In its fourth iteration, the Marriott Moments A-Fair experienced a magnificent transformation with the launch of the \u201cLuxuriant Expo\u201d concept. Signifying opulence and abundance, it lived up to the expectation of a unique exposition. From weddings to gatherings, as well as fashion and arts, all that is splendid about living came together at one expansive location \u2014 the MGBX Exhibition Hall of the Manila Marriott Hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n This year marked the advent of a tripartite collaboration with esteemed brands in hospitality, weddings, and special occasions, featuring Marriott Bonvoy, the most distinguished hospitality and lifestyle program globally; Themes & Motifs, the foremost bridal fair organizer in the Philippines since 2001; along with the vibrant Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) from Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n The landmark event, \u201cMarriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo and the 9th<\/sup><\/span> Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW),\u201d convened the finest suppliers for weddings and events. Additionally, it showcased the creations of both imported and exported world-class visual and literary artists at the \u201cinclusive venue,\u201d MGBX Exhibition Hall in the Marriott Grand Ballroom, the most prominent hotel-based MICE facility currently operating in the country, serving as their official platform.<\/span><\/p>\n The A-Fair has garnered attention as a display of the pinnacle of Filipino creativity. CIFAW, on the other hand, serves as an international tribute to fashion and a forum for networking, education, and discussions about trends, inclusivity, and the future of the fashion sector. Both fashion platforms strive to inspire and exhibit creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers, stylists, models, photographers, and journalists.<\/span><\/p>\n The 9th<\/sup><\/span> Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week introduced a novelty \u2014 the Philippine Fashion Weekend \u2014 hosted at the Manila Marriott Hotel on July 26 and July 27, 2025. Under the theme, \u201cHome,\u201d the ninth CIFAW aspires to motivate every Filipino to take pride in their heritage and in the place we cherish as home \u2014 the Philippines.<\/span><\/p>\n DESIGNERS\u2019 SHOWCASE ON DAY 1<\/b><\/p>\n On July 26, the inaugural day of the Luxuriant Expo, fashion creators Maliyah Abenir and Odelon Simpao, along with the fashion label SCI PH, showcased their newest collections.<\/span><\/p>\n MALIYAH ABENIR<\/b><\/p>\n A proud transgender Filipino-Canadian creator, Maliyah, 31, originated from Imus, Cavite, and was brought up in Canada. She commenced designing garments at the age of 16 during her high school years. Maliyah graduated with a degree in Fashion Business and Design from JCI Institute in Vancouver, and also studied Fashion Techniques and Design at George Brown College in Toronto.<\/span><\/p>\n Her collection for CIFAW, a futuristic reinterpretation of historical military uniforms, is titled \u201cRedemption Denym 2025.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI drew significant inspiration from the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 1970s. My theme this year is \u2018To Be Your Own Soldier.\u2019 You are the soldier in your own life, so you must fight. I faced numerous struggles with mental well-being and hit a low point. I had to muster every bit of energy left to endure and confront my inner battles, and when you are your own soldier, you must do what it takes to rise again and triumph,\u201d Maliyah articulates.<\/span><\/p>\n ODELON SIMPAO<\/b><\/p>\n As a part of his 40th<\/sup><\/span> birthday festivities, Cagayan de Oro-born Odelon recently unveiled his latest bridal collection. His participation in CIFAW closely follows this milestone.<\/span><\/p>\n His CIFAW collection pays tribute to his beloved mother:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe name of my collection is \u2018Susanne.\u2019 My mother\u2019s name is Susan, and she is the inspiration behind this collection. Her tenderness and delicacy embody the emotion of the collection. Yet simultaneously, I wish to highlight her resilience and industrious nature, showcased through the particulars and manipulation of fabrics I incorporate. I presented varying silhouettes and shapes, along with some innovative techniques and fabric transformations while preserving that classic and timeless aesthetic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n SCIPH<\/b><\/p>\n For the CIFAW presentation, SCIPH unveiled a collection titled \u201cUnspoken: The Silhouette of Home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt serves as a subtle homage to the elegance of simplicity and the solace of returning to one\u2019s origins. The collection delved into the unvoiced language of fabric, form, and familiarity \u2014 creating an ambiance where every line resonated with the softness of belonging, and each piece subtly narrated the tale of home,\u201d Francia expressed.<\/span><\/p>\n Vilela expounded further: \u201cThis collection was grounded in quiet assurance \u2014 an embodiment of those who lead not with volume, but with presence. The silhouettes were sleek, structured, and sophisticated: halter gowns adorned with sculptural bows, off-shoulder drapes highlighting the collarbone, and contemporary tailoring that respected traditions while advancing forward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n DAY 1 ACCOLADES<\/b><\/p>\n FUMIYA SANKAI: ARTIST OF THE YEAR<\/b><\/p>\n During the Luxuriant Expo, Fumiya Sankai was honored with the title of \u201c9th<\/sup><\/span> CIFAW Artist of the Year.\u201d This coincided with his exhibition at the Marriott in collaboration with Themes and Motifs and One Gallery named \u201cHum Art,\u201d which utilizes his unique artistic style to convey feelings of love, joy, and childlike wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n His raw execution in aesthetics aimed to capture the unguarded strokes of youth: bold, somewhat impetuous, with no concern for judgment. His artistry draws deep inspiration from early memories of watching his father sketch hand-drawn posters for their family business.<\/span><\/p>\n Similar to the general ambiguity present in his works, his name reflects a harmonious variety of interpretations. It can symbolize the act of humming to a delightful melody, reveling in the beauty of existence, simply relaxing, or the humility of someone who has attained great heights of achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n MAYUMI CRUZ: AUTHOR AND ARTIST<\/b><\/p>\n Mayumi Cruz is a weaver of narratives through words and visuals \u2014 bound by creativity, inspired by everything. Whether through storytelling or visual art, she formulates pieces that… At the Luxuriant Expo, Cruz unveiled her latest book, Gio and the Tailor\u2019s Chalk<\/em>. This captivating Young Adult fantasy intertwines time travel, folklore, and heartbreaking sacrifice. After learning about his father’s demise and the robbery of a potent magical heirloom, teenage tikbalang<\/em> Gio del Mundo must venture to 1820 to thwart a lethal witch coven and reclaim his fate. With the lives of his people \u2014 and his very being \u2014 in jeopardy, Gio is faced with an unanswerable question: What are you willing to sacrifice to set the world right?<\/span><\/p>\n DESIGNERS\u2019 SHOWCASE ON DAY 2<\/b><\/p>\n JOHN ABLAZA<\/b><\/p>\n John named his CIFAW collection \u201cElements de la Nature\u201d (\u201cElements of Nature\u201d), clarifying:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI continually draw inspiration from my surroundings, the splendor of the outdoors, the melodious singing of birds, vibrant butterflies, flourishing green trees, azure ocean, and gently lapping waves. I presented uncomplicated silhouettes, flowing lines, and distinct patterns. I utilized various textiles sourced from Dubai, Zimbabwe, France, and the Philippines. My collection was segmented into four parts. Employing a color scheme of beige, white, brown, and black, I displayed creations from my partnerships with the Mangyan of Mindoro, Philippines.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n KENNY LADAGA<\/b><\/p>\n For CIFAW, Kenny\u2019s collection is titled \u201cLes Fleurs: The Pastel Collection\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cInspired by a homage to contemporary romance \u2014 a bridal collection that reimagines wedding elegance with simplicity, softness, and exquisite details. My range features a subtle beauty of lavender, blush pink, and beige, with each garment created with understated elegance and embellished with delicate floral appliqu\u00e9. The shapes transcend traditional ball gowns, adopting sleek silhouettes, ethereal layers, and effortless draping that resonate with the modern bride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n JAKI PE\u00d1ALOSA<\/b><\/p>\n Jaki\u2019s CIFAW collection drew from the people who include her in their unforgettable ceremonies:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI crafted pieces that allow one to embody their heritage. I developed a collection that brightly exhibits both the delicate and strong, resilient aspects of women through the outlines of my design. I selected neutral and earthy tones to accentuate the importance of Philippine craftsmanship through the techniques of embroidery, callado, and indigenous hand-woven textiles in my range.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For additional details about Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo, please reach out to Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, 2 Resorts Drive, Newport World Resorts, NCR \u2014 4th<\/sup><\/span> District, Barangay 183, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines; 28988-9999; <\/span>MarriottHotelManila@marriott.com<\/em><\/span><\/a> and <\/span>www.manilamarriott.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>; Themes & Motifs Bridal Fairs and Special Events Expo through <\/span>https:\/\/themesmotifs.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>, +63917-522-0707; and Calgary International Fashion & Arts Week via <\/span>info@scimodels.ca<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>http:\/\/www.scimodels.ca\/<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spotlight is BusinessWorld\u2019s sponsored section that enables advertisers to enhance their brand and engage with BusinessWorld\u2019s audience by presenting their narratives on the BusinessWorld Web site. For further details, send an email to\u00a0online@bworldonline.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Join us on Viber at\u00a0https:\/\/bit.ly\/3hv6bLA<\/a>\u00a0for additional updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld\u2019s publications for exclusive content through\u00a0www.bworld-x.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bworldonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CIFAW-x-SCI-Ph-x-Mike-Zuniga-6997-OL-683x1024.png\")
Spotlight Couronne Internationale (SCI) was established by Filipino-Canadians Limuel Vilela, President and CEO, executive producer\/designer\/director and former model; and COO\/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia, an aviation specialist and educator.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bworldonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/9th-CIFAW-Artist-of-the-Year-OL.png\")
\n“““html
\nstimulate, incite contemplation, and showcase the elegance of imaginative liberty.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bworldonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CIFAW-x-John-Ablaza-x-Mike-Zuniga-6310-OL.png\")
Starting at the tender age of 7, John began crafting dresses at home \u2014 for his sister\u2019s dolls. Throughout his 40-year journey in the fashion industry, he has participated in numerous shows and earned international acclaim in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Arizona, New York, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Calgary. He has also showcased his work in Paris, Milan, and Madrid.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bworldonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CIFAW-x-Kenny-Ladaga-x-Mike-Zuniga-9782-OL.png\")
Kenny, 38, is now in his 15th<\/sup><\/span> year in the fashion world. He specializes in custom wedding gowns and evening dresses. He is also recognized for crafting tailored suits and barong Tagalog for distinguished events.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.bworldonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/CIFAW-x-Jake-Penalosa-x-Mike-Zuniga-1656-OL.png\")
Regarded as the matriarch of Ilonggo fashion, Jaki has received numerous esteemed accolades, including the Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Culture and Arts) award in 2017, the Galing Ilonggo Awards in 2013, and the 10 Outstanding Women in Iloilo (TOWIL) award, acknowledging her significant impact in promoting Iloilo City\u2019s hablon textiles to both national and international audiences.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n