How to ‘Gideonize’ your events and style

Looking for inspirations for your upcoming wedding and other events?

Actresses Kathryn Bernardo and Bea Alonzo, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray were among the celebrities that gave testimonies to the genius of events stylist Gideon Hermosa for his 15th anniversary gala recently in Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

In these exclusive interviews with DAILY TRIBUNE, celebrities shared the impact of having a “Gideonized” special occasion and also shared how you can achieve the same — whether styled by Gideon, by another designer or by yourself.

Christian and Kat Bautista

When balladeer Christian Bautista married Kat Ramnani in Bali, Indonesia last 17 November 2018, it was Hermosa who styled their wedding.

“The theme of our wedding is kind of intertwined with our love story. Our love story had different surprises and elements, and they all came about (at the wedding). He did a little storytelling to his design,” Christian recalled.

“Gideon has been a part of our wedding and he’s so kind and grateful and his talent is just really unmatched, world-class. And he keeps on reinventing himself, paganda nang paganda (becomes more beautiful and beautiful). So, we’re so happy for his (achievements).”

Kat, meanwhile, described Hermosa’s setup for their wedding as “elegant and romantic.” Among its highlights was a “magical tunnel” filled with Baby’s Breath flowers.

“He builds worlds, and he was able to put our love story in a tangible way, tell our story organically, so he’s such a big part of our lives. I’m so happy to celebrate 15 years with him,” she enthused.

Apart from “get Gideon,” the couple’s advice for other couples getting married is to include their guests in their love story.

“The occasion should be about sharing to your guests what your love story is about,” added Kat, who wore a Marchesa dress for the occasion, while Christian donned a Joe Rubio-designed velvet suit.

Ella Pangilinan

Having a “Gideonized” event, said Ella, means bringing heart and soul into your occasion.

Ella, daughter of actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and motivational speaker Anthony Pangilinan, had her bridal shower styled by Gideon.

“Choose quality suppliers,” Ella shared as advice for brides-to-be. She married Enrique Miranda in a Filipiniana-themed wedding last December 2023 in Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros, Manila.

Coleen Garcia-Crawford

Celebrity couple Coleen and Billy Crawford tied the knot on 20 April 2018 in Balesin Island.

“Gideon has a special place in our hearts,” she said. “For our wedding, we just sent him pegs, but he surprised us. I had no idea that it was going to end up the way it did. He knew us so well. It’s more than anything we could have asked for. And it was really a beautiful gift. I couldn’t say if there was really a theme going on, but it’s just Gideon’s magic!”

For aspiring brides, her advice is “to not be so nitpicky.”

“There are things that are bound to go wrong, things that are not going according to plan and just focus on what really matters on the day, people who really matter. For us, it’s our family and our guests who flew in from all around the world. So, for us, the best part of our wedding was really to spend time with our family and friends.”

Alodia Gosiengfiao

“Gideon has always been my idol. He’s such a phenomenon! The output he does is amazing! I always look forward to all of his events,” the cosplayer and content creator said of Gideon, who styled her “Final Fantasy”-themed Valentine’s Day wedding to businessman Christopher Quimbo in 2023.

According to her, it is important to get an events stylist for one’s special occasion because “it sets the mood” and customizes the event according to one’s requirements.

“Advice for brides-to-be: as much as possible, try to prepare early because there are many things that you might not anticipate, but if you have time, kayang naagapan (you can address early on), and also bring band-aid!” Alodia giggled.

Nicole Cordoves

“Hindi ko alam kung may mas lalaki pa sa flower na ‘to (I don’t know if there’s anything that could be as big as this flower)!” beauty queen Nicole Cordoves, rocking a piece from H&M’s special collection, quipped about her outfit.

Like Gideon, Nicole is celebrating a landmark year, her 10th anniversary as a beauty queen. Interpreting Gideon’s style into fashion, Nicole’s advice is to first, “Know where the centerpiece is.”

“So you focus on that one thing, whether it’s an accessory, a bag or maybe statement shoes,” suggested Nicole in her Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) nude stilettos.

Tim Yap

Wearing a Yohji Yamamoto ensemble during the 15th anniversary gala, Tim said it is important to have one’s event “Gideonized” or styled because it sets the mood for the occasion.

“People like Gideon, people who are leading the way in the industry, it’s important to support each other,” he attested. “Just keep on doing it, keep on perfecting your craft and be unstoppable!”