Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Oriental Wedding Dream Team

The Oriental Wedding Dream Showcase was put together by a team of event professionals who have had extensive experience in organizing Asian-inspired events. I personally invited these suppliers because for the times that I have worked with them, I admire their passion for their work, the results of that passion, and their professionalism. Mind you, they are not limited to the oriental theme, but ask them to do anything, and as long as it is doable, they will do it for you!

Here they are: The Oriental Wedding Dream Theme team:

MERLENE J. MARCELO COUTURE

MERLENE'S PASSION, YOUR DREAM

Merlene, a true romantic, is passionate in making a couple's dream wedding come true, specially in designing and creating wedding ensembles. Whether the inspiration be traditional Filipiniana, a western princess, a Grecian goddess or an oriental empress, each of Merlene's creations showcases a unique detailed artwork immortalized in fine embroidery and beadwork with silver threading. Merlene prides herself for providing each couple with personalized service and for creating elegant wedding ensembles with exquisite finish, all at reasonable prices. With a workforce of over 60 skilled people, Merlene's shop is noted for punctual delivery and finishing wedding ensembles in a much shorter period of time compared to industry standards.

Merlene derives a lot of her artistic design inspirations from various artworks and architectural structures in each of the places she visits. Merlene is fortunate to personally view the latest fashion trends in major cities in Europe, Asia and the Americas, like the fashion capital cities of Paris and Milan, the free-flowing fashion city of New York, the artistic and sensual cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janiero, and the more traditional cities of Beijing and Tokyo. She is also able to source the latest fabrics and fashion accessories which can be used for wedding ensembles and which are not generally available in the Philippines. Through artful imagination and detailed craftsmanship, Merlene is able to combine the latest in fashion trends around the globe with the brides and groom's personal style to create a unique artwork and design for their wedding ensemble on their wedding day.

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TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB, INC.

The Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club is home to Asia's most exciting golf course, as well as a plethora of sports and recreational amenities for golfers and non-golfers alike. It has the most magical and scenic view of the famous “volcanic island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island”. – the Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.

Tagaytay Highlands boasts of its very challenging 18 holes of golf, and a cable car transport system - the Philippines' first. This Swiss-engineered system provides magnificent views of the golf course and its surroundings. It also has a Funicular, maybe the only one in the country today. It is a transport system which takes members and guests to and from the Highlands (summit terminal) / Midlands (base terminal) Clubhouses while offering a panoramic view of Taal and the Midlands Complex.

Tagaytay Highlands has so much to offer, not only because of the many amenities it has, but also because of the beautiful chilly weather of Tagaytay making it a very popular venue for out-of-town weddings. Scenic view, chilly weather, and various amenities notwithstanding, Tagaytay Highlands offers a wide range of gastronomic delights with their various specialty restaurants serving 5-star standard international cuisines. The most famous restaurant where most visitors dine is the Highlands China Palace, an authentic Chinese restaurant. The chefs at the Highlands China Palace are either from China, or trained in China.

So if your heart’s desire is to have an Oriental-themed wedding, or more specifically a Chinese wedding, there is no better place than to have it at Tagaytay Highlands where your guests can savor authentic Chinese gourmet cuisine.

Other amenities of Tagaytay Highlands include: Spa services, Sports Center, Amphitheater, Holy Family Chapel at the Highlands, Madre De Dios Chapel at the Midlands – for catholic wedding ceremonies, The Animal Farm, Day Care Center , Various shops: Golf pro shops, Deli and Souvenir Shop, The Gardens Botanical Park, The Greenhouse - hydroponically-grown vegetables and herbs can be purchased, Helipads, Medical Clinic, and Beauty Salon.

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VIENNA CAKES

Vienna Bakeshop, which makes Vienna Cakes, traces its roots to Vienna Bakery, a bread and pastries enterprise owned, managed and operated by a Spanish family since 1901.

In October 1994, entrepreneurs Wilson and Josephine Co Leng bought the rights to the business. Subsequently, Ms. Josie Co Leng studied at the Asian Baking Institute and Vienna Bakeshop began offering all-occasion and traditional cakes in 1995. Vienna Cakes are highly sought for their distinctive marshmallow or boiled icing and delicious fondant icing. Ms. Josie Co Leng is a member of the International Cake Exploration Society.

A lot of Philippine celebrities demand the distinctive Vienna Cakes taste for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. She made the wedding cakes of Raymart and Claudine (Baretto) Santiago, and Christopher and Gladys (Reyes) Roxas, among others. She also made birthday cakes for Sharon Cuneta, Claudine Baretto, Judy Ann Santos, Kris Aquino and Dolphy. She is a member of the International Cake Exploration Society.

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ALEXANDRA PETALS & FOLIAGE

Larry Natividad, graduated with a degree of Business Management major in Marketing, but he wanted to be an architect for he is more of an artist and he loves to design. His father was a very well-known florist and flower distributor in Manila in the ‘60s. So it was not surprising that together with his wife, Winnie, they established the Alexandra Petals & Foliage in 1994.

One of the busiest and most in-demand event stylist and florist in the country today, Larry is an innovator. He was one of the first, if not the first, who went into styling wedding reception venues and designing props for theme weddings. He built different props and décor according to the theme that a couple desires. His events, whether corporate or social (weddings, debuts, anniversaries), are marked by beautiful pillars, lush foliage, fountains, draperies and mood lighting creating a truly beautiful ambience. He has done various themes like Lord of the Rings, The Little Mermaid, Ice Age, and Secret Garden.

Whatever is the theme he creates, Larry who is a “hands-on” person will personally be there on the job supervising the whole thing. And one thing is sure, whatever he sketches on his drawing board for the client, will be the very thing implemented on the day of the event.

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SPLENDID SPECIALTIES Novelties and Souvenirs

Splendid Specialties started out as a hobby, founded by two fabulous sisters who have decided to embark on a career that would cater to their talents and creativity. Their passion is centered on making unique products with a touch of modernity & simplicity. But what clearly sets them apart is their remarkable concern for the interests of their clients.

“Our goal is to work hand in hand with our clients. We aim for constant interaction to completely grasp what they really want so we can create gifts that undoubtedly reflect their personalities. That’s why our gifts are special, extraordinary, individually made and not mass produced.” –Sheila

“We create one-of-a-kind gifts just for you. With a reasonable budget, whatever the theme, whatever the occasion is, we can come up with gifts that will make a lasting impression. We also want your guests to feel special & appreciated too.” –Mawee

For an oriental themed wedding, Splendid Specialties made a beautiful Chinese take-out box. Inspired by the boxes of chinese take-out food, Splendid Specialties’ version transforms it to a functional miniature bag. For a modern touch, using combinations of auspicious colors, the exterior part of the bag will be done in patent leather of gold or bronze, while red or green suede will be used for the interior lining.

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THE SOCIAL CONNECTION, Events Coordination Services

This is moi! I dont need to introduce myself, just log on to my website . But I would like to thank my team: Merlene, the jetsetting designer; Josie, the innovator cake maker; Sheila, the ever-smiling soft-spoken souvenir supplier; the indefatigable Larry; Yasmin and Lette of Tagaytay Highlands, both ever so accommodating. These people did not have second thoughts when I invited them to the showcase. They have given of themselves to this event with their usual passion. To you: CHEERS! May you continue to reap and enjoy success!

DREAM WEDDING THEMES Bridal Showcase

Gosh! I never thought I have not blogged for 4 months. Those are the months of October to January... Go figure... These are the peak months of events, most especially weddings. And to top it all, we're preparing for the first bridal showcase of PAWP. We are so excited with this project! I can guarantee to all that there will be something different in this wedding event. Admission is free, and there will be raffle prizes throughout the day. So all you lovebirds, debutantes and anniversarians out there, come and feast your eyes to various wedding theme showcases: Oriental, Moroccan, Mardi Gras, Winter Wonderland, Modern Filipiniana, Tropical Beach, Hollywood Glamour and Renaissance. There will be photographers, videographers, jewelry, souvenir, accessories, make-up artists, and a host of other suppliers showcasing also their own products and services.

DATE: FEBRUARY 11-12-13, 2009

TIME: 10:00am - 9:00PM (Wed & Thurs), 10:00AM - 10:00PM (Fri)

FASHION SHOW: 6:30PM, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009