Carlos Alvarez and Sofia Borromeo met five years ago at a wedding of a common friend. Shortly after, the son of Carlos and Gigi made his own wedding proposal by the ocean that set off preparations for a the Filipino-inspired wedding celebration.
A radiant Sofia walked the down the aisle wearing Ito Curata’s creation as the University of Santo Tomas Choral sang the bridal march Vocalises on Morricone’s Nella Fantasia. The ceremony was officiated by Father Tito Caluag, who in his homily said, that their wedding was “a moment of choice.”
The reception at the Peninsula Manila Hotel Ballroom was themed “Modern Filipiniana.”. There were chandeliers made out of 100,000 sampaguita buds making a strong fragrant local statement. It was a wedding celebration as much as it was of Philippine culture, giving guests who flew in from abroad a warm welcome with local flair. In keeping with the spirit of going native, the couple was chauffeured to the venue in a jeepney, eschewing the traditional bridal car. The bride walked into the lobby in Philipppine finery beside her groom in his barong tagalog. Sofia gown was designed to make them “look like they were walking down the runway in couture.”
Beyond the pomp and visual pageantry, the couple felt that “the most special thing was that some of our guests had flown from halfway around the world to be with us and witness our special milestone.”
Rings Aziza Mondoñedo
Cake Heny Sison
Flowers Gideon Hermosa
Bridal Gown Ito Curata
Bridal Shoes Ito Curata and Amanda Pascual
Groom’s barong Bergamo
Entourage Gowns Ito Curata
Makeup Ines Lobregat
Hair Thomas of Elevation Salon
Wedding Planner Amanda Tirol of Boracay Weddings
Videography Jason Magbanua
Choir University of Santo Tomas Singers
Menu
Starter – Pumpkin Soup
Main course – Beef tenderloin or stuffed chicken
Dessert – Dulce de Leche with Strawberry Fields ice cream and the wedding cake
Giveaways
Cebu-made shell candles mounted on a platform
Frequently Asked Questions
The church is a symbolic “home” for both families, who have deep roots in the Forbes Park community. It connects to their traditions as a place where many of their relatives have celebrated major life milestones, representing a sense of spiritual and familial continuity.
Sofia, the designer behind Sophie Beatrice, collaborated with Vania Romoff for her gown. The look reflected her minimalist and structured personal style, featuring clean lines and sophisticated silk fabric that prioritized elegance over excessive ornamentation.
The venue was transformed by event stylist Gideon Hermosa into a “romantic indoor garden.” He used massive floral installations, warm amber lighting, and lush greenery to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance that felt both grand and intimate.
The wedding honored their heritage through the traditional Catholic Arras (coins) and Cord ceremony. The menu and music also reflected a blend of Spanish influence and Filipino hospitality, celebrating the historical and cultural ties of both the Alvarez and Borromeo lineages.
Key moments included emotional speeches from the fathers of the bride and groom, which moved many guests to tears. The couple’s first dance was a standout highlight, choreographed to a song that symbolized their journey, followed by a high-energy celebration with their closest friends.
