Wedding Preps Marathon: Designer, Hotel, Venue, Food tasting, Bridal Fair

Gown measurement with Hana Saab Tomacruz

Originally this is not part of the plan but since we’ll be going out and Hana has set this day for our measurement I set a meeting with her.

Side kwento: I’ve been trying to avoid this day every time she mentions it for the reason that I want to gain more weight. Also, I’ll be completing my 50% down payment with her, in short, ayaw ko pa magbayad. Haha!

We arrived almost 30 minutes late to our call time. Hana’s husband greeted us and it’s like they are expecting me because he knew my name. We were escorted to Hana’s shop and at the door there she was welcoming us. Todo ang pag-greet ko sa kanya, high pitch pa nga ata. I was expecting a lively welcome something like she is excited to see me. Nakalimutan ko Hana is so mahinhin at soft spoken nga pala.

There were already people inside and I hinted they are customers too. Well, Hana confirmed my guess but she said they are early pa so it’s still my time. We proceeded immediately. She asked if I brought with me all her requests – good fitting bra and high heels shoes. I even wore a sleeveless because I remember in her notes that sleeveless shirt is better. She verified if the sketch is final but being the undecided me, I said no. I showed her more new pegs and told her some revisions and asked her if she can do another sketch for me. She haven’t done any but said that we could finalize it on our first fitting. Maybe she noticed that I’m still confused with what I want not to mention there are other people waiting. Then the actual measurement began.

my ever supportive family

we’re done

By the way, below is one of the pegs I showed her (at the middle). Very bare back huh? Of course, my mom resisted with conviction. Ikakasal daw kasi ako. And Hana seconded that it is impossible kasi wala raw pagkakapitan ng tela. Then I showed it to Rey and he violently reacted too. Ok ok kinombo ako! Erase! Erase! Erase!

inspiration from Sherri Hill prom dresses

I asked Hana to sketch a gown for my mom baka lang ma-convince si mommy na sa kanya magpagawa. Hana did. But my mom didn’t give any answer yet.

The measurement happened in less than an hour I thought it would last for two or more. It was literally a measurement lang pala. I didn’t take my time because there are other customer next in line. I think there are two more brides or entourage?

Hana scheduled our Muslin fitting sometime in May because she won’t be around in April. Magbabakasyon daw siya sa in laws niya sa States. Wow!

It was past 2 and we’re too early for the Park Metro ocular so I asked daddy if we could do an ocular to hotels. Of course, he can’t say no to me.

Hotel Ocular

1. Diamond Hotel

Wedding package (bridal package)

– overnight stay with complimentary breakfast for two

– use of hotel lobby, grand staircase, guest floor hallway,hotel driveway and pool area for photo shoot

– 20% off on couple’s body massage

– 20% off in all restaurants

Check in: 2pm; Check out: 12noon

Parking: 1 car per room; P90/3hours, 50/hour in excess

Contact person: Kelly

Rates:

Superior room: P8,000nett

Deluxe room: P9,000.00nett

Diamond Club: P12,000.00nett

Executive Suite: P15,000.00nett

SPArty: P14,900.00nett*

*massage for two, use of spa suite for 4 hours, spa menu and drinks

The Superior Room

The Superior Room

Sorry, Rey forgot to take a picture of the Executive Suite but I tell you it’s spacious enough and it’s facing the bay. We pencil booked on the spot.

The rates above are for bridal package which includes fees for the pictorial in lobby, pool, staircase etc. But if you’re planning to get another room, local resident rate will apply which is lower. They are not strict on number of persons in a room.

Anyway,I would like to commend Kelly and all the staff of this hotel for being so accommodating and friendly.

For reservation please call (632) 528-3000 or email reservations@diamondhotel.com

2. Hyatt Hotel

Check in: 12noon; Check out: 2pm

Parking: not limited

Rates:

Executive Suite: P16,000.00nett for 2 pax

P17,500.00nett for 3 pax

Hyatt’s Suite

Suite’s bedroom

Hyatt’s Suite

Hyatt is in our list for ocular and good thing it’s just at the back Diamond Hotel. Their executive suite is P1,000 more than Diamond’s. We find the hotel like a ghost town because few people come in and out unlike in Diamond. Well, I think it’s a good thing also because your stay would surely be quiet and relaxing.

The concierge said that they can give the presidential suite as a free upgrade if it still available on the day of our stay. Did i mention that it is 4 times larger? Well, it will still depend if our booking will be affected. Not strict on numbers of persons in a room. No lobby staircase.

For reservation please call (632) 245-1234 or email concierge.mn@hyatt.com

3. Bayview Park Hotel

Check in: 12noon; Check out: 2pm

Rate:

Executive Suite: P9,728.00 nett

– with free 2 ticket entrance with their partner theme park (we guessed it’s Ocean Park)

Executive Suite

the room

pool

staircase

I have been eyeing Bayview Park Hotel for our wedding preps since we discovered it from a bridal fair. They offer the lowest rate and gives promo. So I insisted that we pay it a visit too.

As we entered their lobby my expectations went low. But what if the rooms are okay? So we still gave it a try.

Well, based on the images above the rooms are not that bad. It’s big enough but I don’t like the ambience. Also, the bay is not visible in the hotel as I thought of. They are strict on the numbers of persons in a room. More affordable rates than the other two hotels we went.

For reservation please call 247-9000 / 526-1555 or email bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com

Park Metro (now Le Parc) Ocular

We were just in time at the venue. I think they have just finished their setup. The venue looked good and classy even without the drapes. We were surprised to know that Swan is the caterer. I think the venue would look more beautiful at night with lights setup. We concluded that tall centerpieces will match the high ceiling of the venue.

wedding setup by Swan

wedding setup by Swan

Themes & Motif Bridal Fair @ SMX

Last stop is at the bridal fair for our food tasting (again and again) with Richgold. Aside from food tasting we also have other agenda with Jed that is to negotiate (again) with freebies. I can’t remember how many times we’ve made some negotiations with their freebies. Buti na lang di sila nakukulitan sakin. lol

Anyway, Rey and I are decided not to get their mobile bar freebie. I don’t know if they are just kind to me or is it because of my charm (ahem! :p) that I can always convince them changing this and that. Ako na ang demanding! Freebie na nga lang magdedemand pa ako. haha… So, Jed allowed us to use their budget for the mobile bar to cover up the upgrade for the Photobooth and Emcee. By the way, from their list of photobooth suppliers, we chose Click D’ Fun. And because I wanted a male host we requested if they could contact Norly Dizon or Richard Agtarap. But as per Jed, male hosts have higher rates than a female so they’ll just try to negotiate but cannot guarantee me that they can get either of those hosts. *crossed fingers*

Haven’t taken a picture of the food because we are so damn hungry that time. Food served were Lumpia in fried wrapper, Pan seared fish in tomato salsa, Pork belly (something), Korean beef stew (my favorite), Fettuccine in roasted bar & mushroom sauce, and the new to my palate, Chicken Parmigiana (recommended). Desserts were also served.

Since we’re at the bridal fair we searched for GQ Mobile Bar. Based on the flyers I’ve collected, they offer the lowest rate. Aside from that I’ve tasted their cocktails, although it’s not as bold as Elation’s or Flair Up’s, it’s acceptable. We booked them on the spot then sampled their best sellers then for our package.

Oh I almost forgot, we won from the fair’s hourly raffle.

silver pendant from La Real Jewelry

We stayed until the grand raffle hoping we could win with our ONE raffle entry. Talk about fighting spirit. Lol. Boo! Pang-minor prizes lang talaga kami. :p

The Search for the Swak na Venue

Since The Church is located in T.M. Kalaw, Manila, we are bounded in this city and the nearby Pasay City.

Below are the the venues we have visited:

• The Pergola

Restaurant Row, BOOM Grounds, CCP Complex

Roxas Blvd. corner Gil J Puyat Ave., Pasay City

Peso power:

P 60,000.00 for weekdays

P65,000.00 for weekends

I first saw this place in the net but didn’t pay attention to it until we attended the Themes & Motif bridal fair @ WTC on June. We noticed the booth because we were invited by Hizon’s to attend their food tasting in this place thus we got curious. We inquired about the place and at the moment the AE said that the draping are fixed I got excited. Right then and there I said “this is it!” (without seeing the place).

Weeks after, we were invited by Center Table for their food tasting event at The Pergola . At walang patumpik-tumpik we grabbed the opportunity.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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Notice the venue’s irregular shape? Actually the place is octagon.

Photo courtesy of my brother. Wala lang ang ganda ng shot eh.

Yes it’s raining! We went there one week before the Habagat.

The Trellis

• Park Metro (now called Le Parc)

EDSA cor. Roxas Boulevard,

Metropolitan Park, Bay Area CBD, Pasay

Peso Power:

P50,000.00 for the Main Hall

P40,000.00 for the Carpeted Hall

Learned about the place when I inquired at Le Pavilion. The place is quite new, I think it’s a subsidiary or affiliate (whatever you call it) of Le Pav. Basta iisa sila ng developer. They are on promo so we paid it a visit.

The carpeted hall good for 100 pax.

The Main Hall good for 150 pax.

malaki to nasa loob lang ako ng carpeted hall at may divider

The Suite Room

So syempre ang nanay ko eh masyadong particular sa CR at yung talaga ang unang pinupuntahan. Medyo mapanghi siya pero sabi ng guard wala kasing nagmamaintain pero pag may event meron naman daw.

• Marc 2000 Tower, penthouse

1973 Taft Ave., cor. San Andres St.,
Malate, Manila 1004

Peso power: P15,000.00

Searched this thru the net but again didn’t paid attention. We just decided to visit the place when we had our food tasting with Julio’s Catering since they recommended it and it’s within the vicinity. It’s the penthouse so expect it to be on the top of the building. Muntik pa namin di makita yung place dahil Sunday buti na lang nagamitan namin ng charm yung guard dun. hihi

The entrance to the hall.

May event nung gabi before kami pumunta kaya may balloons.

The place is actually big. Not to mention the rental is affordable.

The conference room that can be used as make up room.

The c.r.. Mabango naman daw sabi ni Mommy.

• Ramon Magsaysay Center

1680 Roxas Boulevard,
Manila

Peso power: P20,000.00

The place is very popular sa w@w and girl talk. Most likely if all the venues we did an ocular will not pass our requirements, we’ll end up here.

The facade and the fountain. It’s beside Diamond Hotel.

fountain will be opened for a fee

The hall with lights on

may event daw kaya makalat

Of course eh ano pa nga ba…this will also serve as the make up room for the bride.

yes, that’s my mom inspecting the wash room. hehe

• CCP Silangan Hall

Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City

We braved of inquiring at the place because I heard that the place is affordable. After our ocular in Ramon Magsaysay Center, we went straight here. Unfortunately, no ocular is allowed on Sundays. Even if we pleaded and said that we came from a far place the guard still didn’t allow us. Oh well. So no pictures, sorry.

• Aliw Theater

Sotto Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Peso Power: P15,000 (Elizalde Hall)

Who would have thought that this place can be an events venue? Well, we were surprised too. We learned about it when we had our FT with Centertable and the moment we knew it I got very excited to visit the place. After our unfortunate visit in CCP Silangan Hall, we went straight here since it is just at the back of CCP. Again, we don’t have any pictures of the place coz there’s an ongoing renovation and the manager didn’t allow us to at least sneak in at the hall because he said it’s “maalikabok”. Yet we were able to discuss things. When we’re settled to get the place because of its affordability, the manager checked our date and sadly there’s an event on that day. 😦

• The Venue at Prism Plaza

4th Level Prism Plaza, Two Ecom Bldg., Ocean Drive,

MOA Complex, Pasay

Peso power:

P25,000.oo (weekday), P30,000.00 (weekend) for Hall 1

P20,000.00 (weekday), P25,000.00 (weekend) for Hall 2

A fellow w@wie suggested this place when we are looking for a venue. I got so excited knowing that the place is new and it is developed by SM not to mention that it’s near MOA. One more thing that excites me is that it’s overlooking Manila Bay.

When I inquired with them and told me that they have open house and food taste with Hizon’s we grabbed the opportunity to visit the place. As of this writing, I’m biased with this place. Just refer to this post.

The walkway going to the prism plaza.

 

ang ganda lang

The mesmerizing outdoor of The Venue. Overlooking Manila Bay, just what I wanted.

The Venue hall 1 &2 good for 200 pax. Hall 1 can accomodate 150 pax while Hall 2 for 100 pax (sabi nila). The place looks small just imagine the divider right after the pillar is there.

set up by Hizon’s

The Suite for Hall 1. There’s a separate suite for each hall.

The pantry.

The E-commerce building. Maganda raw siya sa gabi because of changing lights of the building.

• 1Esplanade

SM Central Business Park Seaside Corner

Bay Boulevard, Pasay

Peso power:

P90,000.00 (Mon to Thurs), P100,000.00 (Fri to Sun) for Coral A & B

P80,000.00 (Mon to Thurs), P90,000.00 (Fri to Sun) for The Pearl Hall

One of my top choices. I really loooooove the Pearl Hall coz it’s outdoor and beside Manila Bay! When Hizon’s invited us for their food tasting and we learned that it will be held at 1Esplanade we grabbed the opportunity.

Coral Hall A with Hizon’s set up.

 

hanapin niyo ko. 😀

The Pearl Hall.

got a little disappointed with Pearl Hall kasi it’s beside the road

Manila Bay view of the Pearl Hall.

sorry wasn’t able to get a nice shot of the hall

• Palacio de Maynila

1809 – 1813 M. H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila

Peso power:

P123,200.00 for 6 hours

P134,400.00 for whole day

Another top choice. Love the place coz it’s along the Bay Walk. And the venue is reeeaaaalllllyyyyy nice!! And the swags are fixed.

The Pantry

The Hall. Sorry sa madilim na kuha. Yung centerpiece raw sa ceiling pinapalitan every year.

 

ang nice noh? and it’s big. 😀

The entrance to the hall. Ang ganda talaga!

pwede mag set up ng cocktail tables dito. parang pwede na rin tong venue noh?

The Holding Room.

The Comfort Room.

Manila Bay view.

We still have more in our list – like  Coconut Palace, Patio de Manila, Oceana, SMX, Le Pav, Museong Pambata, Ibarra’s Garden, White Space, Intamuros venues – Teatrillo, Casa de Manila, La Castellana, Villa Imaculada, Clamshell, etc. But we already found “the one” so stop na kami sa ocular. Tsaka magastos ang mag-ocular. haha… But masarap mag-ocular!

So there…I’ll update once we have booked our “napupusuan at fit sa budget” na venue. Pa-secret effect muna though w@wies already know kung saan kami leaning. 🙂

Note: The rates posted here are 2012 rates. Some venues charge VAT.