The Man Behind
Tita Sonya’s Tagaytay
“THE TIMELESS CREATOR”
Who is Manuel Francisco
true to their character no matter what
their stylist says. At the end of the day,
they are the client. So it pays to know
one’s personality to make sure your
wedding turns out the way you want
it to.
Some people’s dreams are formed
while they’re young and Manuel
Francisco was not an exception.
Manuel has always had a flair for
flowers; he also loved designing for
saints during fiestas and religious
parades. When her mother died in
1982, Manuel went to Quiapo to buy
her flowers. He saw how it was done
and what was supposed to be a day
of mourning became a day of learning
instead.
Manuel also advised brides to be clear
on what they want so that the stylist
will be able to accurately give price
quotation. This is also especially true
for brides inquiring online.
Thirty-five years of experience
When his officemate was about to get
married, he was the one who arranged
the flowers for her for only P200.
Eventually, people ask him to arrange
flowers for them but he did not take it
seriously. For him, it was just something
fun to do. Behind every person’s success is a
woman who made her that way and
Manuel attributes his own success to
his mother. For him, his mother is the
reason why he stayed and lasted in
this industry. No wonder, he loves the
mother’s bouquet.
Manuel’s story was a series of
meaningful encounters. He met people
who would soon open a lot of doors for
him. Since its inception, Tita Sonya has
styled more than 300 weddings and
continues to be a valued partner of
its clients. It is also affiliated with top
wedding venues such as Splendido
Hotel, Hillcreek Gardens, Estancia
Resort Hotel, and Taal Vista Hotel
among others.
He first met someone and got invited
to arrange the carosa of a saint in
Nasugbu, Batangas. He was soon
introduced to Arnel Palomares and
Katrina Ponce Enrile who was then
looking for someone to design her
clothing boutique’s stage. Katrina
became Manuel’s regular client.
Manuel eventually landed a job as a
production designer while doing other
styling jobs on the side. He also had
a stint as a florist in Splendido which
allowed him to meet coordinators who
would rather not get a Manila-based
supplier. What started as one gig
multiplied which led him to open Tita
Sonya in Tagaytay four years ago, an
easier and more strategic way to cater
to weddings in what is considered as
the Wedding Capital of the Philippines.
Manuel continues to service clients
the best way he knows. His styling has
his personal touch, no matter what,
and comes with an affordable price
that starts from P25,000. He also
lends wedding props. His expertise
has also extended to Batangas and
other wedding destinations but he still
remains true to being one of Tagaytay’s
master wedding stylists.
For Manuel, couples should also focus
more on the ceremony rather than the
reception. “Palagi ko sinasabi sa mag-
asawa, the ceremony is more important
than the reception kasi in the ceremony,
doon nagyayari yung commitment niyo
with the Lord. ‘Yung reception is just
a celebration (I always tell the couple
that the ceremony is more important
than the reception because your
commitment with the Lord happens
during the ceremony. The reception is
just a celebration),” he shares.
On the other hand, Manuel advised
aspiring stylists to keep looking for
inspiration and don’t be afraid to adopt
certain styles, but not all. He also
encouraged them to continue studying
and be updated with the latest trends
in weddings. Buy books and attend
bridal fairs, if possible.
Despite his success, Manuel says, “I’m
still reachable and I’m still every bride’s
Tita Sonya.”
Tips for brides and aspiring
wedding stylists
Tita Sonya understands that some
brides have a limited budget so Manuel
ensures that clients are given the best
counsel. He also advised brides to be
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