THRONE Magazine by Sheryl Songsong

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Dedication To the fair folk and kindred spirits, whose friendship has begotten these words, our ever-living prayer..mayest all of us keep the magic alive.

Dennis & Tessa

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editor art director graphic artist online manager official photographers

photographers

writer production designer official florist official makeup artist makeup artist fashion designers

SHERYL SONGSONG Daphne See Jeng Cadid IAN GALLIGUEZ KLAY TAN Marty Ilagan PAOLO BUENDIA ALVIN TAN YVETTE TAN AMBIANCE BY PIDO VILLANUEVA ROBERT BLANCAFLOR DANNY K BARBARA BENNETT RAJO LAUREL PHILIPP TAMPUS CHERRY VERIC ALBERT ANDRADA JOSEPH MONTELIBANO RONALD ENRICO MARK SHANDAR

over-all event head event coordinators

POPSIE GAMBOA IAN GALLIGUEZ, KLAY TAN

Printed by Print Town

Editor’s Note

This is a celebration of sorts: Dennis and Tessa’s milestone of 20 years being married, and a coming together of family and friends to do something special on this joyous day. It all started 20 years ago with a Medieval-themed wedding, and on this 24th day of June, we shall relive that moment in an ostentatious Game of Thrones-inspired celebration you will never forget. What you are holding now is a glimpse of Dennis and Tessa’s world full of love, fantasy and adventure. Aptly named THRONE, its pages is brimmed with stories of this sea princess and pirate. Witness these pictures come alive before your eyes. It’s a tale that will keep you warm for the rest of your life.

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Table of Contents 8

The InvITaTIon 10

The Dresses 12

The seTTIng 14

The Cakes 16

The Flowers 18

The love sTory 26

The nesT 34

Throne ParTnershIPs

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The InvITaTIon

Come & Witnesseth! Adworks Manila designs the 20th Wedding’s Coming of Dennis and Tessa as they pledge their truth and constancy in Venus’ name and in the Lord’s name. Mass commences at Sanctuario de San Antonio, Forbes, with festivities following at the Manila Polo Club

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A M EMBER O F

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The Dresses

A FAshionAble AFFAir

Complicated construction, bias cut, brocade, leather thorns and more! All the details about the Game of Thronesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; looks fit for royalty

DRAGONS

BRIDESMAIDS

FLOWERGIRLS

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The Dresses

Think long wigs, regal and deep hued gowns with full sleeves, burgundies, boots, armor, cape, golden crown, horns, swords. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be one bloody fashion parade of the best Medieval style Throne: Love Above All throne magazine_pp1-36FA2.indd 11

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The Setting

Curtain Call Pido Villanueva’s recreation of a medieval, theatric and unexpected Game of Thrones wedding scene is a tour de force you’ll find hard to shake off

THRONE: How would you describe this setup In just three words? PIDO: Noble, innovative, opulent. TH: Which areas did you work on and what can we expect from them? P: The wedding of Joffrey and Margaery inspired the Reception’s decor. The Cocktail Area is a theatrical take on a medieval market place to add a cheerier, informal and maybe unexpected décor. TH: What inspired you while creating all these sets? P: The f lamboyance of the TV series Game of Thrones. Tessa’s love for this concept inspired us to make our own version of its wonderful set designs. TH: what excited you the most about styling this reception? P: It is always a thrill once the final layout and design is approved and the real feat is trying to assemble the right fabrics, getting the themed hue of paint finish, assembling the proper crates for intricate decor’s transport, and squeezing enough time to fabricate additional surprise decor because the client has been very encouraging. TH: Who do you rely on in a project as big as this? P: Ambiance by Pido has a good team of installers, logistics crew, carpenters and welders to brainstorm regarding the best approach in handling any thematic ‘staging’ challenge. 12

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TH: Any special materials, pieces or accessories sourced? P: Some were borrowed from my partner collector. Others were existing decor which were given a facelift. Others were purchased years ago, and now I realized that they were actually discovered very early on in my career to be used for this event. The antique panels had to be reinforced with metal to be transported and assembled with structural integrity. TH: How would you describe the whole process, from design to construction to execution? P: Exciting, inspiring, and fulfilling! TH: The best features of the design? P: The eclectic synchronicity. TH: What else can we expect from this setup? P: We thought of accentuating the gilded framed wall decors with pigeonhole votives for the added romance of candle f lickers. Sliced hardwood was also intentionally chosen as periodic paneling for the medieval market scenery. Guests will surely be in for a treat! Totally unforgettable! TH: What has surprised you most about working as an event & scenery designer? P: That each event is like a temporary painting. Guests would often comment, “All of this effort for just one night

of celebration?!” Well, I think it’s my calling! I can’t blame those who feel unconfident in trying out unexplored design concepts and not to mention budgets. As with paintings, the value can only be determined purely by what the buyer and the seller can agree on. TH: Tell us about your first memory designing events and how it has set your personal style. P: I always bought materials and decor pieces in my younger years not knowing that I am already turning out to be a hoarder. (Laughs loudly) Only later on do I realize that I can turn this hoarding hobby into a very fulfilling career as an ever-evolving Scenery Designer. TH: What do you wish other people knew about you? P: That it takes a lot of effort for me to socialize. I’d rather stand in one corner of the venue and watch people and the celebrators enjoying their party and the ambiance. I rarely talk, but extremely talkative once I have the full concept in mind that I want to share. TH: Who inspires and influences you? P: Tessa Prieto-Valdes is my fairy godsister! Her style and passion for life and partying is contagious. Truly, life is beautiful! “Life is a party,” she would always say. And I couldn’t agree more. Yes, life should be full of beautiful parties!

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The Setting

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Hearts and Bells

Penk Ching

Goldilocks

The Cakes

Let Them Eat Cake!

The only thing better than a cake is a buffet of cakes (and pastries)! With Penk Ching, Hearts & Bells, Goldilocks, Cupcakes by Sonja and Manila Bake at the helm, a promise of sweet(er) endings await! 16

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The Flowers

Into the Woods

The thing about Medieval gardens is that it’s one of the most romantic scenes you’ll ever encounter. Inspired by the romantic Twilight setting, it’s almost like a secret royal wedding. The whole feel is very organic and woodsy, with the canopy of white wisteria cascading from trees and moss covered stumps flowing with white flowers. Oh, roses, lilacs and freesias, you make our hearts sing! 18

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The Love Story

Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours.

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The Love Story

t’s past 11 in the evening at the Valdes home but Tessa is dressed in full bike garb—gear, ready and all (and far from her Sea Princess or Game of Thrones persona)—to train downstairs. Dennis, on the other hand, is already in his PJs ready for bed, and Athena, being the darling daughter that she is, cuddles with her dad and quickly jumps in to join her parents’ 20th anniversary “tell-all.” Here, Dennis and Tessa share where they had their first date, what annoys them about each other , and what makes them feel sexy after 20 years of marriage. It’s one heck of a Q&A!

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The Love Story

THRONE: How did you two meet? TESSA: My diving instructor Gigi Santos introduced us at a diving trip to Anilao. Dennis who was a diving instructor taught Gigi. DENNIS: (playing with Athena in bed)

TH: How long did you plan your wedding? T: Less than six months. Everything happened so quickly from the time we met and got hitched!

TH: Who made the first move? T: Dennis was too polite to make the first move so I think I did! D: I have no recollection!

TH: Our first house was… T: The house of my brother Andrew. The kids used to call it the yellow house. The exterior was yellow and inside, walls were purple and orange.

TH: Was it love at first sight? T: Definitely not! Well, at least not for me. D: Of course!

TH: The first thing you did as a married couple? D: Diving!

TH: First impression of Dennis/ Tessa? T: Not my type at all! He looked too serious and boring!

TH: My first gift for Dennis/ Tessa was… T&D: We don’t remember!!! Too long ago.

TH: What was your first date like? T: Our first date was a round of golf that didn’t go so well because his game was terrible! He lost the bet so had to treat me to dinner in the expensive restaurant at Diamond Hotel—that became our first official dinner date—it went quite well, I think! TH: What was the proposal like? D: Crazy, but we both don’t remember the proposal! T: But I definitely popped the question and he said yes! Gladly! Athena: I think my mom and dad we’re playing a giant chess board game, and there was a diamond ring somewhere. T: Cute story, Athena!

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TH: Your milestone as a couple? D: Surviving 20 years! T: That’s a miracle! TH: Where did you go for your honeymoon? D: Palau, Micronesia. TH: Every weekend, we… D: Go to the beach! T: So Dennis can keep me away from the mall! TH: Who cooks at home? D: (looks at Tessa) T: COOK?????? Never! I have the best directory for delivery! TH: Always in the fridge… T: Chocolates! Gotta have chocolate before I sleep.

TH: Couple bonding? T: Hmm…riding the boat of Dennis. TH: Family bonding? D: We travel every year to a new destination, mostly during Christmas vacation. TH: I spoil my husband/wife with… T: I need more spoiling! I don’t get any! I used to spoil Dennis with watches but now it’s just guilt shopping—meaning if I buy too many things for myself, I buy Dennis one item! TH: Marriage Motto? T: Trust and honesty! But I have been tempted! Haha! TH: Would you consider yourselves as the best of friends? T: Not really. Fuck buddies more! Haha! I wish! D: Of course, we are! TH: How do you kiss and makeup? T: Dennis is always at fault! So, he always ends up saying sorry! Why do you think we lasted this long?! TH: What annoys you about Dennis/Tessa? T: Not enough cuddling at iba pa. Need for evening workout. Haha! D: Tessa is so messy and has things all over the bedroom! Her accessories, hats, shoes, etc. occupy every inch of the room! I just have my one little corner study table.

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TH: How long does Dennis/ Tessa spend time in the bathroom? T: Too long. Maybe three hours a day! Thank God we have separate toilets! I hate it when the toilet seat is up! D: Less than one hour. TH: What is Dennis/Tessa’s secret talent? D: I can draw really well and take awesome landscape photos. My first job was a photographer for a newspaper. T: I can paint and my favorite medium is oil. I also can play the piano! Not very well though. I have been taking lessons for 7 years and in Book 1! TH: Looking back 20 years, how do you make it work? T: Being a different version of myself all the time helps! We are totally independent of each other and yet we complete each other. Dennis lets me free to be my crazy self because I will always look for him at the end of my colorful rainbow. TH: Does fame make it easier or harder? T: Dennis has been so cool with all the fame and all which is great. He is confident on his own growing parallel with me.

TH: Do you regularly say ‘I love you’ to each other? T: Just me! I think it’s a girl/guy thing! Guys are zero in that department. TH: I never thought being married was… T: Actually not too difficult! D: Everything always works out in the end! TH: What’s the most surreal situation you’ve both found yourselves in? D: At a dive, there was this scary time we were upside down, spiraling to the deep and we had little air! T: I was totally glad Dennis was in control the entire time holding on to my BC as he figured how to escape the undertow. TH: Terms of endearment? D: D’Mosha. It’s our code name for “The Monster.” T: Honey. We call each other that. TH: Best gift recently given? D: My surprise Tessa book. T: It’s totally WOW! Two years in the making! TH: Best gift recently received? T: Diving gear from Dennis. D: Plane tickets to Europe and Africa from Tessa.

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TH: What is sexy to you? T: Powerful thrusts! TH: I am a husband/wife. D: Witty husband. T: Totally exciting and fun wife. TH: I am a/an lover to Dennis/Tessa. T: Creative lover D: I am a stable lover. Like a horse! Haha! TH: I admire Dennis/Tessa’s… T: Ability to handle stress and make everything work out for the better. D: Tessa’s energy level. Just check out her Instagram and see if you can keep up! TH: Dennis/Tessa has changed my life by… T: Marrying me! He is my rock! I really needed his stability at that point in my life! D: I am just a simple guy from Bacolod and Tessa has just made my life like a roller coaster ride and the whole circus included. You’ll always have a fun time! TH: In 3 words, how would you describe Dennis/Tessa? T: Dennis is driven, intelligent and funny. D: Tessa is expensive, late and lovable.

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The Love Story TH: What is Dennis/Tessa’s scent? D: Bvlgari. T: Hermes. TH: Favorite time of the day? D: Morning. T: Early morning like 1am. Haha! TH: How does Dennis/Tessa sleep? T: Dennis does not move at all! He snores occasionally! I sleep really late. TH: Soundtrack of your marriage? T&D: Somewhere Beyond the Sea TH: Funny moment with Dennis/Tessa? T: The first time my folks met Dennis, he was in costume wearing Mad Max so they were all freaking out thinking he was some big dude in whip and chains! TH: Biggest regret? T: Never regret anything. D: We both make it work out somehow! TH: Favorite Vacation spot? T: Greece. Where Athena was conceived! TH: Favorite City? T: Venice. D. Paris. TH: Our fairytale destination… T&D: Maldives. TH: What do you pack? T: I pack everything and I used up all the luggage of Dennis and the kids combined! I need to learn to travel light, which will never happen. TH: Favorite traveling buddy? T: Dennis is the best! He arranges everything and fills out all the forms, and all I need to do is sign the dotted line! TH: Guilty pleasures of Dennis/Tessa? D: Magnum ice cream. T: Shopping and not looking at the total!

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TH: Overrated notion about Dennis/Tessa? D: That I’m smart. T: That I am oozing with confidence because I am shy at times! Only sometimes! TH: Underrated notion about Dennis Tessa? D: That I’m sexy! T: In those exact words?! (laughs loudly) T: Me…that I’m smart, witty and intelligent!

TH: How many glasses before Dennis/Tessa gets drunk? D: One glass for me. T: One bottle for me! TH: Favorite band? D: Pet Shop Boys. TH: (Complete the sentence) I Dare to Bare…. D: Care bear! T: My Bikram yoga abs.

TH: Beauty or Brains? D: Brains. T: and beauty shouldn’t be far away.

TH: I’m forever… T: Late. D: Waiting!

TH: Coffee or tea? D&T: COFFEE definitely!

TH: I can’t live without… T: My kids. D: Coffee.

TH: Money or sex? T: Money! But a little of sex too! TH: Favorite Object? D&T: Sea Princess speedboat! TH: Dream Date? D: I’m the simple one and anywhere with Tessa is a dream date! T: Naks! But, my dream date is a Maldives holiday, honey! TH: Dogs or cats? D&T: None! All our dogs run away! TH: Favorite room in the house? T&D: Bedroom! TH: Alternate profession of Dennis/Tessa? D: Artist. T: Lounge singer. TH: Would you rather Sing or Dance? T: Dance for me. Dennis can’t do both! TH: Favorite app? D: Bejeweled. I have played more than 1,000 hours collectively! T: Instagram. I have more than 8,000 images! TH: Favorite tipple? D: Jack Daniels and Coke. T: Champagne.

TH: Success is… T: Making to all the social events I need to attend! D: Having the time to do what you want to do. TH: first year of marriage was… D: The same honeymoon it is today. T: Total adjustment from my party life but I survived! TH: I feel sexy… D: After a hockey game. T: When I can fit into all the designer clothes and able to breathe in it! TH: The last thing I do at night before I sleep is… D: Play Bejeweled! T: Kiss Dennis and Athena if she is sleeping beside us! TH: With Dennis/Tessa, I’m in the mood to… D: Golf. T: Go diving under the sea and over! TH: say it with a... D&T: Kiss! TH: For my 20 th anniversary, I’m wishing for… T: A diamond ring with X carats. Haha! Hint, hint!

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The Love Story

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The nest

The Pleasure of a palace The Valdes home is a Venetian-inspired living space worthy of the Carnevale words

Y v et te Ta n |

photos

Pao l o B u e n d i a

essa Prieto-Valdes is most known for her lavish lifestyle, whimsical fashion sense, and philanthropic projects. But before she became the force that she is today, Tessa was already an interior designer by profession.

When working with clients, Tessa’s philosophy is to adhere to their vision, to work with them to achieve a look that they are happy with. Since most of her clients are hotels and retail establishments, the designs tend to be stylish but safe, a far cry from the patterns and colors that she is known to prefer. “I’m an interior designer by profession and I think people think I’m a fashion designer,” she says. “I don’t force my taste on my clients. I want to be complimented because the space is beautiful and because it worked for the establishment, not because it has my signature.” Her home, however, is a different matter altogether. “The house is about 10 to 11 years old, but it’s evolving all the time in terms of interiors,” she says. The structure is based on Venice, Tessa’s favorite city, and this is reflected in the use of moulding, trompe l’oeil, paintings, and murals. “A lot of artisans did the work,” Tessa says. “Tats Manahan did a (mural with a) specialized rubberized finish on my dining room wall. I have gold leaf on the ceiling. I have a gigantic chandelier over the living, guest, and dining rooms from Murano. All the furniture and all the wood elements are local, from old homes. The balustrades on the second floor railing are from an old house as well.”

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The nest The lot the house is built on was a wedding present from Tessa’s mother. “I grew up on this lot,” Tessa says. The family house used to be a 60s structure that was torn down to make way for what is now Tessa and her husband Dennis Valdes’ abode. “The real challenge was to space plan all the areas while keeping to the Venetian theme and still incorporating my aesthetic values, and I think we’ve achieved that,” Tessa says. “People have the impression that it’s sort of Moroccan because of the border of Venice to the Mediterranean. I didn’t want to make it too authentically Venetian. It’s really more like a signature home, that’s why people really can’t pin down the style. It’s inspired from, not copied.” Her love for Venice stems from the city’s artistic essence, its tradition of embracing art as a profession. “In Venice, every street corner has someone just doing calligraphy or stationery. Everyone has a specialty and everyone is known by name. It’s just so romantic for me.” Tessa likes to change her furniture based on her mood. Since her trip to South Africa, she’s been steadily incorporating African influence into certain spaces, converting her office into a receiving area where she and guests can enjoy tea and conversation.

ost of her wooden furniture is made to order from one of the many favorites in Pampanga that specialize in exporting furniture. The readymade ones, she usually buys from LRI along Reposo. Her dining table is an antique from Jo-Liza antique shop in San Juan, while her chairs are from More Than A Chair, a Pampanga-based company that exports to Venetian-themed hotels in Las Vegas. “All the artworks are local,” Tessa proudly says. “My last purchase was one by Charlie Co. It’s specially painted for me because it’s from Cirque de Soleil’s Varekai, and it is symbolic because it is me onstage.” She is currently in the process of turning her youngest daughter Athena’s bedroom into an extension of her closet. Her two girls, Annika and Athena, meanwhile, are

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moving into her eldest son Bryan’s room, as he has just moved out of the house. “When I was building this house, I had a decent-sized dressing room, which I thought would last me a lifetime, but in a year, it got so full that the years after, I had clothes all over the house—the maid’s room, the kitchen, you name it, I had gowns all over. My husband says, ‘You have too much. Let’s convert one of the rooms,’” Tessa says. “The older girl already knows what she wants so she’s gotten involved in the designing.” As beautiful and glamorous as her house is, Tessa admits that her favorite part of the house must be her bathroom, where she tends to spend the most time. “I’m a night owl and I don’t want to bother my husband,” she says. “I also like spending time in the room where my computer is, what I call my all-around-trashroom. Everything is there. No one can move anything because I know where everything is.” Tessa has been an interior designer for almost 20 years, and has yet to tire of her profession. “I’m still doing what I’m doing because it keep evolving,” she says. “It’s a lifestyle that I enjoy because I get to travel. Most of my inspiration for interiors comes from traveling. I get excited seeing new places and writing about it. I like to share

it in my Sunday column. Now I also write for Property of Inquirer, which sort of dabbles in interior design, so I get to talk about my real profession.” Being an interior designer has taught Tessa a lot about herself, and about other people. “As you get older, you realize that interior design is half design, half therapy. It’s fun because you get to meet other people. It adds so much flavor to designing,” she says. “The best thing for me now is the availability of materials, the choices and prices. When I started, everything was so hard to get. You had to import everything yourself... now, most of the stores abroad have their own shops here. Of course, the prices are more expensive, but you have more choices. It’s not a monopoly of one construction company.” Tessa lives her life as if every aspect of it was a work of art. From her fashion sense to her interiors to how she perceives the world, Tessa makes sure to inject everything with her trademark vibrancy, and nowhere is this more evident than in the place that she calls home sweet home.

This article originally appeared in SPACE magazine, year 2012

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It’s really more like a signature home, that’s why people really can’t pin down the style. It’s inspired from, not copied.

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Through Thick and Thin From polo matches to fashion shows to amazing races, Cris albert and Tessa prieto-Valdes make a great team pulling off these amazing events with Fila.

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Through the Years From transforming her home into a giant world under the sea, to celebrating milestones together, Tessa and Swatch have a long standing love affair. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness, fashion, or philanthropic event, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a family affair for Swatch and the Sea princess!

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Throne Partnerships

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Throne Partnerships

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nd in the years to come, what we vowed is what I still vow today. To trust you and be honest with you, because in the end, it is those values that keep us loving one another. Wherever our lives' arcs may lead, I trust that those arcs circle back to ourselves. I love you, honey.

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