Filipino Chinese Entrepreneur Becomes Top Event Designer in New York City
If it’s glamorous enough for Celine Dion and Vanessa Williams, it’s incredible glamour for the rest of us. In October 2009, the invitation went out for all Filipinos in NYC and nearby regions to help event design expert Jerry Sibal celebrate a milestone in his career. Sibal launched his first book, “An Event to Remember: Creating Spectacular Special Occasions” (Stewart, Tabori and Chang 2009) at the famous New York landmark, Cipriani Wall Street.
A true artiste, Sibal combines architecture, lightning, interior décor, table arrangements, and his trademark floral extravaganzas to create a dramatic effects on event settings. He is recognized as a design expert by art critics and institutions like Macy’s and Architectural Digest. Sibal has handled prestigious events attended by personalities like President Bill Clinton, Bono and Mario Batali, while encompassing venues in the US, Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, his esteemed roster of clients include Celine Dion, Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic, Borgata Casino Hotel and Spa, Caesar’s Palace, Verizon, and the Marriott Marquis.
At the launch of their first book, Filipino-American anchorwoman of CBS 2 NY Kristine Johnson hosted the evening, Acroback performers and aerialists added to the spectacle of the evening. Grammy nominated jazz singer Melky Jean performed along with a live band.
The Hilton called the event “Smashing!” Citi called it “Spectacular!”
How did Jerry Sibal become one of the most sought-after event designers in the United States? Within the town of Binondo, Manila, Jerry grew up helping his family in their textile business. Third of five children, Jerry learned the Chinese value of industriousness from his father, Jose, and the Filipino value of faith, he learned from his mother, Valentina.
With perseverance, hard work and prayer, Jerry was able to sustain his creativity and share it with more and more people. Hardly advertising, Jerry’s business has always relied on word-of-mouth and repeat clients. Having started with only $8,000 in 1995, Jerry opened business at 28th Street in Manhattan. He and his business and lifetime partner Edwin Josue, a successful real estate agent, then started only by doing friends’ events, and walking from one hotel to the next, presenting and introducing themselves.
Now, they need no introduction. Jerry Sibal is known in New York, as a preferred partner for Chelsea Piers, Cipriani and the Hilton hotels, with more and more partnerships brewing.
“It was an incredible evening. Everything was just perfect. It could not have been any better,” said guest Nicole Parrinelli of the book launch event, which demonstrated Jerry’s high capacity in design. “I am more glad, however, to finally meet both Jerry and Edwin. They are two very generous people with the kindest souls who are so deserving of this incredible success.”
It was a magical evening. I’ve been a fan of their work from the time I was introduced to it and continually speak of and refer their capacities to whomever I come across with, said. Junnette Brinas. Catering Manager at Algonquin Hotel
In the span of 15 years, Jerry Sibal became one of the most prominent event designers and floral artists in New York City. Born in 1958 in Manila, , Sibal earned his degree in Architecture and taught Chinese painting and Philippine folk-dancing in the Philippines, before traveling overseas as a government-appointment Goodwill Ambassador. Later on, he moved to New York to work for renowned floral designer Preston Bailey before opening his own firm, Design Fusion, with business partner Edwin Josue.
“This book is my legacy... a result of God’s blessings, combined with my hard work. I’m thankful to everyone who supported me," said Sibal. The fruit of his labor was first presented in his hometown of Manila last September 15th at the Makati Shangri-La, then New York on October 19th. In 2010, the UK, Germany and Italy will follow.
“That was a great and fun party last night, really terrific. But what is beyond superlative adjectives is the book!!! The final product is spectacular. I looked through it multiple times and couldn’t believe how fantastic it is,” said Marianita Perlstein. “It is now proof, evidence and testimony to what Jerry does and his artistic talent.”
Attending Jerry Sibal’s book launching, the Filipino community supported one of its premiere artists. They got to take part in a true NYC event at the world-famous Cipriani downtown where celebrities like P Diddy, Lenny Kravitz and Madonna hold parties. They got to witness Jerry’s world-class creations all in one place. And, they got to take home the looks through a signed copy of “An Event To Remember” – a certain conversation piece and source of inspiration both from the display and the life success of Jerry. And finally, they got to go home saying, that was An Event To Remember. And with his fellow Filipinos’ continued support, there will be more to come.
