Within the last few months, the search for wedding ceremony and reception venues and perfect backdrops meant for grand festivities were called to a halt during the implementation of social distancing measures, resulting in postponed party plans and invitations. As an alternative, friends and families worked around creative and heartwarming ways to virtually celebrate from the comforts of home, but still within the comforts of each other.

As we now navigate through the era of the “new normal” and slowly rekindle the joys and warmth of gathering safely together, two seasoned Event Planners, Pabys Creative Events and La Belle Fete share important tips to keep in mind when jump starting paused plans, from intimate birthday gatherings and corporate milestones to that much-awaited walk down the aisle.

• Understand that pre-planned events will still undergo changes

Before anything, know that even the most solidified details made before quarantine will have adjustments to work around the new limitations, with safety as top priority. At this point, major celebrations with dates that coincided with the lockdown will have already been finalized even before the ECQ and most details will have been ironed out. However, keeping an open mind and heart while taking a more pragmatic approach to decision-making is key to adapting to these times.

“The good thing is [this gives] more ample time to prepare – to be fit, to personalize and even add more details, to finalize the guest list, to focus on the preparation for the marriage or house, and to be ready for the sacrament – emotionally and spiritually,” shares Ycoy Sitchon, Managing Director of La Belle Fete.

She adds, “The silver lining is the plans are still there, and that they are just paused.”

• Before zooming in on the details, consider the major factors in the new normal

Given the current circumstances, hosting an event in a month may look very different from planning one by the end of the year. An anniversary celebration now may require a more intimate and curated setting, but if the desire is to have a more significant headcount later on, scouting for larger venues as early as now may be a more fruitful option.

Keeping these factors in mind will help with envisioning the kind of event that will take place within the possible timelines.

• Lock in a date, then the rest of the details will follow

Setting a date and capping the number of guests is one of the most crucial aspects in planning. Event Mastermind and Owner behind Pabys Creates Events Janna Pablo suggests preparing three dates as options, then deciding which would work best.

“The official start of event planning is when these have been finalized as the rest of the details of the event would always depend on it,” Janna says, “Shortlisting or contacting a venue that can accommodate the expected number of guests would be the next step.”

With planning comes logistics, and this is when professional assistance becomes most essential. Guidance from Event Planners like Pabys Creative Events and La Belle Fete is vital from setting a date, classifying the type of event that fits your requirements, booking the best venue and suppliers, and providing a safe environment for you and your guests. 

More importantly, they understand the steps necessary for getting back on track and adjusting to the new way of celebrating. If you need any assistance with existing or upcoming party plans, (Option for phone) feel free to contact Pabys Creative Events at  pabyscre8s@gmail.com and La Belle Fete at  info@labellefeteweddings.com.

• Always come back to the meaning and purpose behind the celebration

Amid the taxing decision-making and tedious planning, remember the why. 

“Given this paradigm shift, I believe that planning a milestone will be different in the sense that the meaning behind the celebration will be front and center. The focus on trivialities or little worries, such as the goal to perfect each little thing, will completely change. It will gear towards relishing each moment, whether perfect or not,” Jeff Sitchon, Managing Partner of La Belle Fete starts to explain, “If there’s one thing that this crisis taught us, be grateful for little moments that tug at the heartstrings. There is a bigger purpose for every plan and every facet of the whole celebration – from the program, layout, styling, priorities, and every decision that the clients will make.” 

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So much prettiness in one frame. Since it is already SeptemBER, it is safe to say that it is already acceptable to dive into all things Christmas-y. We got a sweet taste of the holidays with this Nutcracker inspired birthday of Julia Summer. Heavily inspired by the Land of Sweets, it is truly a treat to all kids and kids at heart. . . . Full planning, concept and coordination: @labellefete Venue: @thefifthatrockwell Event Styling: @gideonhermosa Catering: Tijoe the Caterer Lights, Sounds, Trussing & Staging: @lxeventspro Hosted: @makebelieveproductions MUA: @antheabueno Cake: @lovelotscakes Photobooth: @photoboothbydjcoki Photo & Video by: @pramandcradle Invites & Printables: @papillonph Effects: @dragonfireworks.official Digital Juice: @alwaysinmotiondesign Entertainment: @madisoneventsinc @geraldine.a.uy Dessert Buffet: @bizucateringstudio Ensembles: @apartment8clothing . . . #labellefete #wedding #weddings #weddingsph #labellefeteevent #weddingtheme #weddingdetails #weddingplanner #eventconceptor #philippineweddings #weareeventplanners #weareweddingplanners #leaveittothepro #debut #debutante #party #eventdesign #thecuratedwedding #curatedwedding #curatedevents

A post shared by La Belle Fête (@labellefete) on Sep 28, 2019 at 5:45am PDT

La Belle Fete transformed the Fifth at Rockwell into a Nutcracker-inspired party for Julia Summer’s 1st Birthday.

Janna adds, “Events should serve as an experience rather than just focus on everyone being physically present. Experience is what will make events memorable and fun.”

Photo by Cocoon Studio. Pabys Creative Events planned a fun Olympic-themed Thanksgiving party at The Fifth last January 2020

• Choose an events hall that will guide you every step of the way

Booking a stylish events space that will serve as a canvas for your vision is key. But now more than ever, it’s important to choose one that goes beyond the borders of protocols and guides you through the whole process. Although our doors at The Fifth aren’t open to celebrate with you yet, our lines are always open for any queries you might have to get a head start on the groundwork. Currently, we’re working on the necessary steps to ensure your safety – taking no shortcuts as we prepare for your return.

Given the extended GCQ guidelines that currently put a hamper on face-to-face gatherings and event bookings, it’s best to stay vigilant and choose safety above anything else. For now, let’s take the extra time to rediscover ways of sprucing up the celebration you deserve. With the transition to a newer but just as meaningful way of marking milestones, one thing remains the same: cherished traditions and personal accomplishments, big or small, will always be made memorable with us.

For The Fifth at Rockwell inquiries, you may get in touch with Aly Ferrer at alyf@rockwell.com.ph or 09178919625.  

Everybody loves to celebrate. So much so that it has become second nature for many to throw a smashing birthday bash, gush about a love that endured years of togetherness over a sumptuous lunch, honor achievements with your kin in the newest resto in town, or simply celebrate a life well lived with an intimate dinner among dearest friends. Nonetheless, such priceless moments deserve only the best—no matter how small or how lavish and grandiose, no matter how pompous or solemn these may be. From the food, the outfits, the motifs and the decor, down to the set-up of the tables and chairs—every painstaking detail counts to create those spectacular moments forever etched in your memories. Of course, just as important is the location–the event hall itself, where everything culminates.

At the heart of Rockwell Center is the newest events hall in the metro, promising to redefine the way such momentous occasions should be celebrated. The Fifth is Rockwell’s latest events hall that exudes its signature brand of elegance and exclusivity. Here is a stylish 1,380-sqm blank canvass that you can transform according to your whims and wishes, depending on the milestone you wish to celebrate: birthdays, debuts, anniversaries, fashion shows, Christmas parties, company functions, product launches, and even small concerts, auctions, and bazaars. Usher your guests into the pre-function area, where you can have your cocktails or refreshments before the main event. Going into the main hall, you’ll have over 1,000 sqm of space perfect for any type of occasion, with unique patterns adorning its high ceiling, carpeted floors, neutral color palettes, clean lines, as well as ambient lighting to set your desired mood.

As soon as you enter its wide doors, welcoming you to enter its lofty halls, you would find yourself picturing your next big celebration here. A banquet style celebration will allow you to sit some 450 to 600 guests at the main hall while a cocktail format will allow you to invite about 900 of your family, friends and colleagues. Bringing that unparalleled level of convenience and beyond ordinary experiences is the biggest indoor panoramic LED screen in Southeast Asia. The three combined screens display a superior visual experience as it amplifies on screen content through HDR picture quality—thus making celebrations at Rockwell all the more memorable and unforgettable.

Adding distinction to The Fifth is the fact that it also offers two VIP rooms tastefully designed for the comfort of the celebrant, speakers, and other guests. Here, the VIPs will have enough room to prepare, whether it’s for a last minute touch up on their speeches or a final run for the newlywed’s first dance. A Secretariat Room, designed mainly to be a war/meeting room, will allow you to brush up on the details prior to the grand festivities. Other inclusions meanwhile include the use of two dressing rooms, a projector, a fully-equipped kitchen, and basic sound system. And so far, much has already been celebrated at The Fifth.

MARKING MILESTONES

Since its opening, The Fifth has attracted companies from different industries to hold their meetings, events and conferences here, such as the Ford Philippines, which held the 2019 Henry Ford Awards here last February. Other firms that have started to hold their events here include First Philippine Holdings which had its executive learning session in February, featuring international speaker Ranjay Gulati, a professor of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, who addressed some 350 seminar attendees; the Lopez Group, which had its annual budget conference last January; and Turner Broadcasting System, which hosted Turner Upfront 2019, an annual trade event showcasing its latest channel and advertising offerings to various media agencies, direct clients, cable affiliates and partners. 

Company parties and social gatherings are becoming common too, with the likes of Manila Electric Co. hosting the Meralco Engineers’ Reunion in February this year, and Ogilvy Philippines celebrating its Christmas party here. The elegance and sophistication of an awards night perfectly fit the vibe exuded by The Fifth and it thus comes as no surprise that many of today’s biggest firms recognize this, including Hyundai Philippines which held its Dealer of the Year and Individual Performance Excellence Awards 2019 last April 3.

COUNTING MEMORIES

Families will never run out of reasons to celebrate, whether it’s about welcoming a new member such as baby showers and gender reveals, a christening ceremony, birthdays, recognition and graduation, weddings, anniversaries, and even engagement parties. Every heartwarming and sentimental occasion indeed calls for a huge and meaningful gathering among kin. What therefore makes The Fifth the perfect option is the fact that its versatile as its huge open layout allows you to transform the hall to make every milestone even more memorable, whether you’re creating an awesome birthday themed party for the li’l superhero or princess, a mystique masquerade ball for your debutante, or a heart-filled celebration for your special someone.

OF LABELS AND RUNWAYS

Given the outstanding features and sophisticated design that The Fifth offers, many product launches and fashion shows have been held here, as companies see the venue as the perfect platform to showcase their brands. The Fifth will indeed set the stage for any label as seen in the number of highly prestigious events that it has hosted thus far.

The official distributor of BMW in the Philippines, for one, deemed it befitting to launch the all new X5, where celebrities, the media and other society personalities gathered for a night of revelry. The L’oreal Group also held a hair fashion show and product launch here at The Fifth, in celebration of Kerastase Paris’ 20th anniversary.

In lieu of supporting Filipino designers and local talent, a fashion show was likewise held at The Fifth by Metro magazine’s Metrowear, which celebrated Vania Romoff as its icon for the year 2018.

FABULOUS FINDS

A host of fairs had made The Fifth as their base including the Spectrum Bazaar, which was the first bazaar to be held at this events hall. Organized by Alyssa and Pia Arellano, this two-day fair in December 2018 housed exciting local shops in time for holiday shopping, and had generated a whopping foot traffic of about 4,000 guests a day. A couple of bazaars targeted for mothers and starting families were already held here. But more than just a selling event, these had also served as a significant guide especially for first time parents and growing families who want to immerse themselves on the latest products and tips that could aid them towards a more effective parenting. One of these bazaars was the two-day Mommy Mundo Fair last February, which gathered more than 60 local brands and shops including Kindermusik, Janod, Laya and Best Buddies Philippines, all targeting mothers and starting families. The bazaar also featured a series of activities and talks about breastfeeding, healthy pregnancy, active parenting and mompreneurship. Another was Momzilla Philippines which also had its two-day run last March, housing over a hundred local brands and hosting a series of parenting talks by The Parenting Emporium.

Regardless of the occasion, what matters most is celebrating in a highly versatile yet sophisticated space will allow your imagination to run free and enable you to transform its halls to create picture-perfect moments beyond ordinary. Here, indeed, experience grandeur in both your personal and business milestones—bringing the Rockwell lifestyle to your most precious occasions at the heart of it all.