Considered the most curated gathering of event suppliers in the country, ‘Let’s Celebrate Expo 2026’ spotlighted the industry stalwarts as well as its rising stars. Held on July 18 and 19 at Space at One Ayala, Makati City, visitors got to meet a meticulously selected mix of established names, emerging and iconic creatives, hotel and destination brands, and food and beverage preferences.
‘Anyone can organize an expo. Curating is about creating conversations between people, ideas, brands, and destinations. It’s about introducing tomorrow’s talents while celebrating the icons who built the industry,’ explained founder and lead curator Marbee Shing-Go. ‘Let’s Celebrate has never been about gathering the most suppliers. It’s about bringing together the right people. And that philosophy continues to define every edition of Let’s Celebrate.’
An innovative concept first introduced by curator Shing-Go, the ‘fair within a fair,’ returned this year. It was led by planners Bingo Flores of Sweet Comfort Events and Cat Ebuen of Events Embassy.
‘Its collaborative showcases with stylists Mc Pascual and Jacq Pascual demonstrated the strength of creative teams, bringing together planners, stylists, photographers, filmmakers, florists, and designers to present celebrations the way they’re truly created-in collaboration,’ said Shing-Go.
THE GMT TRIO AND EMERGING TALENTS
THE highlight of the affair was an immersive installation by globally recognized event stylists Gideon Hermosa, Michael Ruiz and Teddy Manuel, who have become a formidable force collectively known as GMT.
The trio’s exclusively designed installation was inspired by nature, sustainability, and Filipino craftsmanship, as it offered a glimpse into where celebration design is headed next-without giving away the surprise before visitors see it for themselves.
This year’s featured celebration designers presented their individual philosophy, each proving that every celebration could and will reflect a completely unique personality. Celebration design, after all, is never one-size-fits-all. They are May Mañalac of Eye Candy Manila, Anna Winstel of Events Central, Bhem Meijer of Il Fiore Flower Boutique, Miguel Bautista of Miel’s Event Styling, and Alden Raza of Arraza Events.
THE STORYTELLERS
THE event also gathered the ‘Storytellers Behind the Celebrations,’ the most respected names in Philippine wedding photography and filmmaking whose documentary, editorial or cinematic styles bring unique perspectives to preserving life’s most significant moments:
Jason Magbanua, who pioneered and helped redefine the Same Day Edit (SDE); Mayad Studios, renowned for its timeless wedding films; Metrophoto, acclaimed for its editorial approach to photography;
Nice Print, a favorite and trusted visual storyteller among celebrities; ProudRad, known for its heartfelt, documentary-style approach; Mico Studios, beloved for its elegant and emotive imagery; Sherard Yu, whose cinematic eye is shaping contemporary wedding storytelling; and Studio Yanagi, an emerging player gaining steam for its stylish and thoughtful narratives.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE GALORE
It’s not a Filipino celebration without sumptuous food and unlimited drinks. At Let’s Celebrate, the options are mouth-watering: Cocktail brands Manila Craft and Blackbox Cocktails; The Tastemakers, pioneers of refined zero-proof cocktails: and Diwang, crafted beverages with contemporary Filipino flavors.
The bespoke Carmelo’s Steakhouse Catering made its debut at the expo. It brings the culinary heritage of one of the country’s most respected dining institutions, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, which is widely credited with introducing Filipinos to premium Angus beef to weddings and milestone celebrations.
Two new names with fresh concepts were also at the expo: The Sundaygrams Café and Cakes, with its enticing pastries and café offerings for intimate occasions; and Molte Grazie, showcasing its appetizing aperitif and grazing experiences.
HOSPITALITY AS DEFINED BY FILIPINOS
FAMED for its ‘Marry Me at Marriott’ fashion spectacles, Marriott International Philippines presented all 13 of its Philippine properties, including The Westin Manila, AC Hotel by Marriott Manila, The Farm at San Benito, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa, Four Points by Sheraton Boracay, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, and Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts.
A featured international destination partner was the Spain Tourism Board. Buoyed by its recent triumph at the World Cup, Spain might inspire couples to choose Spain as a wedding destination, as we share similar culture, cuisine, and traditions.
For the adventurous and nature-tripper, planner Jomai Arnaiz, together with designers Miguel Bautista and Tiffany de Castro, showcased the charm of mountain celebrations through Itogon Mountain Village, Montesierra, and Danum, Baguio’s artisanal liquor.
There’s also the picturesque Hillcreek Gardens in Tagaytay, an integrated destination wedding venue where couples can celebrate from ceremony to after-party and even the next day’s brunch.
THE JOY OF DISCOVERY
Let’s Celebrate introduced new talents such as Always in Motion Live, LX Events Pro, 4th Wall, Forscink Lights and Sounds, and Manila Craft. They offered a new concept for the modern after-party.
‘Let’s Celebrate’s defining ideas have always been about discovery. Alongside industry veterans was a carefully curated group of emerging photographers, filmmakers, designers, stylists, content creators, and creative entrepreneurs-young talents whose work represent the future of celebrations,’ shared Shing-Go.