This year, “Marriott Moments A-Fair” returns bigger and grander. As it ups the glamour factor, it is now a Luxuriant Expo: Weddings, Events, Fashion and Arts — a high-caliber weddings, debuts and events suppliers fair showcasing an international arts and fashion weekend!
As a fitting follow-up to the hugely successful “Marry Me at Marriot” on July 3, the hotel will be hosting another spectacle—the “Marriott Moments A-Fair Luxuriant Expo Philippine Gratus Gala – A Gideon Hermosa Anniversary Edition” and the “9th Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week (CIFAW)” on July 26 and July 27, 2025, at the MGBX Exhibition Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom.
The Luxuriant Expo is a gathering of the best weddings and events suppliers, and a showcase of the works of imported and exported world-class fashion designers and visual artists. It denotes luxe plus bounty, promising a one-of-a-kind exposition. From weddings to events, to fashion and arts, everything that’s wonderful about life will converge at one massive venue, the pioneering Michelin Guide Hotel in the Philippines, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts.
In its fourth season, the “Marriott Moments A-Fair” ushers a tripartite partnership with renowned brands in hospitality, weddings and special events, with the Marriot Bonvoy, the most reputable hospitality and lifestyle program in the world; Themes & Motifs, the leading bridal fair organizer in the Philippines since 2001, and Spotlight Couronne Internationale Inc.(SCI) from Canada.
The A-Fair has gained traction as a showcase of the best in Filipino creativity. CIFAW, meanwhile, is a global celebration of fashion as well as a platform for networking, education and talks about trends, inclusivity and the future of the fashion industry. Both platforms for fashion aim to encourage and showcase creativity, innovation, and collaboration among designers, stylists, models, photographers, and journalists.
The 9th Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week will introduce a first – Philippine Fashion Weekend with the theme, “Home.” As CIFAW aims to inspire every Filipino to take pride in their roots and in the place we call home, the Philippines, a world-class brand, SCIPH, and five fashion designers will showcase their blockbuster collections.
Made possible by another collaboration with Rotary Club Passport One and One Gallery; Japanese visual artist and celebrity Fumiya Sankai will have his art pieces on display and for sale for charity, and author/artist Mayumi Cruz will have her book launch at the Marriott Moments A-Fair.
Furthermore, the Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (WPPP) will have their photo exhibit and competition showcasing the actual images taken during the July 3 Marry Me at Marriott Philippine Gratus Gala.
The collaboration with Rotary Club Passport One, One Gallery and WPPP completes the spectrum of the concept of a “Wedding, Fashion and Arts Weekend.”
THE CIFAW FEATURED FASHION DESIGNERS
JOHN ABLAZA
At the young age of 7, John started creating dresses at home—for his sister’s dolls. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has done countless shows and was accorded international recognition in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Arizona, New York, Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary. He also did shows and exhibits in Paris, Milan and Madrid.
“My collaboration with the late Bea Zobel de Ayala, a livelihood program, is very important to me. I got to teach arts and crafts to the Mangyan Tribe in Mindoro,” John says. “The highlight of my career, however, is the mentorship programs I conducted in Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe organized by the US Embassy in Harare.”
As a Filipino designer, John says his aesthetic is deeply rooted in nature, culture, and storytelling: “I discovered it through years of working with diverse fabrics and learning from mentors and communities I engaged with—locally and abroad. My designs reflect elegance with purpose—fluid lines, cultural textures, and handcrafted details. Over time, I learned to balance simplicity with artistry, always aiming to celebrate heritage and identity through every piece.”
John calls his CIFAW collection “Elements de la Nature” (“Elements of Nature”), explaining:
“I am always inspired by the things I see around me, the beauty of nature, the chirping of birds, colorful butterflies, lush green trees, blue ocean and whispering waves. I will show simple silhouettes, fluid lines and defined patterns. I’m using various fabrics I sourced from Dubai, Zimbabwe, France and the Philippines. My collection will be divided into four segments. Using a color palette of beige, white, brown, and black, I will showcase products from my collaborations with the Mangyan of Mindoro, Philippines.”
MALIYAH ABENIR
A proud transgender Filipino-Canadian designer, Maliyah, 31, was born In Imus, Cavite, and raised in Canada. She started designing clothes when she was 16 years old in her former high school. She graduated with a degree in Fashion Business and Design at JCI Institute in Vancouver, and Fashion Techniques and Design at George Brown College in Toronto.
“I felt that I had to work double the time from Caucasian designers just to get noticed. There aren’t many Filipino designers in Canada and some are just overlooked because of the popularity of other designers. There are still biases in the fashion industry,” Maliyah said.
Her collection for CIFAW, a futuristic take on the military uniforms of the past, is called “Redemption Denym 2025.”
Maliyah explains: “I was really inspired by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 1970s. My theme this year is ‘To Be Your Own Soldier.’ You are the soldier in your own life so you gotta fight. I struggled a lot with mental health and was reaching rock bottom. I had to use every energy I got left to survive and fight my mental battles, and when you are your own soldier, you gotta do what it takes to get back up and win the battle.”
“Despite all of the obstacles and challenges I faced, I believe that I’m winning because I’m always trying. Being able to showcase again and especially internationally, brought me back to life and that is my winning moment. Winning in life. because everyone deserves a second chance. Be your own soldier.”
ODELON SIMPAO
As part of his 40th birthday celebration, the Cagayan de Oro-raised Odelon recently launched his latest bridal collection. Following that milestone is his participation at CIFAW.
“I’ve been in the fashion industry for almost 17 years already. When I started designing in Manila, I apprenticed under world-class designer Frederick Peralta while also working as a head designer in Onesimus designing suits and barong Tagalog. I then studied pattern making under Master Jojie Lloren,” the former nursing student-turned-fashion designer said.
Odelon’s CIFAW collection is an ode to his beloved mother, declaring:
“The title of my collection is ‘Susanne.’ My mother’s name is Susan and she’s my inspiration for this collection. Her softness and fragility are the emotion of the collection. But at the same time, I want to show how tough and hardworking she is and it will show the details and manipulation of fabrics that I will use.”
“I will be showing different silhouettes and shapes. I’ll be showcasing some new techniques and fabric manipulations but also maintaining that classic and timeless look.”
KENNY LADAGA
Kenny, 38, finished a degree in hospitality management then proceeded to work as a professional designer. Now in his 15th year working in fashion, he specializes in made-to-own wedding gowns and long gowns. He is also known to produce bespoke suits and barong Tagalog for special occasions.
“My target market will definitely be the Modern Minimalist Bride, someone who wants clean lines, soft color palettes, and a non-traditional silhouette. My other target market is the Romantic Aesthetic Bride, someone who loves floral details, soft textures, and timeless femininity,” notes Kenny.
Back in the day, Kenny always had a huge interest in gardens and florals— romantic, serene, and filled with quiet elegance. Hence, it became his design signature and aesthetic.
For CIFAW, Kenny shares that his collection is called “Les Fleurs: The Pastel Collection”:
“Inspired by a celebration of modern romance — a wedding collection that redefines bridal elegance through simplicity, softness, and refined details. My collection is all in a muted beauty of lavender, blush pink, and beige, and each piece is crafted with understated grace and adorned with delicate floral appliqué. The silhouettes move beyond traditional ball gowns, embracing sleek lines, ethereal layers, and effortless draping that speak to the contemporary bride.”
JAKI PEŇALOSA
Considered the grand dame of Ilonggo fashion, Jaki has won prestigious awards like Dungog sang Dakbanwa sang Iloilo (Culture and Arts) in 2017, the Galing Ilonggo Awards in 2013, and 10 Outstanding Women in Iloilo (TOWIL) award to name a few, in recognition of her huge contribution to promoting Iloilo City’s hablon fabrics to both national and international audiences.
Jaki, 64, represented Iloilo at the annual Philippine Fashion Week until she moved to the international runways in parts of Italy, Germany, Norway, the USA, Canada, and Asia. The most prestigious of all was her fashion show during the London Fashion Week House of Ikons.
Like her previous works, Jaki’s shares that her CIFAW collection is inspired by the people who make her part of their special and memorable day:
“So, this year, I’ve created something that makes one wear their culture. I’ve created a collection that showcases both the feminine and strong, resilient attributes of women through the silhouettes of my design. I chose neutral and earth colors to emphasize the presence of Philippine craft through the art of embroidery, callado, and indigenous hand-woven fabrics in my collection.”
“My collections can be purchased after my show, or they can message me through my Facebook page, Jaki Peñalosa. For those who are in Iloilo City and wish to choose more from my other collections, they could visit the Jaki Peñalosa shop at the second floor of Festive Mall Iloilo, Iloilo City.”