Conrad Manila set the stage for a reimagined bridal experience as “Inspired Beginnings 2025” unfolded in a two-day showcase of couture, design and Filipino artistry. The event brought together the country’s top designers and event stylists, who transformed the venue into a living gallery of fashion and creativity offering couples a bold, artful vision of the modern wedding.
Francis Libiran walks at the finale of ‘Devoción,’ a bridal couture collection PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
The opening night belonged to designer Francis Libiran. Under the creative direction of Ariel Lozada, Libiran’s solo couture show, “Devoción,” delivered a personal and poetic statement.
(From left) Fabio Berto, general manager, Conrad Manila; Tamara Ruiz, director of sales, Conrad Manila; Joanne Gomez, commercial director, Conrad Manila; Arsi Baltazar, CEO, Francis Libiran; Kutchie Zaldarriaga, CEO, Getting Married Wedding Coordinators & Event Planners; and Fonzy Mendoza, project head of Inspired Beginnings and assistant director of events, Conrad Manila.
Featuring 24 gowns and six menswear pieces, “Devoción” broke from traditional wedding white, offering delicate tones of pale pinks and soft nudes.
Libiran’s latest bridal collection pushes beyond traditional boundaries, introducing softer, more diverse color palettes and modern silhouettes.
“This is not only a fashion show, this is a poetic journey to love, legacy, and craftsmanship,” said Conrad Manila Commercial Director Joanne Golong-Gomez during her opening remarks.
Libiran’s latest bridal collection pushes beyond traditional boundaries, introducing softer, more diverse color palettes and modern silhouettes.
“Each gown is a testament to the kind of artistry that moves us. We are immensely honored to partner with Francis Libiran, a true visionary whose work resonates with grace. This gala promises a sensory experience like no other, one that captures the spirit of Inspired Beginnings and redefines what it means to celebrate love in style,” she added.
Libiran’s latest bridal collection pushes beyond traditional boundaries, introducing softer, more diverse color palettes and modern silhouettes.
The event officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by key figures, including Fonzy Mendoza, project head of Inspired Beginnings and assistant director of events at Conrad Manila; artist Mark Justiniani; Getting Married CEO Kutchie Zaldarriaga; Pasay Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano; and members of the Conrad Manila leadership team.
Libiran’s latest bridal collection pushes beyond traditional boundaries, introducing softer, more diverse color palettes and modern silhouettes.
The following day, “Inspired Beginnings” continued with a full-scale celebration of bridal artistry, culminating in a grand runway show led by Robby Carmona.
Tablescape set-up by FJ Sionson inspired by the works of Mark Justiniani
The finale featured stunning collections from top Filipino designers including Rian Fernandez, Manny Halasan, Nat Manilag, Ehrran Montoya, Val Taguba, Vee Tan, and Ryan Ablaza Uson. From architectural tailoring to ethereal silhouettes, each designer brought a fresh interpretation of modern bridal fashion — elegant, daring, and uniquely their own.
PHOTO 8: Inspired Beginnings Day 2 Fashion Show led by (from left) Fabio Berto, general manager, Conrad Manila; Joanne Gomez, commercial director, Conrad Manila; featured designers Manny Halasan, Val Taguba, Ehrran Montoya, Rian Fernandez, Vee Tan, and Ryan Ablaza Uson; Kutchie Zaldarriaga, CEO, Getting Married Wedding Coordinators & Event Planners; featured designer Nat Manilag; and Fonzy Mendoza, project head of Inspired Beginnings and assistant director of events, Conrad Manila.
Beyond the runway, the event elevated wedding inspiration through a curated exhibit of art-inspired tablescapes created by the country’s most celebrated event stylists. Each vignette was a tribute to iconic Filipino artists: Blooms Events by Allen & JP paid homage to Arturo Luz; Ginger Gaddi honored Olivia d’Aboville; Randy Lazaro reflected the abstract world of Hernando Ocampo; Drew Menor channeled the romantic light of Fernando Amorsolo; Dave Sandoval interpreted the color and charm of Mauro Malang; Tiger Lim celebrated Lizanne Uychaco; FJ Sionson drew from the surreal depth of Mark Justiniani; and Kathy Sy-King highlighted the sculptural vibrancy of Impy Pilapil.
Indeed, with artistry at its heart and love as its guiding theme, Inspired Beginnings 2025 proved that a wedding celebration can be more than beautiful, it can be meaningful, visionary and unforgettable.
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