MANILA, Philippines - Model, beauty columnist and Wowowee host Kelly Misa had a relaxing escape at her bridal shower last weekend.

Misa, who is set to wed longtime fiancee Carlos Fernandez, was smiling from ear to ear upon seeing her spa-themed party in a hotel in Mandaluyong City.

The bride-to-be and guests (such as Malaysian actress and fellow Wowowee host Carmen Soo) were treated to a variety of treatments such as facials, back and hand massages, foot spas, manicures and pedicures.

Cocktails and sumptuous meals were also prepared for everyone to enjoy.

On top of all these was another surprise -- an audio visual presentation (AVP) that featured important people in Misa's life.

"In response, (Kelly) gave a heartfelt message of unending gratitude to everyone who was present and proceeded with the opening of gifts," said Metro Weddings magazine, the main organizer of the event.

Fun-filled games were also held to celebrate Misa's upcoming wedding, from quizzes such as "How Well Do You Know the Bride" to "DIY Bridal Gown and Bouquet" where teams were made to create wedding gowns out of paper.

"The creations were all so lovely and pretty," organizers said.

Spa party tips

A bridal shower is an all-female party held for a bride in anticipation of her wedding.

It usually involves gift-giving, and is held as early as 2 months before the bride's special day.

Writer and event planner Nina Callaway, a guide at The New York Times Company-owned About.com, noted that more and more bridal showers have become activity-oriented events held outside the home.

This is a far cry from the traditional tea, cakes, games and AVPs held at someone's house.

Callaway shared some tips on how to conduct a spa party bridal shower just like Misa's, as listed in About.com:

Invitations. Clearly state what the bridal shower theme is to help the guests know what to expect and what gifts to give the bride. Callaway gave this example: "It's time to get pampered and be spoiled all day with an afternoon at the spa before Sally's big day!"

Group activities. Start off with a yoga class to get your mind and body focused for some serious pampering, Callaway said. She also suggested going to the jacuzzi or steam room so guests can gather in between treatments. Manicure and pedicure sessions are also recommended.

Gifts for the bride. Callaway said it's best to have everyone pitch in for spa gift certificates or bring hair products, pampering cream or beauty accessories for the shower.

Goody bags. Some good but inexpensive giveaways for a spa-themed bridal shower, according to Callaway, are do-it-at-home masks, manicure accessories such as nail files or toe separators.

If you're on a tight budget, make the bridal shower an intimate event. According to wedding expert Linda Kevich, it's okay not to invite all women who will be attending the wedding.

She stressed, however, that all those present in the bridal shower should be part of the wedding guest list.

"The one thing that you should never, ever do, under any circumstances, is to invite people to the shower who will not be invited to the wedding," Kevich said in her website, SuperWeddings.com, which is dedicated to helping couples prepare for their special day.