BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Peninsula Manila celebrates a decade of its “Timeless Weddings at The Peninsula and More” on May 11 and 12, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 7 pm. This year, it collaborated with notable partners including Christine Ong-Te, Michael Leyva, Jor-el Espina, and Manila Fashion Festival.

Similar to past installments, “Timeless Celebrations” assures couples of comprehensive ideas, ranging from bridal attire to table adornments, delectable cakes, vibrant bouquets, dreamy honeymoon spots, skilled photographers, event hosts, and beyond.

Michael showcased his designs at The Peninsula Manila Lobby last May 11 at 6 p.m., followed by Jor-el Espina’s presentation on May 12 at 5 p.m. Additional featured designers and bridal companies participated in the two-day bridal fair including Aisle by ASMS, Banggo Niu, Studio Ceremonie, and Rei Escario.

Some of the prominent personalities spotted at the event include dermatologist-to-the-celebrities Dr. Aivee Teo of The Aivee Clinic, couple Heart Evangelista and Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

During an interview with the Buzz Beat Media, Senate President Zubiri commended the bridal couture creations of Michael Leyva. 

“Beautiful gowns, beautiful dresses. He’s really [a] masterclass. He’s such an artist. Everything is perfect, perfect! So congratulations, Michael! You’re a great artist. We saw all the gowns, beautiful!” he said. “Thank you very much Michael. What a wonderful show! Congratulations!”

Doc Aivee Teo also gave wonderful remarks about the show.  Buzz Beat Media also interviewed Michael Leyva, after the show. Leyva was asked what drives him to continue delivering wonderful couture fashion shows like the one that just happened.

“It’s my passion and love for what I do,” Leyva simply said. He added that his brother, Brian Leyva, serves as his inspiration for what he does.

When asked about upcoming shows, Leyva mentioned that he has a surprise planned for June. However, he didn’t provide any details about it. Michael Leyva is a renowned Filipino fashion designer primarily known for his bridal designs.

He is the fifth among six sons of his mother, Merly Leyva. At the age of ten, he observed his older brother, Brian Leyva, designing and crafting dresses from scratch in their family living room. Occasionally, Brian would request him to purchase sewing materials from Divisoria. Nonetheless, he never envisioned himself pursuing the same path as Brian.

Michael earned a Tourism degree from the University of Santo Tomas. Subsequently, he pursued a fashion design course at Central Saint Martins in London, as well as fashion courses under Jojie Lloren, an esteemed local fashion designer.

Originally, Michael embarked on a career as a flight steward. Dissatisfied with his job, he contemplated transitioning to a career in fashion following a tragic event when Brian, considered one of the promising young designers of the 2000s, was mugged and fatally shot on March 29, 2010.

Brian had achieved first place in a prestigious fashion design competition, the Young Designers Guild Competition, held in Paris, France, in 2004. And the rest is history. 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Instagram (@michaelleyva, @niceprintphoto)