‘Let’s Celebrate’: Giving back to the events industry
For the first time in many years, the country’s top event designers will once again participate in an expo showcasing their expertise in turning a dream theme setup into reality.
Teddy Manuel, Gideon Hermosa and Michael Ruiz, three of the country’s most in-demand events stylists, are among the over 50 exhibitors of “Let’s Celebrate,” a first-of-its-kind trade show that caters to social events marking important milestones, from weddings to birthdays and even pet parties.
“It’s one way of giving back to the industry,” Manuel tells Lifestyle in an interview held at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where the two-day event, “Let’s Celebrate,” opens today. He points out that the expo aims not only to attract potential clients but also to inspire up-and-coming event designers.
Transformation
Manuel also notes that SMX Aura is an ideal venue to showcase different concepts and looks because of the “high ceilings and facilities suitable for transformation.” He adds, “SMX is not just for conventions and trade shows, it will be showcased for social events, even pet celebrations. It has everything.”
That’s exactly what the people behind SMX Convention Center want to convey, says the cluster director of its Business Development Group, Shaina Santiago-Moraga. “Let’s Celebrate” is, in fact, an in-house event in collaboration with the “whole community of event suppliers and planners” in line with their campaign of holding celebrations at their eight properties.
Aside from SMX Aura, there are two others in the metropolis: SMX Manila, a stand-alone venue found inside the sprawling SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City and Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Outside Metro Manila, there are SMX Convention Centers in Olongapo, Clark, Bacolod, Davao and at Sky Hall Seaside Cebu.
Santiago-Moraga tells us that SMX properties offer many advantages to clients and their guests. For starters, there’s accessibility, given that the properties are located either inside or very near an SM mall. Event planners can make last-minute purchases for setups and other preparations, while guests can buy gifts on their way to the party—be it a wedding reception, christening, gender reveal, baby shower or birthday bash.
She also assures potential clients that there’s flexibility when it comes to mall hours. A dedicated entrance can also be accessed by event planners while making preparations for the celebration. This includes includes a car lift, if the event’s theme requires a grand entrance involving a vehicle.
Festive mood
For “Let’s Celebrate,” Santiago-Moraga says SMX Aura’s Function Rooms 1 and 2 will “showcase more possibilities” in giving what their potential clients can wish for. On the venue’s second floor, there will be different setups in every meeting room to convey festive moods.
For his part, Manuel explains that the 10 participating event designers were given 10 color palettes to choose from in mounting their setups. Red, for instance, can be interpreted in an Oriental way or as a romantic backdrop. This will avoid a repetition or clash of colors, he says, and at the same time can maintain cohesiveness and clarity. It’s going to be so cohesive that even the scents will be customized to the needs of each setup, making the entire experience multi-sensory.
“Maganda ang flow,” he says. “Strategically designed with the tech people. Maganda ang zoning. Hindi magulo, hindi sabog.”
This way, the expo attendees will have an even more enjoyable time checking out the setups and meeting the suppliers that events curator Marbee Shing Go has expertly put together. She says a map will be available to easily navigate the expo.
“Personally, what I’d like this fair to accomplish is to transcend the perception that events like this are for just weddings,” says events host and supplier Kevin Lapeña. “There’s so much talent in this industry, and I want people to find out that they have access to all these wonderful people for any kind of celebration.”
“Access and options,” seconds Go, a former wedding magazine editor who’s made solid friendships in the industry. “Now, they’re supporting my advocacy for the next generation. This is our way of giving back to the industry that we love. Because if the big names are here, then the young ones will be noticed. This is a community effort. I’m very thankful that they all said yes.”
