June 26, 2009

DOT sets RP as Premier Wedding Destination at Hong Kong Travel Fair


The Department of Tourism continues to promote the Philippines as a premier wedding destination. Its latest move to tap the growing Asian market was during the 23rd Hong Kong International Travel Expo (ITE) held last June 11 – 14, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

With the theme, “Romantic Philippines”, the Philippine delegation, led by DOT Secretary Joseph 'Ace' Durano, featured the country's unique wedding getaways and exhilarating thrills, which captivated Asian couples.

“Our stunning landscapes truly make it a sought-after wedding destination. Couples would choose only the best for life’s most memorable events, and we are certain they would never run out of exciting discoveries in our many islands,” Secretary Durano said in an interview.

The Philippine booth showcased the works of leading fashion designer Renee Salud alongside with top local acts performing native dances and rendering Kundimans, or Filipino love songs.

Among the participating Philippine hotels and resorts include Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, The Manila Hotel, El Nido Resort, Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa, Le Soleil de Boracay, Hotel Seraph Boracay, Waterfront Hotels and Casino, and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Travel operators Shroff International Travel Care, Inc., Castro Travel Solutions Agency, Le Soleil de Boracay, Happy Sun Travel and Tours, and Planet Holiday, as well as carriers Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air were also present during the four-day event.

The 23rd ITE, organized by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., gathered over 650 exhibitors from 50 countries and region from Africa, America, Asia, Europe , and Middle East. The event drew over 13,000 buyers, trade, and corporate visitors.


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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Ramos, Lily, Philippine News Agency. "Romantic Philippines" sets RP as premier wedding destination. Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=212232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=ROMANTIC&andor=and&mdte_arch=0&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=0
Reposted by Positive News Media at
http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Romantic_Philippines_sets_RP_as_premier_wedding_destination.shtml

International Travel Expo Hong Kong Press Release. ITE & ITE MICE 2009 Visitors Undeterred by Swine Flu and Financial Crisis. (in PDF format) Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.itehkmice.com/doc/press_release/Post_show_17Jun09.pdf

Koumelis, Theodore, Travel Daily News International. Hong Kong’s only international travel expo open next week. Retrieved June 22, 2009 from
http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/31310-Hong-Kong%E2%80%99s-only-international-travel-expo-open-next-week


June 19, 2009

Photography Icons Shared Secrets and Techniques at WPPP 2009 Photo Congress


International and local wedding and portrait photographers shared their knowledge and technique on the new trends in their craft during the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (WPPP) Photo Congress 2009 held last May 4 – 7, 2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and Plaza Ibarra in Quezon City.

The theme for this year’s photo congress is “Where Innovation Meets Artistry”. According to Mr. Danny Ignacio, WPPP Vice President – External and Chair of WPPP Photo Congress 2009, the event, now on its fifth year, is held in response to the need for advancement of photography and videography industry in the country. Furthermore, the photo congress aims to teach photographers on how to manage and expand their business amidst the economic crisis experienced worldwide.



Three international photographers, Mike Larson (USA), Louis Pang (Malaysia), and Charlie Lim (Singapore) graced this year’s wedding photo congress. Mr. Larson talked about inventive shooting techniques and how to merge work and play during photo shoots. Mr. Pang, on the other hand, gave new insights and concepts for wedding photography. Lastly, Mr. Lim shared, for the very first time, the secrets of his renowned technique, ‘Oil Painting’ Photography.




'Oil Painting' Photography. Photo courtesy of Charlie Lim.

Local photographers, Mr. Dominic Velasco, Mr. Mariano Miranda, Mr. Jun Valbuena, and Mr, Raymund Marcelo also enlightened the participants on various topics like business management, fashion photography, and post-production editing. A special panel discussion with Philippine wedding photography legends and rising icons also commenced during the four-day congress. The ‘young ones’ included Mr. Lito Genilo, Mr. Danny Ignacio, Mr. Edwin Tuyay, Mr. Lito Sy, Mr. Benny Bondoc, and Mr. Robert Lester Aliscad. On the other end of the table are Mr. Randall Dagooc, Mr. Nelwin Uy, Mr. Elmer Castro, Mr. Andy Samaniego, Mr. Rommel Guerra and Mr. Chito Cleofas who make up the ‘young guns’. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Bernard Mejias and Mr. Dino Lara.

The 5th Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines Photo Congress is sponsored by Kodak, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Epson, Hewlett-Packard (HP), JT Photo World, The Book (by Group U.S.A. and Company Inc.), Olympus, and the following media partners: Manila Bulletin, Wedding Essentials Magazine, Picture Perfect (Special Section of Manila Bulletin), Digital Photographer Philippines, Yes FM 101.1, UNTV 37, RHTV, 96.3 WRock, Web Dot Com, and i-mag Photography. The event is also supported by: Kasal.com, Power Imaging Centre Corp., Rubert James Exhibit Master, Ibarra’s Catering Services, and Josiah’s Catering, Inc.

June 12, 2009

Cardinal Rosales Reminded Soon-to-Wed Couples of Marriage Solemnity


Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales called the attention of soon-to-wed couples not to forget the solemnity of their marriage ceremony.

In an interview over Radio Veritas (DZRV 846kHz) last June 1, 2009, Cardinal Rosales noted that couples focus too much of their attention on the wedding details such as invitations, programs ,among other things, and their attention towards the solenmity of the ceremony is lost. “Nababahala ako kasi ang sakramento ng kasal [I am bothered because the sacrament of marriage] is being robbed of its solemnity” said the Manila Archbishop during his interview.

Cardinal Rosales reminded couples, and wedding planners and coordinators, that weddings are “not a production” and reminded soon-to-wed couples of the value of the “mystery of the sacrament.”

Cardinal Rosales also stated that more couples are now opting to have a civil wedding rather than a church wedding because of the increasing cost involved in holding the latter. The Cardinal hopes that wedding suppliers address this issue in any way they could to preserve the sanctity of marriage.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines News. Cardinal stresses solemnity of marriage rite. (Posted June 2, 2009) Retrieved June 2, 2009 from
http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/8999

Sun Star Manila. Pinoy couples prefer civil wedding. (Posted June 2, 2009) Retrieved June 2, 2009 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/pinoy-couples-prefer-civil-wedding

DZRV – Radyo Veritas 846 khz. Transcript of Interview with His Excellency Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales
, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Manila. (Posted June 1, 2009) Retrieved June 2, 2009 from
http://www.veritas846.ph/Interview_2009/Interview_rosales6.html

Philippine News Agency. Archbishop says some Filipinos prefer civil wedding than church wedding because its less expensive. (Posted June 1, 2009) Retrieved June 2, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=1&rid=208317

June 2, 2009

Diverse Wedding Suppliers Showcased Products and Services at Midtown Bridal Fair


Soon-to-wed couples from the Metro found a wide array of wedding products and services during the Wedding Ensemble: The Midtown Bridal Fair held at the Midtown Atrium of Robinson’s Place Manila from April 23 – 25, 2009.

Wedding Ensemble, managed by Philtrade Exhibits and produced by Jishan Productions, showcased the products and services of some of the best local wedding suppliers in Manila and nearby provinces. The activity area was decorated by premier flower and event stylist Mr. Henry Pascual.

Ms. Minda Carpio, Robinsons Land Corporation Vice President for Lease; Mr. Ervin Wu, Property Director of Robinsons Malls; Ms. Baby Villegas, Manila International Relations officer; Congressman Amado Bagatsing, Fifth District of Manila Representative; Congresswoman Rissa Hontiveros – Baraquiel, Akbayan Partylist Representative; Ms. Hazelyn Santos, Bodyshot 2008 Grand Prize winner; Mr. Jishan Ahammed, Jishan Productions head, and actress Mrs. Lani Mercado – Revilla, wife of Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. graced the opening ceremony, held on the first day of the wedding fair and exhibit.

During the event, the latest bridal collections of local bridal couturiers Serge Jimenez, Mel Meer of Bergamo, Jonathan Pagaduan, Dennis Cabalinan of Designers Studio, and Ivan Dela Cruz were showcased on the runway. Mr. Glenn del Rosario of De Lofer did a bridal make up demo. The last day of the event was highlighted by the unveiling of the latest summer and fall jewelry couture collection of Sapphire Princess. Wedding event venue Patio Victoria won the Best Booth Award.

Wedding Ensemble: The Midtown Bridal Fair is supported by the Department of Tourism, Robinsons Place Manila, The Philippine Star, Philippine Graphic, Business Mirror, MOD Magazine, Tamayo’s Catering, and Kasal.com.

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Wedding Ensemble: The Midtown Bridal Fair List of Exhibitors

Beauty and Fitness: Fitness Centers and Gyms
Fitness First

Beauty and Fitness: Hair and Make-up Services
De Lofer

Cakes and Desserts: Cakes
Celebration Cakes
Hearts and Bells Cake Artistry

Catering
Amie’s Catering
Arabama Catering
Lina Vitan Catering
Robert Camba Catering
Splendid Forestent Catering
Tamayo’s Catering
Queensland Catering

Design and Couture: Bridal Fashion
Delby Bragais of North Road
Designers Studio (Dennis Cabalinan)
Edwin Tan
Ines Juni
Ivan Dela Cruz
Jonathan Pagaduan
Pepsi Herera
Puey Quiñones
Serge Jimenez
The Dream Maker (Bill Calubaquib)

Design and Couture: Men’s Attire
Bergamo

Flowers and Event Styling
Flowers and Design Station
Henry Pascual
Pops & Petals

Jewelry
Sapphire Princess

Music and Entertainment: Hosts
Christine Carlos

Music and Entertainment: Musicians
Holly Angel Paraiso (harpist)
Manna Duo
Ronald Castillo (pianist)

Photo and Video
BA Studio
Boquiren Photography
Eros Portraits
Joel Mendez Photography
Louie Allan Photography
Louie Reformado Photography
Santos Portraits

Reception: Alternative Venue
Club Astoria
Club Ultima / Crown Regency

Reception: Resorts
357 Boracay
Puerto del Sol

Reception: Restaurants
Ilustrado Restaurant
Patio Victoria

Souvenirs
Exclusive Souvenirs
Crystallized Souvenir

Special Effects
Acclaim (Live Butterfly)

Transport
Don Robert’s Bridal Car

Wedding Resources
Kasal.com – the essential Filipino wedding guide

Other Exhibitors
K’s Closet
Kimura Chaves Ent.
Mod Magazine
Monte Ville