer.”
In 2017, two years after working in the Middle East, Maizy opened her atelier and has since become a favorite among brides and debutantes in the region. “I love being part of moments and milestones,” she adds.
While some of her designs have been featured in fashion publications, her participation in The Westin Manila fair serves as her first full-length presentation in the Philippines, featuring a 15-piece collection of formal wear, TingHun, and bridal.
Visit westinmanilahotel.com to know more. For event inquiries and information, contact +632 8256 2020 or wh.mnlwp.events@westin.com or follow @westinmanilahotel on Facebook and Instagram. Join Marriott Bonvoyto discover exclusive member rates, discounts, and benefits available across Marriott International hotels around the globe.
