Is it possible to top perfection? To craft events that defy time itself? Okada Manila will surely find a way.
Okada Manila’s TIMELESS, held on November 7 at the integrated luxury resort’s Grand Ballroom, wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. No, scratch that—it was THE experience. From the moment you walked in, it was clear: this wasn’t going to be your typical luxe affair, flexing Okada’s hospitality chops. Sure, there were elaborate gowns, chefs working their magic, and exquisitely set show tables—but what Okada pulled off was an immersive showcase that hit every sensory note. This was certainly a defining moment in luxury events.
“TIMELESS is very close to our hearts because it reflects what Okada Manila stands for which is creating moments that people will always remember,” said Cielo Reboredo, Vice President for Sales and Marketing. “It’s a celebration of the stories, partnerships, and milestones that come to life within our halls, and the people who make every occasion truly meaningful.”
Let me take you through the event to beat.
Okada goes all in—no half measures here
If there’s one thing Okada Manila has mastered, it’s the art of turning a milestone into something legendary, and they didn’t just meet expectations at TIMELESS—they obliterated them. Think of it as a night where the ordinary became extraordinary, and everything you thought you knew about high-end events was flipped upside down.
Let’s start with the food. You ever walked into a venue and instantly knew your stomach was going to be on a joyous journey of its own? That was the case here. The spread was on another level—even for Okada. A charcuterie table piled high with the finest meats and cheeses (really, it was a “mini Cheese Room”—yes, Okada’s Medley buffet has a whole room just for cheese, and they brought a big wedge of that to the event) that was borderline magical, mouthwatering roasts for the carnivores, freshly prepared sushi that melted in your mouth, flavorful handcrafted pasta dishes, and indulgent desserts that seemed to go on forever. There was no shortage of food; it was an endless parade of gastronomic brilliance.
But that’s just the start. The real star of the night was what I’m calling the “immersive showcase” aspect of the event. Okada Manila knows how to make a statement, and they did so with some of the top designers and event stylists in the business, turning each section of the Grand Ballroom into its own world.
Fashion, but make it timeless and fully immersive
Okada turned the typical fashion show format on its head and elevated it into a masterclass in event design. Every detail—from the fashion itself to the atmosphere—was meticulously crafted to immerse guests in a fully realized concept. Nothing about this was half-baked. The Grand Ballroom was divided into four sections, each representing a different life milestone: weddings, debuts, golden anniversaries, and Tinghun. These weren’t just themes—they were lived experiences, where every corner, every transition felt like part of a greater narrative.
The evening kicked off with Vee Tan’s stunning Tinghun collection. Vee’s designs were a deep breath of romance and tradition. Customary with a contemporary twist, her gowns exuded elegance, yet were bold enough to keep you on your toes. The attention to detail was phenomenal—everything from the styling to the floral arrangements (by Michael Ruiz and Tiger Lim) told an enduring story of cultural celebration.
Next, Ryan Ablaza Uson’s golden anniversary segment gave off blissful beauty. The collection was both romantic and regal, and the styling by Dave Sandoval and MC Pascual truly elevated the whole experience. This was a segment that made you think, “Yep, I’d love to have a golden anniversary that looks like this.”
Then came Rian Fernandez with a dreamy collection for debutantes—a celebration of youth, growth, and self-discovery. Rian’s designs, some featuring flora and fauna, were ethereal and whimsical, floating down the runway almost like quirky cloud formations. The set (with floral art by Teddy Manuel and Blooms by Allen & JP) was a cosmic dreamscape, and you could feel the whimsy and wonder in the air as the models strutted by.
And for the grand finale, Banggo Niu brought the next era of bridal couture to the forefront. Modern, chic, polished—Banggo’s designs flowed seamlessly with the sophisticated stylings of Gideon Hermosa and Kathy Sy-King. The collection was a bold vision of what bridal fashion can be—forward-thinking, yet rooted in time-honored tradition.
Each segment was interspersed with live dance and musical performances to keep the energy high and the ambiance, electric.
Those tableaus though…O.M.G.
And can we talk about those tableaus in the ante room of the Grand Ballroom? Though words may fail me (yes, they were that amazing). They weren’t just “mock sets” or “stage setups” for milestone events—they were art. Curated by the finest event designers in the business, each tableau was a spectacle, in the best ways. Okada Manila, partnering with the country’s top events stylists, mentioned above, transformed every corner of the space into exceptional works of three-dimensional visual artistry. From the grand floral arrangements (in a profusion of colors), to the elegant styling, lightscapes, and design details, every tableau drew you deeper into the night’s theme.
Ultimately, this is what Okada Manila does best for any of its events: pairing world-class service and topnotch venues with imaginative storytelling, floral artistry, and jaw-dropping visual presentations. They didn’t just decorate the room—they crafted a story, and you were living it with every step. All this, and food to satiate your heart, not just your hunger.
Setting the bar (extremely high) for future celebrations
TIMELESS wasn’t just Okada Manila’s debut (definitely a “What? For real?” moment, as they pulled it off with such expertise, like they’d done it a thousand times over) in this realm of premium bespoke event curation—it was a statement. A bold declaration that they are not only among THE top contenders in luxury hospitality, but also the future of bespoke, immersive event experiences in the Philippines. When you’re setting a new standard like this, the question becomes: How do you top perfection? How will Okada best themselves?
I honestly don’t know. But after this? I’m not betting against them.
Okada Manila has proven that they’re not just about throwing extravagant events—they’re about creating and crafting experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve left. I can’t wait to see what they do next. They’ve made it crystal clear: if you want something truly extraordinary, you go to Okada Manila.
Until then, I’ll be reminiscing about that incredible night, and probably wishing I could step into one of those Vee Tan gowns.
For inquiries and reservations, contact +632 8888-0777 or email
hotelsalesandmktng@okadamanila.com.
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