Love grows where Gideon Hermosa goes
As far back as Gideon Hermosa recalls, he has loved creating little trinkets. He was always drawn to arts and crafts. His hands just knew, instinctively, how to craft what his mind envisions.
A world of possibilities
Hermosa has celebrated 15 years in the business since he first opened the doors of his shop in Dagupan City. Since high school, arts and crafts have been a big part of his life. During summer breaks, he earned money by creating giveaways and souvenirs. A shop in his hometown of Tarlac would even regularly commission him to craft party favors and keepsakes.
Hermosa took his college studies in Baguio. Architecture was his first dream, but its long and costly journey made him choose HRM instead—a turn that now seems influenced by destiny and divine intervention.
While employed at the Baguio Country Club, Hermosa often requested buffet assignments that opened his eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. That was when he fell in love with events, and when his romance with flowers began.
No canvas is too large for his imagination
Still searching for a definitive career path, he traveled to Pangasinan for a bridal fair, where a caterer offered him a job. Hermosa admits that wherever he sees growth, he goes. He became a catering manager with a natural ability to convince clients to upgrade their floral packages, giving him the chance to hone his styling skills even more.
Gifted with natural talent, Hermosa continued to sharpen his abilities through constant self-study. He immersed himself in books, magazines, and watched design shows with enthusiasm.
His masterpieces slowly began to attract attention. Local television stations took notice, and soon after, ABS-CBN Mother Ignacia did as well. He was invited to showcase his talent on “Umagang Kay Ganda” for their wedding-month series. Before long, magazines caught wind of his work—and just like that, Hermosa was on the rise!
Hermosa deeply valued the trust his clients placed in him—especially in those early years when he had little to show for. Their faith became the foundation on which his career steadily grew.
His first celebrity event was the baby shower of John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles for their daughter, Samantha Anechka. Soon after came his first celebrity wedding—that of Shamcey Supsup.
From there, doors continued to open. One of the most demanding projects that followed was the wedding of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes—a production he had to design and execute with only five days’ notice. Under such pressure, Gideon delivered.
Even his most challenging undertaking—a wedding in Vietnam for 1,800 guests, staged on a sprawling two-hectare open field—was simply fertile ground for his imagination to take root. He literally had to dig and build from the ground up, transforming an empty expanse into a once-upon-a-time backdrop, fit for a fairytale.
All this goes to show that no canvas is too large for his imagination.
Of food and flowers
With every arrangement, every installation, every project, Hermosa gives his all. And all throughout, the goal is always the same: for clients and their guests to feel awe—a sense of magic, of the unexpected, and of something out of this world.
He describes his signature look in one word: “transformed.”
For Hermosa, a theme is never just a theme. It is an invitation to go above and beyond, to elevate, reimagine, and create an experience far greater than what was first envisioned. And so, the term “Gideonized” became the most befitting way to describe his work—transformed by his touch.
Behind his magic lies a deeply held philosophy: “Food fills the stomach, but flowers fill the soul. Food makes guests happy for the night, but flowers create the memory they’ll talk about for years. One is essential, the other emotional—and together, they complete the experience.”
As Hermosa often says: “Let the food satisfy them, but let the flowers move them.”
Looking back, Hermosa describes his journey as a “beautiful chaos.” He is grateful for every twist and turn, and thankful to his lucky stars for allowing him to achieve every dream he once dared only to imagine.
Gideon Hermosa’s trends and tips
• On trends: The current style is very structural—sculptural, clean, and composed—such as flowers that look like art pieces.
• On making flowers last: Fill a vase with water, trim the stems before soaking, and remove all leaves that will touch the water. Clean water keeps flowers fresh for longer.
• On decorating for Christmas: Christmas is an art form for every Filipino. Make it personal. Let your personality shine. If you’re a fashion designer, use fabric. A chef can use kitchen ingredients. Labubu lovers can deck their trees with Labubu. Hermès lovers can use orange balls, orange lights, and arrange their empty Hermès boxes around the tree.
How to design a Christmas tree based on your personality
• Start with the story: Whimsical, bold, classic, or romantic—let the theme reflect the person’s vibe.
• Pick a color palette: Pastels for dreamy, brights for playful, jewel tones for elegant.
• Build your base: Lay down your greens or main elements before adding details.
• Add signature accents: Use décor that reflects the person—flowers, sculptural pieces, quirky ornaments, or sentimental items.
• Play with shape and texture: Mix sizes and textures to give the tree depth and character.
• Create movement: Let branches, stems, or ribbons extend outward for a lively, expressive feel.
• Finish the base: Add presents, ribbons, or moss to ground the look.
• Light with intention: Use lighting to highlight key elements and bring the story to life.
How to create a holiday tablescape that feels personally yours
• Start with a mood: Cozy, glam, minimalist, playful—your theme should reflect your personality or your host’s.
• Choose your color story: Stick to one to two tones (e.g., gold + warm white) and let everything support the palette.
• Build your centerpiece base: Use what you love—mini trees, candles, bottles, and ornaments. Vary the heights for depth.
• Layer textures and shapes: Mix glass, metallics, paper, and fabric. Texture makes the table feel intentional and rich.
• Add personal details: Place cards, tiny gifts, ornaments on napkins—small touches make each guest feel special.
• Bring in the glow: Candlelight and fairy lights transform a setup. Highlight where you want the eye to linger.
• Style the place setting: Fold napkins neatly, align cutlery, and add one décor accent per plate. Simple, clean, and elevated.
• Step back and edit: Remove what feels too much. Adjust until the table feels balanced, warm, and ready for hosting.
Quick tips for a beautiful floral tablescape
• Stick to two to three colors for cohesion.
• Mix heights and textures for movement and depth.
• Keep arrangements low for easy conversation.
• Add non-floral accents like candles or small vases.
• Avoid strong fragrances at the dining table; choose gentle blooms.
• Layer intentionally—greenery first, focal flowers next, accents last.
• Edit and balance by stepping back and adjusting spacing.
