“Marry Me at Marriott” Celebrates 10th Edition with Unforgettable GLOCAL Affair

Marriott Bonvoy, together with the rest of Marriott hotels in the Philippines, successfully celebrated the 10th edition of its prestigious signature bridal showcase, Marry Me at Marriott, with the theme “Paving the way to #morewinningmoments”. This milestone event marked a decade of weddings and socials marketing emulated by other players in the hotel industry for consistently showcasing unmatched sophistication and groundbreaking initiatives in bridal fashion, culinary arts, and bespoke weddings and socials services.

In 2022, Marry Me at Marriott served as a launch pad to create a more purposeful and full-blown campaign, dubbed, “Marriott Moments”. It was also in 2022 that the Marriott Bonvoy team took notice of the promising plan that was laid out that year, and viewed it as an undertaking that should be made on a market-wide level. The now award-winning Marriott Moments campaign is harnessed on three major components: Onstage with Marry Me at Marriott, On-ground with Marriott Moments A-Fair: Dream Weddings and Events Expo, and Online which consist of our year-round marketing initiatives that help strengthen our presence online and in the digital marketplace. These are all anchored on the genuine commitment to convey to their guests that Marriott is the ideal venue for creating lasting memories and winning moments for everyone.

Growing Presence in the Philippines

Consul General of the Philippines in New York, Senen T. Mangalile gave the opening remarks. Mangalile is a diplomat who is known for his dedication in fostering international relations and has been instrumental in supporting the Filipino community in the US North East.

The show proper opened with Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels by Lambretta’s colorful scooters circling the huge runway following by the entrance of big flags, each representing the 10 properties of Marriott in the Philippines paraded with the leaders of each of the properties. Currently Marriott has 10 hotels carrying the most reputable global brands in hospitality namely, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, Fairfield, Four Points by Sheraton, and soon AC Hotels by Marriott.

Marry Me at Marriott: Philippine Gratus Gala

This year’s signature event evolved into what it is called now, the “Marry Me at Marriott: Philippine Gratus Gala”. Marry Me at Marriott has cemented its position as the sought-after signature marketing event of Marriott in the Philippines that several players in the industry started to emulate. “We are now moving forward and calling it, Marry Me at Marriott: Philippine Gratus Gala, because other than weddings, we believe life is meant to be celebrated no matter how big or small of a milestone maybe, all in the spirit of being grateful, every occasion deserves a Marriott Moment.” says Bruce Winton, Marriott International Multi-property Vice President – The Philippines.

Marriott Manila’s Grand Cake Parade during Marry Me at Marriott’s pre-show.

Marriott Manila’s Cluster Director of Marketing Communications, Archie Nicasio, welcoming everyone to the grandest bridal event of the year.

Consul General of the Philippines to New York, Senen Mangalile, gracing the event with a speech on the glocalization of Filipino talent.

Lambretta motorcycles skidding through the runway, marking the entrance of the Marriott PH leaders.

The 10 properties of Marriott Philippines parading together with their General Managers and leaders.

Multi-property Vice President of The Philippines, Marriott International, Bruce Winton, discussing Marriott’s evolution in the country and how Marry Me at Marriott became synonymous with grand celebrations.

Marry Me at Marriott 10th edition’s featured designers (L-R): Bessie Besana from New York, Veejay Floresca from Los Angeles, Wilson Limon from Mindanao, Axel Que from Visayas, and Hannah Kong from Luzon.

Hannah Kong with her creations.

Axel Que with her creations.

Wilson Limon’s creations.

Veejay Floresca’s creations.

Bessie Besana’s creations.

Models’ ending tableau led by Bessie Besana’s muse, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey.

Marry Me at Marriott 10th Edition’s featured designers tableau with their creations and muses.

Marry Me at Marriott 10th Edition’s featured designers tableau with their creations and muses together with Marriott executives.

Hannah Kong’s creations on the runway.

Nicole Borromeo wearing the Frederick Peralta-inspired dress by Hannah Kong.

Hannah Kong together with her creations onstage.

Axel Que’s creations on the runway.

Gazini Ganados in Axel Que.

Axel Que onstage.

Wilson Limon’s creations on the runway.

Wilson Limon onstage with his creations.

Veejay Floresca’s creations on the runway.

Soon-to-be-bride and Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong in Veejay Floresca.

Veejay Floresca’s creations onstage.

Veejay Floresca.

Dramatic entrance of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo in Bessie Besana.

Bessie Besana creations.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey.

Bessie Besana creations on the runway.

Bessie Besana with his muses and models wearing his creations.

Star-Studded GLOCAL Affair

Topnotch fashion designers Bessie Besana from New York City, Veejay Floresca from Los Angeles, Hannah Kong from Luzon, Axel Que from Visayas, and Wilson Limon from Mindanao adorned the runway of the prestigious fashion show. Their innovative fashion design worn by first-rate professional models from Mercator and celebrity muses made the audience in awe. Special appearances of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, 2015 Miss Earth Angelia Ong, and 2024 Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo, who was a former associate of one of the Marriott hotels in the Philippines added allure to the show making the night even more memorable.

Dondi Narciso, Regine Tolentino, Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton

Bianca Valerio

Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton, Sheraton Manila Bay General Manager Richard Massellin, Francis Kong, The Westin Manila General Manager Alexander Dietszch

Atty. Karen Jimeno

Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa General Manager Dietmar Platz, JECO Development Corp’s Joseph Tan, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort General Manager Dottie V. Wurgler

MegaMixx 101.9 Guam’s Bojo Molina and Gary Encarnacion with Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang

Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma & Connie Haw

Ariel Arce and Michelle Garcia-Arce

Justin Yap & Karina Ching

Sheraton Manila Bay General Manager Richard Massellin, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Prinsesa General Manager Dietmar Platz, The Westin Manila General Manager Alexander Dietszch, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort General Manager Dottie V. Wurgler, Adriatico Consortium Inc.’s Jerome Siy, JECO Development Corp’s Joseph Tan, Adriatico Consortium Inc.’s Marge Kua, Sheraton Manila Bay’s Director of Sales and Marketing Kathy Salenga.

(L-R) Consul General of the Philippines to New York Senen Mangalile with wife Maria Fe Mangalile

(L-R) COTE’s Christine Ong-Te, Gideon Hermosa, Jason Qua with wife and featured designer Hannah Kong.

(L-R) Andrea Del Rosario and Regine Tolentino

(L-R) Joel Cruz and kids with featured designer Bessie Besana

(L-R) Consul General of the Philippines to New York Senen Mangalile, wife Maria Fe Mangalile, and Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton

Bong Prada Lim and Nympha Javier Valencia

Nini Licaros

(L-R) The Westin Manila’s General Manager Alexander Dietzsch, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Mr. Barun Jolly with wife Razia

Cory Quirino and Bruce Winton

(L-R) Newport World Resorts’ Aina Elinon, Miguel Cabel Moreno, Cluster Director of Marketing Communications Archie Nicasio, MJ Marfori, Newport World Resorts’ Joy Andrade

Alexia Nunez, Jun Jun Ablaza, Chynna Mamawal, Mathew Custodio

Marriott’s Cluster Director of Marketing Communications Archie Nicasio, Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton, Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang

(L-R) Irene Montemayor, Agile Zamora, Hannah Kong, Manolyne Taylor, Michelle Garcia-Arce, Bobby Alvarez

(L-R) Michelle Garcia-Arce and Archie Nicasio

(L-R) Lorian Fausto, Cory Quirino, Joel Cruz and kids, Manolyne Taylor

Former Marriott Manila General Manager Rick Saul and Sheraton Manila Hotel’s General Manager Anna Vergara

Pia Wurtzbach- Jauncey and Bessie Besana

RJ Ledesma and Vanessa Pastor-Ledesma

A Grateful Tribute

In a heartfelt tribute, the “Marriott Gratus Gem” a symbol of gratitude and excellence was launched to honor designers, event stylists, and partners who have contributed to Marry Me at Marriott over the past decade. Each of the awardee received a masterpiece creatively carved out by renowned visual artist and sculptor, Maestro Cameron Castrillo embellished with Twin Princess Gems’ Ruby gemstone, complete with certificate of authenticity.

Marriott Gratus Gem Partner Awardees (L-R) Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton, Marketing Maven Michelle Garcia-Arce, SAGA Events’ Robby Carmona, COTE’s Christine Ong-Te, Themes & Motifs’ Sharon and Dodjie Fabian, Acel Bisa Van Ommen, RJ Ledesma, Pix & Reel Republik’s Ramon Mangila, Jesi Mendez, Bernie Pasamba, Twin Princess Gems’ Arcy Hernandez, Maestro Cameron Castrillo, Rotary Club Passport One’s Ben Calderon, One Gallery Bem Enriquez, Stage Rigger’s Joel Inumerable, Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang

Marriott Gratus Gem Event Stylist Awardees (L-R) Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton, Teddy Manuel, Gideon Hermosa, Michael Ruiz, Allen Uy, JP De Jesus, Marinelle Marcelo, Pio Herras, Joyce Aguilar, Rowela and Miguel Bautista, Stan Chua, Kyno Kho, Tiger Lim, Henry Reyes, Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang

Marriott Gratus Gem Designer Awardees (L-R) Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton, Albert Andrada, Val Tguba, Jezelle Amorado, Rosenthal Tee, Joe San Antonio, Leo Almodal, Jazel Sy, Amir Sali, JC Buendia, Jaggy Glarino, Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang

Marriott Philippines’ Executives (L-R) Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa General Manager Dietmar Platz, Four Points by Sheraton Boracay Director of Sales and Marketing Lee Flores, The Westin Manila General Manager Alexander Dietszch, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue City Hotel Manager Marichu Lopez, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo’s Hotel Manager Joy Alonte, Marriott International’s Multi-property Vice President to the Philippines Bruce Winton, Clark Marriott Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing Juvy Agudon, Sheraton Manila Bay General Manager Richard Massellin, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort General Manager Dottie V. Wurgler, and Sheraton Manila Hotel General Manager Anna Vergara

Marriott’s Multi-property Vice President Bruce Winton and Marriott Manila’s Director of Sales and Marketing Lala Quilantang honoring Frederick Peralta

Celebrating over 15 years of meaningful travel, wonderful hospitality, and countless winning moments, the Marriott Gratus Gem symbolizes gratitude and excellence. This exquisite art piece, crafted to perfection by Maestro Cameron Castrillo and adorned with a Twin Princess Gems’ Ruby gemstone, represents our heartfelt thanks.

Part of the milestone event is the tribute to the first featured designer of Marry Me at Marriott, Frederick Peralta.

Marriott Gratus Gem Designer Awardees with Frederick Peralta (center)

Honoring a Visionary: Frederick Peralta

One of the recipients of the first Marriott Gratus Gem is the legendary Frederick Peralta, who is being honored for his invaluable contribution as an icon to the fashion industry. Some of his classic creations including the wedding gown of celebrity Ai-ai Delas Alas was showcased on the catwalk before receiving the award. Peralta’s works have redefined wedding couture, making dreams come true for countless brides and grooms. His creativity and generous spirit graced the very first runway of Marry Me at Marriott 10 years ago, setting the foundation of Marry Me at Marriott. His support and belief in the initiative speak volume about his character and passion to uplift the fashion community.

A Winning Partnership

Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, Marry Me at Marriott was made possible with the collaboration Marriott’s hotels in the Philippines: Marriott Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Bay, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, The Westin Manila, in cooperation with Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Four Points by Sheraton Boracay, and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mandaue.

Marriott also is also grateful on the support given by esteemed partners: FILIPINXT, SAGA EVENTS, COTE, Themes and Motifs, Newport World Resorts, Flowers & Events by Teddy Manuel, Jesi Mendez Salon, Twin Princess Gems, Lambretta, Maestro Cameron Castrillo, Bernie Pasamba and the music masters, Pix & Reel Republik, Stage Riggers, 10-Inch Lights and Sounds, LX Events Pro, 88 Media Productions, Biore, Liese, Jergens, Caronia, Lumi Candles, Perfume Dessert, Y.O.U Beauty, Philippine Wine Merchant, Evian, Emperador Distillers Inc., Bottega SpA, Grand Cru Wines, Stella Rosa, Pernod Ricard, Budweiser, Corona, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Club Marriott, Kao Day and Night Club Asian Gastronomic Restaurant, Rotary Club Passport One, One Gallery, LuChris Printing Corporation, Paperless PR and Creative Agency, Selrahco, Preview, Esquire, Pep.PH, Asian Journal, BalikBayan Magazine, So Janelle TV, MegaMixx 101.9 Guam, and Metro.Style.

For more information about Marriott Hotel Manila, call (632) 8988 9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com. Stay updated on their latest offers by following @manilamarriott on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Marriott Hotels

With over 550 hotels and resorts in over 60 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest’s stay, helping to relax, clear minds, stimulate new ideas and anticipate travelers’ needs, leaving them inspired to reach their full potential. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. To learn more, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.