WHAT STARTED as a modest bridal fair in 2009 has blossomed into Central Luzon’s most anticipated wedding event. On its 17th year, the Wedding Destination Pampanga Bridal Fair opened its doors anew at SMX Convention Center Clark, welcoming over 100 exhibitors and a vibrant community of wedding creatives, entrepreneurs, and soon-to-wed couples.
The three-day bridal fair, organized by the Voltaire Zalamea, founder of Wedding Destination and owner of Events and Concepts, is more than just a showcase of gowns, cakes, and floral arrangements—it’s a celebration of Pampanga’s rise as the premier wedding destination north of Metro Manila.
“Seventeen years na po kami,” Zalamea said with a smile, addressing the crowd during the opening ceremony. “Next year, we’ll have a debutant. We started this bridal fair with the advocacy of promoting Pampanga, Clark, and Angeles City as a wedding hub. We’ve seen the industry evolve from simple, intimate gatherings to grand, fabulous productions.”
Zalamea’s message resonated with both seasoned suppliers and new entrants to the industry. “We welcome the new players and wish you all the luck. We hope this three-day bridal fair brings more sales and more experiences to all of us.”
The event drew a distinguished roster of guests, including Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, president and CEO of Clark Development Corp., who offered a heartfelt tribute to the Kapampangan spirit.
“We are getting more in love than yesterday,” Devanadera said playfully. “We owe our recognition as the best tourist and investment destination to all of you—the brides, grooms, and suppliers who continue to make Pampanga shine.”
For Dr. Richard Daenos, regional director of the Department of Tourism Regional Office III, the fair is a reflection of the industry’s resilience and artistry.
“A truly trailblazing and institutionalized celebration that has become a much-anticipated tradition each year,” he said. “The fair has always been described as a showcase of creativity, talent, and innovation, as it reflects the very heart of what the industry represents—the art and purpose of preparation.”
“The saying encapsulates its very essence, to which I quote: ‘A wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime.’ The preparation is the bridge that connects the two. Every carefully chosen detail matters,” enthused Daenos.
Also in attendance were Kitten Zapata, editor-in-chief of Wedding Essentials Magazine; Raffy Angeles, representing Angeles City Mayor Jon Lazatin; Miguel Morato, senior branch manager of SMX Clark; and this writer, marketing manager of Punto Central Luzon, a partner in the event since its birthing.
The fair featured a curated selection of bridal fashion, event styling, photography, catering, and more. But beyond the booths and bookings, Wedding Destination Pampanga remains a heartfelt tribute to love, legacy, and local excellence.
