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.

Link to The Glass Garden Official Website
257 Evangelista St. cor Pasco Avenue, Brgy. Santolan, Pasig City
646-5323/915-2803

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.

Paradiso Terrestre Official Website
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.

The Greenery Official Website
80 San Juan St., Rio Vista Subdivision, Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan
Tel No: (044) 766-6325
Fax No: (044) 766-6326

On Destination Weddings

How many of us have gone out to explore the beauty of our country have said 'this place would be perfect for my wedding'? From Batangas, Puerto Azul, Tagaytay to Boracay, Plantacion Bay, the Pearl Farm, El Nido etc.. we all would love to have a great destination wedding, one that everybody will remember because its so nice, so unique but also so expensive. So what can be done to make it a little bit more feasible? I've made a small list of tips for those aspiring to have a dream destination wedding.

1. Plan ahead. Everything from expenses and logistics, everything needs to be ironed out long before your wedding. Make sure to befriend you travel agent, the resort concierge or whoever can be a big help for you, get their personal numbers but don't hound them too much. Set up a joint bank account for all the wedding expenses.

2. Keep a tight budget. Settle on how much you can afford and stick to it. There will be some unexpected expenses for sure, like tips, toll, extra guests (sometimes). You don't want to start out your marriage with a debt.

3. Keep a very short guest list. This is not possible for all but it is the best way for you to save money. You may also choose to sponsor certain guests or just subsidize them, after all plane fare and lodging are very expensive. Try to avoid inviting little children as they will, especially in beach weddings, be very difficult to control once they see the inviting water.

4. Keep it simple. You have to, the surroundings are what you came there for anyway. Keep the bridal gown simple as having a destination wedding usually means outdoor and outdoor means strong winds and dust. Having a long entourage just keeps you and your guests in the sun much longer than you might want. Keep the program simple, often a simple program is the most entertaining. Guests will want to mingle and will tend to work themselves into little groups and into one of the cozy spots you loved about your destination wedding.

5. Don't forget to have fun. At the end of the day no matter how well prepared you are, things that can go wrong will go wrong, but its okay, you just got married in your dream location and the best part is, you're already at your honeymoon.