(FROM left) Cebu designers Mike Yapching, Oscar James, Agustin Pedrano, Marichu Tan, NUSTAR Resort GM Roel Constantino, Philip Rodriguez, NUSTAR resort cluster director of sales and marketing Cristina Ong-Cruz, Protacio Empaces, Valerie Alvez, Hanz Coquilla and Jun Escario. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF NUSTAR
SOCIAL SET

NU TRADITION

The success of this unforgettable bridal fête marks the beginning of one of the hotel’s visionary trademarks

Luis Espiritu

NUSTAR successfully concluded BELOVED, its inaugural bridal and celebrations fair last September, hosted by Fili Hotel at NUSTAR Resort & Casino in the grand ballroom of the NUSTAR Convention Center. The two-day fair featured over 90 of the industry’s top wedding designers, photographers, event planners, makeup artists and related suppliers, providing an immersive experience for attendees preparing for their upcoming milestones.

A bridal parade of intricate beadwork, embroidery and rich textures took center stage at Beloved, featuring creations by Cebu’s top designers.
Beloved tableaux of bridal masterpieces by Libiran.
Cebu designer Jun Escario.
Beloved suppliers’ exhibit at the grand ballroom of the NUSTAR Convention Center.

Highlights included an exclusive fashion show by iconic designer Francis Libiran, insightful talks by experts Mary Grace Khu and bridal industry institution Rita Neri, and food tastings from Fili Hotel’s Cassiopeia banquet packages, designed by executive chef Martin Rebolledo and executive pastry chef Mac Macatangay.

The event culminated in a spectacular fashion show showcasing Cebu’s fashion elite: Philip Rodriguez, Protacio Empaces, Jun Escario, Wendell Quisido, Marichu Tan, Valerie Alvez, Hanz Coquilla, Mike Yapching, Oscar James and Agustin Pedrano, all presenting the best of Cebuano design.

Designer Francis Libiran takes a bow.
Supermodel Justine Gabionza in a stellar piece by Francis Libiran.
Supermodel Ria Bolivar strikes a final pose at Francis Libiran’s Covenant fashion show for the premiere BELOVED NUSTAR event.
Modern bride by designer Protacio Empaces.
Designer Philip Rodriguez and his bride.

The success of this unforgettable bridal fête marks the beginning of one of the hotel’s visionary trademarks. To conclude, Cristina Ong Cruz, the cluster director of Sales and Marketing for Fili Hotel at NUSTAR Cebu, shared: “These past two days have been a testament to the beauty of love, creativity and celebration, coming together in ways that have left a lasting impression on us all. This first BELOVED event is only the beginning. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen here assure us that this will become a cherished tradition — a celebration that continues to inspire and delight for years to come.”