I remember the first time I met Cecil, there was a beautiful pina gown displayed on a mannequin, it was for one of his brides… Tapos I remember him freaking out about the skirt, and tore the whole skirt off. Apparently, he wasn’t satisfied with the skirt. I said “why, it already looked so beautiful!”. According to Cecil, “may mga nakikita ang mata ko na hindi nyo nakikita… siguro para sa inyo maganda na yan, pero may nakikita pa kong mali. Nagbayad ang client sakin, dapat ayusin ko ang gawa ko”. I realized right there and then, this was THE couturier that I can really trust with my wedding gown!

I first heard about Cecil thru Weddings@Work, an online forum for brides to be. As a hands-on bride, I searched and searched for my dream gown… naturally, I became more confused the more choices I had… until I decided to let Cecil design for me… I told him to design for me a gown that would best suit my body type, coz I didn’t want to push something that wouldn’t suit me naman… It was the best decision I made.

My gown was really beautiful, elegant, and sexy! Yung tipong kinikilig ako isuot! :) The night before the wedding, I kept looking at it and was counting the hours til I can wear it.. I never imagined I could look that sexy, haha! Of all our suppliers, he's the one that really made me happy to the nth level! It was the details that he put that made my gown so much more beautiful than the sketch.. I didn't know about those details (yung mga scallop beads) until the last fitting... you just have to trust him and tell him what you think and what you feel and gagawin nya yung para sayo talaga... My guests were really raving about my gown.. and according to my tita (a couturier in her own right) “natulala” daw sila sa ganda ng gown ko when I marched down the aisle…

You can read Cecil’s kwento in our album, I was actually a distressed bride before the wedding, due to unforeseen circumstances… pero on my wedding, nawala lahat ng worries ko kasi I really felt so beautiful in my gown. Parang gusto ko na lang magpa-picture ng magpa-picture, haha! After the wedding, pauwi na kami I was still begging my sisters to have more pictorials kasi i really didn't want to take off my gown pa... It was sad taking it off coz i really truly loved it.. Moms gowns were also very beautiful! 

Cecil can really do wonders. Forte nya magtago ng flaws at magflaunt ng assets mo na feeling mo you never had! His talent is amazing!

Kung meron man award for most-complimented and most-adored detail in my wedding, it was definitely my bridal gown. I still get praises for my gown weeks after my wedding. 

Thank you Cecil, for making me a very happy bride! I love you and may God bless you with good health so you can make many, many more brides as happy as you made me!!! *HUGS*

Love,

Trina Pastor-Dolor

RJ Dolor and Katrina Pastor
May 10, 2008
http://trinapot.multiply.com

April 26,2008
Church : St. Dominic's Parish, Benicia, CA
Reception & Catering : the Clubhouse at Ranco Solano, Fairfield CA
Hair & Make-up : Sanctuary Salon & Spa, Benicia CA


When we finally decided to get married, we did not know how hard it was to find the items we wanted for our Filipiniana themed wedding here in California. It is very fortunate that we are now in the Internet era where emails, vendor websites and forums like Weddings @ Work has helped us with finding exceptional vendors with their reviews and recommendations.

Before stumbling over W@W, I was forever looking thru bridal magazines and online stores for a gown that would be close enough to a “filipiniana” look but I was unfortunate in locating one :( Then as I was browsing thru some reviews in W@W, I have noticed a name that keep popping up with glowing reviews, with very satisfied customers and also have experience with working with overseas brides like me, and that was Cecilio Abad. After a bit of consideration (I still had some apprehension about having a gown made w/o being present), I emailed Cecilio about wanting a Filipiniana looking gown and he replied pretty quickly (and was super duper nice:) he asked me a few questions and about myself and about some specifics that I wanted for the gown and after some cut & paste of some pictures of other gowns here and there, I must say when he sent me the final sketch I fell in love with the dress he drew me. It was very pretty and was what I wanted! I was most satisfied and happy with the result.

I guess being an overseas bride the fittings is a bit different but that did not discourage me in the least. I was happy with the fitting of the lining I received, his updates on the progress of the dress, until I finally received it. I already had some image of what the dress would have ended up looking in my head but it did not compare to the real thing when I saw it. It was very beautiful, very detailed and absolutely gorgeous! I think my jaw dropped and I was rendered speechless with how happy I was upon finally receiving my gown. I would say I had a stunned kind of reaction with how satisfied I was with my dress.

I love everything about the dress and the matching accessories he included which fits perfectly with my theme. From the cute little decorated matchbox to the veil it all went so wonderful together. I think everyone that first saw me in full regalia shed some tears, I guess since the full effect was so powerful they just couldn’t help it (hehe). The entire guests could not help commenting on how beautiful the dress was and how different it was, they had nothing but praises.

Cecilio is like a “fairy god mother” that used his magic wand on me and helped create me for the ball, which is my wedding day :). I can say that am one of the proud customers of Cecilio Abad and I highly recommend him to everyone!

Great Couturier!

Apr 23, '08 5:41 AM
by lynn for users cecilioabad and lynnclarke

I didn't really know nor hear anything about Cecilio until I visited Paul Vincent's website. I was so desperate about having a bridal gown. I haven’t seen anything nice and cheap. Me being known as a frugal person didn't at all intend to have a bridal gown made for myself. I was even willing to buy a ready made one or better yet go to Divisoria, my motto, "The cheaper the better!”

Due to my curiosity I tried to drop an email to Cecilio after having read his very humble intro of himself in his website. I thought, "naku affordable to". He replied back, gave me a quote and I fainted. It's totally out of my budget and I always tell myself, "What am I going to do with the gown anyway? You wear it once and that's it!" Then I thought maybe I can set a budget and I'll see what he thinks. Well, he did meet my budget!

I visited his shop the same day I landed in the Philippines. To be honest, I actually exaggerated my budget kase baka isnabin ako eh. All I wanted was to meet him and to see for myself all the gowns he's made. When I entered the shop, there I met Mr. Cecil, a very warm, bubbly, very easy to talk to, and most of all very down to earth person. We had so much fun chatting and I decided that I am going to splurge on my gown and I want Cecil to make it for me.

He didn’t design my gown for me I only had him copy the design of the gown that I like. Well, first fitting perfect na, sabi ko nga “hindi pa ba gown to?” And for the final fitting grabe! As in it looks better than the original design.

“Ces, alam ko gasgas na to pero everyone where saying “What a lovely gown!” We told one of our ninongs that it’s not cheap, upon knowing the price he said “I will pay more for that!” Laban ka? The gown that Ces delivers is actually worth the price. Take a look at the accessories nalang hindi mumurahin ang mga yan. I love everything down to the match sticks!

There is no doubt that I will recommend Cecil. Big time to si Ces but still remained super humble. He is very easy to talk to as in madaling kausap he will surely go out of his way to please you. Sabihin mo lang kahit ano kahit nga sabihin mo mag tumbling sya. Game!

Daghan kaayong salamat Ces! I wish you more success in your business.

Regards,
Lynn

From: Abigail Coroza (ab_gee@yahoo.com)
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 5:39:50 AM
To: Cecilio Abad (cecilioabad@hotmail.com)

Cecil is a very talented, exceptionally gifted and
absolutely professional couturier but yet he remained
so humble.
I know its hard for Cecil to work for me since I am
based in USA. But of course thanks to internet we
were able to communicate. After several referrals
from relatives and my friend Dr. Caryl Robel, I asked
Cecil to create a gown for me. When Cecil sent the
sketch and the materials to be used, at first there is
some doubt if this would turn out good. But of course
never have I heard a bad review with his masterpiece
so I said to myself, this is his forte and I trust his
works and he knows best. And true enough as soon as I
arrived in Manila, I headed straight to his shop. I
was very overwhelmed because my gown is absolutely
gorgeous, it is beyond what I expected. With all of my
guests during the wedding, giving me a thumbs up and
"what a beautiful gown" remark, I knew that I got the
best couturier. Thanks so much Cecil, with just a week
before the wedding you did not put me down. After
seeing the gown was not fitted well, since I lost some
pounds before going back in the Philippines, you
didn't hesitate at all to re-do my gown. Thats how
professional he is, it's all about the prestige of his
creation and the satisfaction of the clients as well.
More power to you Cecil!! You are the best!
To all the brides to be, you will never regret at all
if you get Cecil to do his "magic" on your gown to be.
God bless!

He made me CRY…for Joy!

I was in my car when I did not realize that I was crying then. You know the feeling of realizing that you really are getting married! CECILIO ABAD made me feel that way with so much joy in my heart!



I met Ces from Aaron Lejarde (and Joel) who was my make-up artist and hairstylist as well. A big thanks to Aaron for introducing Cecil to me! He was recommended because his credentials speak for themselves. He was a bit hesitant because it was ONE MONTH before our wedding day! I told him the story of why I was rushing for my gown. Eventually, I had my first fitting after a week! And it was soooo wonderful that it’s not yet my gown. “Kumbaga, wala pang tela yun, form fitting pa lang ata”.

I said to myself, THIS IS IT! I’m getting married! And my tears just fell! My gown motif was a unique one because it was not the usual white or off-white color for the bride. I chose champagne mocha gold for my gown and of course for my husband’s tuxedo (mocha gold). It was simple yet elegant! And when I have my final fitting after 3 weeks, “parang ayaw ko nang mawala sa mga mata ko yung gown at gustung gusto ko na talagang isuot!” And my husband, Emil, looked sooo handsome with his tuxedo! GRABEHHHH!!! SWABEEHHH!

We can't put into words how happy we are being with them (Cecil and his team) on our wedding day. Super maalaga and very perfectionist when it comes to his works! We are so lucky to have Cecil for that day of my life! And he was on my side (w/ Chinkie) when I was walking in the long aisle (mula sa labas ha!) of Caleruega Chapel, saying “Day, you are sooo beautiful…walk slowly…smile…eyes to your groom…and when you cry, hayaan mo lang mag-flow yung tears mo ha…feel this moment…”. I said to Cecil, “naiiyak nako Ces!”.

And when the door opened, Emil was somehow crying when he saw me entering the Chapel (hindi masyadong obvious),“ Pero ako, umiiyak talaga habang naglalakad, seeing my parents together and my sooo blooming husband habang nagpapalakpakan ang mga tao…” And some of the crowd also cried with me for joy and they gave us a big applause as I met my husband, Emil, and brought me to the altar.

We can’t thank enough Cecil for his sooooo wonderful and magical works! He is blessed with a kind heart and with such great talent! Anything his hand touches really turns into GOLD! All the best to you our dearest friend, Cecil! God bless! We love you! – Kate & Emil

When we read one of the feedbacks on Cecil from Weddings@Work eGroup, we decided to give him a call and visit their shop. The time we arrived there I was a bit hesitant to go in because, unlike the others we’ve visited before for my gown, this person is a known couturier. A lot of questions were playing on my mind then. What if he’s intimidating? What if he imposes a design I don’t like. Or will he be offended if I make him copy the design I like which I got from a magazine? Well, all of my worries were erased the moment we stepped into his place. Cecil welcomed us with a big smile.

I can say Cecil is my favorite amongst all the suppliers we got for our wedding. He’s very good and super bait pa. He listened when I told him what I wanted. He also knows how to tell you if the design you wanted won’t suit you without you being offended. Then he would suggest what design suits you better. When it comes to the details of the gown, you can always speak out what’s on your mind. I didn’t have any trouble telling him what I wanted. First fitting, perfect! I loved the cut. Second fitting, we were able to bring our camera but unfortunately, the batteries went dead. We were only able to use Gilbert’s cp cam. Cecil then brought out his cam and took pictures of me fitting my gown. It really was so nice of him to capture that moment. Grabe! I enjoyed every fitting. Makwento rin kasi siya (E me pagkamadaldal rin ako. Hehe!) Sometimes nadadatnan namin siya in action (designing a gown). Dun namin nakita yung enthusiasm niya sa ginagawa niya. He really puts his heart into what he’s doing. The last time I fitted my gown, I was really so impressed with how carefully planned the beads and laces were finely set on my gown. We also didn’t have a hard time asking him to do the headpiece that my hairdresser suggested. He’s so accommodating. He even offered to put beads on my shoes to match my gown. It’s just sad that I wasn’t able to make it to my last fitting. I had fever for 4 days before our wedding. So Gilbert just picked up my gown and his barong. Yes, he did Gilbert’s barong too. It took a long time for Gilbert to decide which of the designs (burda) for the barong he really wanted. Every time I get to fit my gown, Gilbert chooses a different design for his barong. It’s a good thing Cecil has got a lot of patience.

Wedding Day – I loved the gown, Gilbert loved it, everybody loved it. Everything’s perfect. He even gave me 2 veils - one for the pictorial before going to church and another longer veil for the church. Unfortunately, it was too windy that time in Tagaytay so we opted to stick to the shorter veil with laces. Cecil is really an angel. I really felt pampered. He also did my sister’s gown for their wedding last December. My sister also loved her gown and was really thanking me for recommending him. No worries, no hassles. You can never go wrong if you choose to be a Cecilio Abad bride. He made me feel really beautiful with the gown he created for me and Gilbert looked really handsome in his barong too. We can honestly say that the quality of his work is really worth every single cent and more!

Thank you so much Cecil!!! More power to you and your staff! God bless!!!

“You wouldn’t know perfect fit unless you have tried how Cecilio Abad does it.”

From the first day of meeting until after the wedding, I only have praises for Cecil’s work and service. He will make sure that his clients are satisfied and will go the extra mile just to make his brides stand out.

The name Cecilio Abad is synonymous with quality, workmanship and most of all value for money.

Cecil, thank you for the wonderful experience of working with you. I don’t believe elaborate words are still necessary to prove how much we love your work because the pictures say it all… and my wedding gown is one of those that never fail to put a smile on my face.

May you be blessed more in the coming years!

Cyrile Diaz- Hamilton

It's not only his TALENT (superb!) that sets Cecil
apart but its ultimately his PROFESSIONALISM and
amiable CHARACTER.

I found Cecil through my aunt and cousin. They were
all raving about the dresses he made for my
cousin-in-law and her whole entourage.

I saw his work on the net and concluded that he
indeed...is VERY GOOD! The only drawback I have is
that I live in the US. I have so many things to
consider but after giving him a call I was convinced
that he would be able to create my dream dress.

He was so pleasant on the phone and was very
accommodating all throughout the process. He would
cater to whatever request I have without any qualms.
He answered all my questions patiently and listened to
what I wanted. He was very nice to my aunt and
sister-in-law who was helping me follow-up the
dresses.
After that I just fully relied on his judgement 'coz
the designs that he sketched for the whole entourage
were amazing!

I have received so many compliments during the
wedding. They all LOVED my dress a!!! It made me feel
GREAT! I was just so content with what I was
wearing...and I have Cecil to thank for...

Thank you so much Cecil for making our wedding all the
more special. Thank you for making me feel so lovely
and happy. No regrets at all!

So to all the Brides and bride to be...better book
him!

Cathee Young-Leyco

December 28, 2006
Church: Christ the King
Hotel / Reception: The Crowne Plaza Hotel
Make-up: Jesy Alto (Make-up Studio by Madge Lejano)
Hairstylist: Steve (Make-up Studio by Madge Lejano)
Photo / Video: Ariel Javelosa Photography
Coordinator: Loi Villarama

Testimonial:

Cecil will always be my favorite supplier. Very accommodating and patient, he takes his crafts to the highest level. Starting from my wedding gown which apparently got rave reviews, I felt absolutely stunning and it was truly breathtaking. My husband's barong was amazingly done, it was made EXACTLY what we envisioned, it fits Mike to a 'T'. Our moms and the entourage's gowns were all elegant. I couldn't believe how many relatives and friends were impressed by it. He and his staff really worked hard to get JUST the right style, JUST the right fabric, and built it to such perfection that it really turned heads! More over, Cecil and team have been so wonderful to work with, so responsive. And we could not have been more pleased. Thanks Cecil and everyone for being such a lovely part of our wedding! It made me the happiest bride =)

Mia Verzosa - Casuga

Hello Cecil,

We would like to thank you for being part of our wedding. You really did a great job! My bridal gown was really beautiful. You were able to execute the design the way i want it to be. Mike also looks gorgeous in his barong. Our mothers also look fabulous in their respective gowns.

It was indeed a pleasure working with you.

Good luck & more power!


Mike & Anna Menorca
12/16/2006
St. James the Great / Vivere Hotel

Wedding Date: July 29, 2006

Photo: Dino Lara Photography
Make-up: Angie Cruz
Hair: Ogie Rayel
Church: Kingdom Hall, Jehova's Witnesses
Hotel: The Manila Diamond Hotel
Reception: Cecille's Restaurant


Cecilio Abad. He’s our super amazing wedding gown and suit designer. He made my princess-cut gown just the way I envisioned it. Everyone said that my gown was really stunning. They liked the beads, the duchess satin, and the long train! Everytime I watch our wedding video, it makes me further appreciate and realize how fabulous indeed my gown was! I loved how the dress flows and how it really stood out. My husband’s suit was also superb, it made him look so spectacular. Aside from making us a fantastic couple on our special day, he is very accommodating, ma-chika and mabait to us. He is so maasikaso especially on our day. He made sure that I will have that nice once in a lifetime walk down the aisle. He is like a close friend to us. Until now I recommend Cecil to my friends and w@w members who are getting married. I made the right decision of trusting my big white dress to one of the finest designers around.

Congrats Cecile for being one of the Top 10 Wedding Supplier! Every gown he made is a masterpiece, you won't feel uncomfortable dealing with him. Thanks for making me feel like a princess on my wedding day. I'm proud to be part of your creation. May God continue to give you strength in your chosen career. Goodluck and more success!

Portia Clamar Noora
San Antonio De Padua
September 8, 2004
Makeup by Eddie Bruan
www.jorgeportrait.com

We are so blessed to have met Cecil. He made my life easy, not only was he a couturier but also a friend...an answer to my prayers. He always looks at the glass half full while I look at it as half empty. I was giving up but he would always say don't fret. My wedding wouldn't be as beautiful as it was if not for his creations. I had to change my motif a lot of times added more people...but I've never seen him grin or fret...he always have this sincere smile...he is one true person and such a blessing from the Lord. Thank you Cecil for everything.....most especially for making my entourage soooooo LOVELY and BEAUTIFUL!!! much love and thanks,
Custer & Ho-an
NSSH/New World Renaissance Hotel
January 07, 2006

I have nothing but praises for Cecile. Noong una ko pa lang sya na meet, my instinct really tells me na sya talaga gagawa ng gown ko. And hindi talaga ako nagkamali sa pagpili sa kanya. I was really happy with my gown even all my entourage, my mom & mom ng husband ko. Sobrang happy talaga ako sa service and quality ng mga gowns ni Cecile and I would not hesitate recommending her sa mga friends ko. Never akong nakarinig ng kahit anong negative comment sa lahat ng mga naging clients nya. That's because he's really dedicated and he really loves all his clients.

Congrats Cecile, balita ko madami ka ng clients (and the number is still growing). You deserve it coz you really put your heart in all your creations.

abie and howell
manila cathedral/baluarte de san diego
1.29.2005
http://howellabie.blogspot.com

Janice Gamayo

The Westin Philippine Plaza

” First fitting pa lang nagustuhan ko na ung gown ko. Maiyak-iyak pa nga ako eh. Gusto ko talaga I-hug si Cecil.-Sobrang down to earth nitong taong to. He never takes the credit for his works and he takes God that he can make satisfied client. Never din nyang sinaraan yung kusturera.”

…………… http://www.nicemorning.blogspot.com/

Ken & Katrina

June 2005

National Shrine of the Sacred of Jesus

The Coconut Palace

“Cecilio Abad is Cecilio Abad, his name already speaks for his work! With Cecil's reputation on his punctuality and the quality of his work, what’s really a few thousands difference when we can be sure everything will be delivered on time and we won't be stressed at all in dealing with. His plus points are his being honest and flexible.”

……………http://kennethkatrina.tripod.com/ourcouturier.html

Jay & Vanessa

May 7, 2006

Christ the King Parish
When one hears the name of Cecilio Abad, good things come to mind, perfect and comfortable fitting, good quality and superior workmanship. This young couturier can already be considered a master in his craft as he learned the art of couture from one of the best, one of the most reputable and highly respected Filipino designers around. I guess Cecil learned not to sacrifice comfort for style; and style for comfort from the hands of an expert--- the result, excellent style and fitting!

To make the wedding day even better, Cecil made me an aquamarine cocktail dress (the dominant wedding color). I used this on the day of the wedding for my preparation and pictorials. Moreover, this nice person made my wedding day trouble-free, as he was there to dress and fix me up from the hotel room up to the last few minutes before the start of my bridal march. The wedding gown was so comfortable, light and was so easy to move around in.

I have nothing but praises for Cecil’s designs. I was so pleased with the way the wedding outfits turned out. From my cocktail dress, my pleated and beaded Thai silk wedding gown, my white, long and sheer veil, Jay’s barong and pants, the dresses of the bride and groom’s moms and the whole entourage, of course! The vibrant colors used in the gowns blended well with the light and high-spirited mood Jay and I wanted. As I now look at the wedding pictures, I realize that Cecil helped in making the occasion blissful, more memorable and unique.

Cecil, I wish you more luck and success in the years to come because of the passion and dedication you have for your craft! Cheers to your well-shaped and perfectly fitted designs! It really makes a difference!