Mandarin Oriental Manila, in cooperation with Events by Gigi Bautista and Associates, recently held Precious Moments 6 — a 21^st century bridal fair gathering over 50 wedding suppliers in the hotel’s spacious ballroom. Kasal.com (the online media partner), Lifestyle Network, Audio Complusion, Joey 92.3, and Bride and Home magazine sponsored the show on its sixth run.

The one-day affair, which attracted a huge crowd, were led by exhibitors among whom were wedding coordinators and consultants, florists, stationers, photo and video chroniclers, and giveaway suppliers, among many others.

At lunchtime, silver trays containing bite-sized portions of some of Mandarin Oriental Manila’s cocktail fare were offered to guests, giving them a foretaste of what to expect from the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, the real force behind Mandarin Oriental Manila’s well-received wedding banquets.

Another highlight of the show was the panel discussion where distinguished personalities dished out expert advice, candid views, refreshing takes, and eminent wisdom on hot issues plaguing altar-bound couples. Moderated by TV personality and year-old bride Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo, the engrossing two-hour chat extracted a wealth of information and valuable advice from the likes of published author and columnist Mary Prieto who shared her views on wedding traditions and other contentious issues facing the modern bride and groom; sought-after fashion designers Michi Calica-Sotto and Miguel Leyva who enlightened audiences about bridal fashion and its financial aspects; Ianne Sison, editor-in-chief of Bride and Home magazine and The Oriental Spa manager Yanni Gaspar, who shared their knowledge on other issues close to the hearts of soon-to-be wed couples.

Towards the afternoon, a bridal musicale led by Bernie Pasamba Music Ensemble and the 92 AD vocal group regaled the crowd with moving renditions of romantic ballads popularized by the Carpenters, Andrea Boccelli, Burt Bacharach, and many other hit makers.

Dramatically capping off Precious Moments 6 was a fashion show featuring the bridal creations of designer extraordinaire Rhett Eala. Gliding beautifully across the ramp were bridal gowns that shone in stark simplicity. The lines and patterns were clean and devoid of the usual frills, masterfully showcasing the exquisite and delicate fabrics that complemented the generally minimalist look. The bridal entourage, in contrast, was awash with bold and daring colors, and revealing cuts. The well-applauded fashion show, set against the soothing voice of dashing balladeer Ariel Rivera, offered new options for brides who are keen on bucking conventional fashion trends.

Couples who made their reservation during the bridal fair for a wedding party of at least 200 people and could subsequently make a deposit before March 24 were given additional perks and benefits apart from their wedding package entitlements.

For inquiries, please call the hotel’s banqueting team at (632) 750-8888 extensions 2217 and 2218.

Precious Moments 6 was formally opened by (L-R) Gigi Bautista of Events by Gigi Bautista and Associates; Alu Suarez, Mandarin Oriental Manila's Director for Sales and Marketing; Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo, TV host; Alie Sison, Mandarin Oriental Manila's Director for Banquet Sales and Charisse Chuidian, Mandarin Oriental Manila's Director of Communications.	White flowers accentuate one of Mandarin Oriental Manila’s reception set-ups.
Couples-to-be were treated to an engrossing panel discussion about wedding planning. The panelists were (seated, L-R) Michi Calica-Sotto, designer; Mary Prieto, published author and columnist; Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo, tv host; (standing, L-R) Yanni Gaspar, The Oriental Spa manager; Ianne Sison, editor-in-chief Bride and Home; and Miguel Leyva, fashion designer.
An exquisite Rhett Eala creation.	A sample of Mandarin Oriental Manila’s sumptuous reception fare tickled the guests’ taste buds.
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