A true pioneer in the wedding industry, Casa Espanyol, was one of the first if not the first exculsive garden wedding venues in Metro Manila. Located inside South Greenpark Village, along Mindanao Avenue, Casa Espanyol once was just the home of an enterprising couple who saw the potential in their mansion. About 3/4 the size of a football field Casa Espanyol's garden is by no means a big reception venue, in fact it maxes out at around 150 guests, and parking would be too much of a problem so really the practical value is much less than 150. Through time, it has remained as one of the most sought after venues because of the intimacy that it projects. The owners are also very helpful and are always glad to be of service. They make it a point to give real personal service which is awesome because this is also one of the cheapest venues out there and just looks amazing.
About Me
- FX_MEN
- FX_MEN is a professional wedding and portrait photographer in the Philippines. Loves to travel and going to the spa.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Casa Espanyol
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gazebo Royale
The first time I entered Gazebo Royale it was still under landscaping and it wasn't all completed yet, but even then, the place really feels like something different. The entrance to their venue is through a shop selling garden plants. Nice huge gates greet you at the entrance. There are two 'Gazebos' in Gazebo Royale, with one just slightly larger than the other. Both gazebos are surrounded by landscaped gardens with bridges, benches, waterfalls, ponds and very nice and exotic looking plants which offers the bride and grooms and their guests plenty of photo opportunities. Inside the gazebo, there is an almost constant natural breeze, plus the entire area is surrounded by misting fans (I don't really like these misting fans for weddings, I'll probably save this for another article). There is a small bridal suite where the bride can touch up on her make up or just for use as a secure storage area. There is also a choir loft overlooking the gazebo which also offers a great view of the beautiful chandeliers hanging from its ceiling. Parking is also not an issue as Gazebo Royale offers a good amount of parking space with security, on the down side though the parking area is a bit dark but I do think they are doing something about this already. While Gazebo Royale is not the cheapest garden venue, it is also a long way from being the most expensive, but other than a lack of air conditioning, (yes air conditioning is important even in garden situations, Fernwood Gardens realized this) replaced by a theme park based cooling system, Gazebo Royale is really a great place to hold a party or a reception. 
29 Visayas Avenue Extension, Quezon City
Tel # +63 (2) 920-6503 to 05
Oasis Manila
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, emerges The Oasis Manila, located along Aurora Boulevard, makes it really very much in the middle of things. It is also located very near the church I attend mass in, Mt. Carmel Church. The Pavillion as they call it, is quite roomy, and looks a lot like an overgrown but very nice looking gazebo or clubhouse. The facility is cooled by misting fans spread along its perimeter, so those sitting near the perimeter should expect to get wet or at least moist. The Venue sports a very high ceiling lit by beautiful chandeliers and alternatively for a fee, they can also place drapes as well. For the bride to be there is a small bridal suite but as with most venues that do offer a bridal suite, use is limited to 3-4 hours only. The Venue does have ample parking space and is very secure. The Pavillion is surrounded by landscaped gardens with small koi ponds. There are lots of accredited caterers to choose from and some suppliers even use the Oasis Manila front office as a store front and they even have created budget wedding packages with these suppliers, so check it out, great value for money and a wide open and beautiful, albeit a slightly damp environment.
169 Aurora Blvd, San Juan, Metro Manila
7214585/7245016/468 9959
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Glass Garden
Strategically located within the boundaries of Quezon City, Pasig and Marikina, it is highly accessible and is just 10 minutes from White Plains and Valle Verde, and just across the street from SM Marikina, The Glass Garden is an excellent venue for those searching for a different type of wedding reception, birthday celebration or just about any other occasion at very reasonable prices. Surrounded by beautiful plants and breathtaking waterfalls in a 40-foot high dome of green and white glass, every corner is a picturesque landscape perfect for photos and videos. It is also fully air-conditioned even up to the lobby and the restrooms. A twelve foot waterfall with a winding stream welcomes you in the main lobby leading to two sound proof function areas that can accommodate 200-700 guests, each with an elegant fully-furnished suite, adorned with intricately designed spiral stairs and bridges.
The Glass Garden is also handicapped-friendly, while most venues choose to ignore the handicapped particularly those using wheelchairs, The Glass Garden has installed slip proof ramps to and from the lobby and the restrooms which I personally feel is an excellent touch. Also there are more than enough parking spaces and very good security as well. Also there is a tricycle station nearby so those guests that are commuters will find that this venue although a bit off the main road is still very accessible. Overall, The Glass Garden is one of the most well-rounded venues out there and it is definitely worth your while to take a look.
257 Evangelista St. cor Pasco Avenue, Brgy. Santolan, Pasig City
646-5323/915-2803
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
C3 Events Place
Situated in the middle of the Metro in Greenhills, C3 Events Place is one place that is very conveniently located. But this excellent location might also be its downfall, as it is well known that it is very hard to find parking in Greenhills and surely the alloted 20 parking spaces for C3 will not suffice for most events. C3 Events place offers very sumptuous menus prepared by their chefs. The food is excellent and the ambiance is very modern as can easily be seen in their architecture. Also they prepare some of the best desert station around, so go on and try out C3 Events Place for your next event, the food is great, the ambiance is always sophisticated but for the parking and traffic, C3 is one of the most complete events places around.
(2) 726.2712,
Paradiso Terrestre
Just past the edge of Daang Hari, which stretches from Alabang all the way to Bacoor, Cavite, a new wedding and events place has emerged. Upon entering the nice gates you will immediately notice the elegance and class that the place emits. With dozens of life sized sculptures and fountains all around its lush gardens, and yet behind the facade lies a family oriented resort with a swimming pool. Mainly an events place, Paradiso Terrestre has its own restaurant which employs a chef. To be honest looking at their package, it seems to be one of the most complete packages for weddings, even including a sound system, and duet singers. It's about a one hour drive from Metro Manila just past the famous Fernbrook Gardens. Not only are their packages cheap (cheaper than most other wedding venues in Manila at least) but the food is also very nice and tasty, this is because they also have a professional chef preparing the dishes. They can afford to do this because they also have a fine dining restaurant in one of the adjacent buildings near their Ballroom. If you live anywhere near Alabang and are searching for an alternative reception venue, Paradiso Terrestre is certainly worth a look.
Lot 1 - A&B Pad - 04 170933, National Road, Molino Highway, Bacoor, Cavite
(02) 529-8875 / (046) 477-1097 / (02) 906-2506
The Greenery, Baliuag, Bulacan
Yesterday was we went to The Greenery in Baliuag, Bulacan for a pre-nuptial shoot. It's yet another outdoor/garden wedding venue that has made its roots near the Metro. It's about 1-1.5 hours drive away from Metro Manila, which make it about the same driving time as Tagaytay. It features 4 different venues, including a pavilion, a lighthouse, an open garden and an amphitheater. All the venues looked pretty good and spacious, although I have to say that there doesn't seem to be enough parking for guests. Anyway what sets the Greenery apart from other venues is its lighthouse which overlooks a small lagoon. There are lots of picturesque areas around and it is generally very breezy. There is a nearby church for those who are interested in getting married at the Greenery.
80 San Juan St., Rio Vista Subdivision, Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan
Tel No: (044) 766-6325
Fax No: (044) 766-6326