By Rouise Kristianne C. Alugar
Love, culture, and Cebuano hospitality once again take center stage as Cebu prepares for the return of the much-anticipated Kasalan 2026 National Wedding Tourism Expo this June 27–28 at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.
Positioning Cebu anew as one of Asia’s premier wedding destinations, the upcoming bridal fair promises not only a showcase of dream weddings but also a celebration of local tourism, creativity, and Cebuano pride.
Ahead of the highly awaited expo, wedding industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, suppliers, and media partners gathered during the Kasalan 2026 Media-Supplier Meetup held May 26 at Mezzo Hotel. The gathering served as a venue to strengthen collaborations and rally support in promoting Cebu as a world-class destination for weddings and milestone celebrations.
Organized by Kasal.com, the nationwide wedding tourism roadshow has long connected key cities across the Philippines while spotlighting local wedding traditions, suppliers, and tourism experiences. Since 2003, the Kasalang Filipino campaign has celebrated regional culture while introducing couples to the evolving trends of the events industry.
This year marks the 20th run of the wedding tourism caravan, with Cebu continuing to stand out for its picturesque island venues, centuries-old churches, luxury resorts, and thriving creative community of event professionals.
“Welcome to our Kasalan 2026 National Wedding Tourism Expo Pre-event Gathering. The purpose of our gathering today is really to network amongst all in the industry,” said Maria Thelma Ong, editor-in-chief of Kasal.com.
“We’re very happy to partner again with the members of the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) for always supporting events and happenings not just in the city but in the entire province, and for helping Kasalan promote Cebu as the ultimate wedding venue destination—not just in the country, but hopefully in Asia and the rest of the world,” Ong added.
Ong also highlighted Cebu’s growing recognition in the international wedding tourism scene after earning a place among Asia’s top wedding destinations during the 2024 global awards despite strong competition from neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
“Cebu managed to secure a spot in 2024, and now we hope to rally support to put Cebu back as the top wedding destination, not just locally but globally,” she said.
The two-day expo is expected to transform Ayala Center Cebu into a vibrant wedding showcase featuring top wedding venues, trusted suppliers, and hospitality brands from across the province. Couples and debutants can explore exclusive event packages, discounted staycation deals, food experiences, and lifestyle offers available only during the expo.
Visitors can also enjoy Instagram-worthy installations, complimentary food tastings, exciting giveaways, and raffle prizes worth up to ₱300,000. Admission is free, with guests encouraged to register through the official Kasal.com Facebook page to receive complimentary raffle coupons.
“We are inviting all our media guests to say ‘I DO’ in Cebu,” Ong said. “Before you start looking elsewhere, look at what we’ve got here. In terms of options, price, and quality—we’ve got it all for you.”
The upcoming expo is presented by Kasal.com in partnership with Ayala Center Cebu, Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, and Love & Diamonds.
Supporting partners include some of Cebu’s leading hospitality and destination brands such as bai Hotel Cebu, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Kandaya Resort, and Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu.
Official media partners include Cebu Online News Press Corps, RMA News, BusinessMirror, Alcordo Billboards & Signages, and Steel Art Billboards.
More than a bridal fair, Kasalan 2026 reflects Cebu’s continuing rise as a destination where romance, culture, tourism, and local excellence come together—inviting couples from across the country and beyond to celebrate love in the heart of the Queen City of the South.
