IT’S time to revive the local events industry as Davao City steadily bounces back from the pandemic, After a two-year hiatus, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao relaunched one of its most successful events, the homegrown wedding and events fair: Beautiful Beginnings. The three-day weekend event from June 24 gathered seasoned and new event providers in a grand exhibit.
The hotel lobby was venue to pocket showcases of five of the city’s most sought-after events stylists, Noel Tanza, Vheejay Salonga, MJ Lumbay, Wendell Gartes and Jade Polizon, while the Agila Grand Ballroom was turned into a one-stop shop for those looking forward to the big day, whether to profess vows or turn 18, with featured couturiers, photo and video suppliers, event planners and coordinators presenting their expertise. Discounts on rooms, dining and services were offered by Waterfront and exhibitors during the fair.
A fashion show with a worthy cause culminated the expo. Insulares at the Garden Pavilion highlighted Renee Salud's bridal couture pieces in five themed segments: Garden, Rustic, Traditional, Filipiniana and the finale. Gracing the catwalk were some of the country's beauty queens and top models. Distinguished Manila women, who believe in the cause, took part in the show as guest models, including Manila-based Davaoeña, Ms. Jessie Maloles, who was instrumental in the mounting of the Salud show.
Complementing Salud's couture is the pret-a-porter debut and party collections of Love & Styles, a Davao-based atelier of Cristina Yip, presented at the pop-up pavilion at the hotel garden.
House of Hope Foundation, a home for children with cancer, is the beneficiary of Waterfront's Beautiful Beginnings.
"In every event we have in Insular Davao, we always tie-up with the House of Hope Foundation. For this event, we are donating 20% of the proceeds from the money the event raises. House of Hope has been our partner for the past 16 years, and this foundation for the kids has always been close and dear to our hearts. It's not just about making money and doing events, but it is also our responsibility as a corporation to give back to the community," shared Bryan Yves Lasala, former Waterfront Insular hotel manager and current Waterfront Lahug resident manager.