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

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

RP Hailed as Asia's Most Popular Destination in World Trade Fair 2009

In the advent of wedding destination, the Philippines has just given soon-to-wed couples from all over the world a better reason why they should hold their special day here. More than its beautiful churches, beaches and sceneries, professional local wedding suppliers, and popular wedding culture, the country has recently been named as the most popular destination in Asia at this year's World Travel Fair (WTF) in Shanghai, China.

Held last April 9 – 11, 2009 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, the Philippines was recognized as the most popular destination in Asia after a public vote and an evaluation process done by professional jurors from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and VNU Exhibitions Europe.

In a statement released by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Secretary Joseph ‘Ace’ Durano attributed the win to the country's competitive tour pricing, the remarkable progress of the transportation sector, and the Filipino's friendliness and hospitality to visitors.

Furthermore, Sec. Durano said, “the Philippines is one of the fastest growing destinations in China’s outbound travel industry, recording a 74% month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February of this year. We are also the nearest tropical beach country for the Chinese, as Manila is only 2 hours away from Guangzhou, while Cebu is only 3 hours away from Shanghai.”

DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. added that during last year’s World Trade Fair, the Philippines garnered the Best Leisure Destination for Boracay; Top 10 Island Getaways for Chinese Summer Travel for Bohol; the only Asian entry in the list of premier destinations in the acclaimed World Traveller Magazine; and Top 10 Most Searched Destination among Shanghai online users in Baidu, the biggest search engine in China.

Ms. Arlene Alipio, head of DOT Team China, disclosed that the outbound travel of China has been profitable for the country. Ms. Alipio cited that recent statistics from the China National Tourism Administration shows that the number of Chinese travelers reached 34.4 million in the first nine months of 2009.

Meanwhile, Turkey was awarded as The Best Leisure Tour Destination while Switzerland was hailed as the Most Popular Tourism Destination in Europe.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources for this article:
Department of Tourism. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination, Makes mark in World Travel Fair 2009 (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/news/news2.asp?id=560

Philippine News Agency. RP: Asia's most popular destination. (Posted April 17, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=199182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=destination&andor=and&mdte_arch=4&ddte_arch=19&ydte_arch=2009

Manila Bulletin. RP is Asia’s Most Popular Destination. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://mb.com.ph/articles/202838/rp-asia-s-most-popular-destination

ABS-CBN News. RP most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/04/18/09/rp-most-popular-destination-asia

Travel Biz Monitor. World Travel Fair names Philippines ‘most popular destination in Asia. (Posted April 18, 2009) Retrieved April 18, 2009 from
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/world-travel-fair-names-philippines-most-popular-destination-in-asia-6112

Goode News Pilipinas. RP is voted Asia’s most popular destination (Posted April 19, 2009) Retrieved April 19, 2009 from
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=5032

FCAP Cooks up its 6th Taste of Manila

Soon-to-wed couples, foodies, and guests are in for a sumptuous treat this May 8 to 10, 2009 as the Food Caterers Association of the Philippines (FCAP) holds its annual Taste of Manila 2009 at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall.

Now on its sixth year, Taste of Manila 2009 is a collaboration of the country’s leading food caterers, restaurateurs and canteen/food concessionaires. The event will present creative best table set- ups, sumptuous buffet, fashion show for the uniforms of their service crew, edible flower for salads and main courses, entertainment, and food tasting.

On May 8-9, 2009, Taste of Manila will highlight wedding set up and menu. On the other hand, the last day of the event will serve as FCAP’s Mothers Day celebration; with activities such as make-over for moms, pottery, painting, and a fashion show of wedding gowns and party outfits. Mothers and their families will be serenaded by a string chamber.

Last year, Taste of Manila generated a large attendance of over 13,000 in three days. This year will surely be bubbling with more exciting food presentation styles and buffet set-ups.

The Taste of Manila 2009 is supported by Manila Bulletin, KLG International, Inc., Kasal.com, and Evian. For more information, contact FCAP at (632) 371-4830, 410-0394, 0916-1400351 or 0908-4162730.