ACCOMMODATION: MACOPARTEL

Many of our immediate family and entourage participants are from Iloilo, Laguna and Pampanga.  At first, Gabo and I wanted to check in a nearby hotel the night before the wedding because it will be stressful to accommodate our guests in our house.  

I've checked the nearby hotel rates and aside from their rooms are not very big, they are really expensive.  That is when I remembered Macopartel in Macopa St., Verdant Acres, Las Pinas.

Macopartel is an events place and transient home.  Their units are very clean and spacious plus their rates are very budget friendly.

Each unit has the following ammenities:
- 2 air conditioned rooms which could accommodate 2-3 persons
 - a living room with a wall-mounted flat screen television and an electric fan
- a small dining room
- 1 mini kitchen with a few plates and utensils, microwave oven, refrigerator and water dispenser (F.Y.I. cooking is not allowed and it is understandable because they want to preserve the safety and cleanliness of each unit.)
- 1 bathroom
- 1 toilet / C.R.
- some of the units have a veranda

For their rates, Each unit costs P2,500 per night.  If you only need 1 room they will lock the other room and it only costs P1,700 per night.

Ms. Cynthia, the owner is very accommodating and she assisted us even if our wedding is on Feb pa.  Another positive thing is that it is near to SM Center, Mercury Drug, Perpetual Help Hospital, and it is near a small talipapa din.  Very convenient ang location.

Below are photos of our ocular visits & just an F.Y.I. the model is my fiance's cousin, our best man...

MACOPA APARTELLE:
ADDRESS:
MACOPA STREET, VERDANT AACRES, LAS PINAS
TEL NOS:
(02) 799-7698 
(02) 556-3549
MOBILE:
0917-8401086
0917-8019977
http://www.macopartelph.com/
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/2229330/MaCopa+Apartel+Las+Pinas+bigger+than+budget+hotel,+condo+@+Ps1,550
http://www.vacationhomerentals.com/vacation-rentals/Las-Pinas-Philippines-vacation-rental-apartment-proID-53787.html
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/25055337/2-Bedrooms+MaCopa+Apartelle?referralKeywords=macopartel&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-2,2

THE CATERER - QUEENSLAND CATERING

I and H2B Gabo fell in love with the place, Ysabel's Garden so we decided to pay the reservation fee agad.  We didn't doubt about their In-house caterer, Queensland Catering, because they are popular here in Las Pinas for having delicious and quality food at an affordable price.  I was never worried because I've attended many events where they were the caterer, and I liked their food and service.

However, due to curiosity, I looked for reviews online regarding them.  I've read many blogs saying that their food are really delicious but their waiters aren't hospitable and are stealing food during the event.  There was even a review saying that when they attended the food tasting many people were offended because the waiters are "madamot" daw.  

But then just last week, our Best Man - Keith, Gabo and I went to their weekly Food Tasting in Ysabel's Garden.  They have this food tasting every Sunday.  Registration starts at 2pm and the Food-tasting itself starts at 4pm.  2 persons are allowed for the free food-tasting, and for additional person it is P250 per head.

I was very happy at the Food-tasting because I've proven their negative reviews wrong.  I really felt the Account Executives' and the waiters' warm welcome.  They don't care if you look not so rich or whatever.  They really are accommodating!

During the picture taking of their Menus for the Day, the waiters make small conversations with the guests and each A.E. would love to sit at your table to entertain your questions.  There was a total of 10 - 12 dishes that day so we would need to drink water most of the time to wash away the taste of the first dish we've tasted before tasting the next one.  Nahihiya na nga ako pero  never nagsawa ang mga waiters sa pagseserve ng water sa'min.  When everyone went home, they even told us na marami daw natira pa so we could go back.  But we refused already coz we are really, really full even if there was no rice served.

What I like the most is their dishes do not have the same taste.  Like on that day they served 3 kinds of Chicken dishes and each of it has a distinct taste and smell.   All of us agreed that their best dish is Chicken Flambe.  We least like the Baked Norweigian Pink Salmon coz we're not used to salmon being matched with cheese.  Our taste buds are not familiar with the Asian Beef Noodle Dish as well so I didn't like it that much, or maybe because I'm really not a fan of sweet dishes.  I also loved the Balinese Chicken because of its exquisite spices and aroma... loved the after taste as well.  We also loved the Lasagna and I like the Sotanghon in Garlic kasi ang dami niyang sahog.  Basta in short, we loved all their food!  Walang patapon, kahit yung mga bago sa panlasa namin!

Regarding the stealing of food issue during the event... I am not worried.  I think their not like that.  But to be sure Gabo and I decided to just be careful and alert on the wedding day.  One of our O.T.D. coordinators will be in-charge of the food and my dad and Gabo's mom will surely make bantay din.  My future mother in law, Mamu Marl is really metikulosa when it comes to events.  She is a perfectionist!  And my dad, Daddy Regie, he's the type of person who would like to make sure that we get what we pay for, lalo na sa food.  Gabo said, Kung maayos tayo makisama sa kanila, di nila tayo lolokohin."  SO I'M NOT WORRIED AT ALL!

Below are their rates:

WEDDING PACKAGE FOR MAIN GARDEN

STANDARD MENU: P420/HEAD 

(1 Pasta/Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Fish Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * 1 Salad)

PREMIUM MENU: P445/HEAD

(1 Pasta/Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Fish Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * 1 Salad)

FILIPINO MENU: P485/HEAD TO P550/HEAD

(1 Vegetable dish or Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Seafood Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * Fruits in season)

EXECUTIVE MENU: P540/HEAD TO 705/HEAD (Full Course Menu, too many to mention)

EXECUTIVE FULL COURSE: P860/HEAD (Full Course Menu with appetizer, too many to mention)

ELEGANCE SET UP ADDL. P150/HEAD

UPGRADE CENTERPIECE TO 3 LAYERED CANDELABRA ADDL. P30/HEAD

NOTE:

- Additional 10% Service charge.

- Plus P5000 addtl. charge for guests less than 150 persons as payment for standard wedding amenities.

- Additional P5000 for the excess hour of the venue. (4 hrs function only)

- Bridal Suite $2500 for 1 day use.

- Ribbon motif subject to availability of color (first come, first serve basis).

- Queensland Catering will will be advised of any changes and full payment a week before the actual services.

- Outside Sound System is not allowed.

- Corkage fee for photobooth is $1500 & other electronic equipment is P500 and up.

AMENITIES:

- Table with floor length linen and lace toppings

- Uniformed Waiters

- Guest book

- Wine for Ceremonial toasting for presidential

- Floral or waterfalls centerpiece for the buffet w/ skirting of motif of choice

- Decorated golden Cage & doves w/ fresh flowers & satin ribbons

- Glass centerpiece w/ topiaries for each table w/ luminaries

- All Tiffany chairs w/ double motif using Organza ribbons

- Elegant imported chafing chafing dishes for the buffet w/ buffet lamps

- Free use of the bridal suite during the duration of the function

- Platform for Bride and Groom 

- Free use of the lobby for cocktail and receiving area for the guests

- Red carpet

WEDDING PACKAGE FOR 2ND & 3RD FLOOR FUNCTION ROOMS

STANDARD MENU: P335/HEAD 

(1 Pasta/Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Fish Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * 1 Salad)

PREMIUM MENU: P360/HEAD

(1 Pasta/Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Fish Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * 1 Salad)

FILIPINO MENU: P390/HEAD TO P465/HEAD

(1 Vegetable dish or Noodle dish * 1 Beef Dish * 1 Seafood Dish * 1 Pork Dish * 1 Chicken Dish * Fruits in season)

EXECUTIVE MENU: P455/HEAD TO 620/HEAD (Full Course Menu, too many to mention)

EXECUTIVE FULL COURSE: P775/HEAD (Full Course Menu with appetizer, too many to mention)

ELEGANCE SET UP ADDL. P150/HEAD

UPGRADE CENTERPIECE TO 3 LAYERED CANDELABRA ADDL. P30/HEAD

NOTE:

- Additional 10% Service charge.

- Plus P5000 addtl. charge for guests less than 150 persons as payment for standard wedding amenities.

- Additional P5000 for the excess hour of the venue. (4 hrs function only)

- Bridal Suite $2500 for 1 day use.

- Ribbon motif subject to availability of color (first come, first serve basis).

- Queensland Catering will will be advised of any changes and full payment a week before the actual services.

- Outside Sound System is not allowed.

- Corkage fee for photobooth is $1500 & other electronic equipment is P500 and up.

AMENITIES:

- Table with floor length linen and lace toppings

- Uniformed Waiters

- Guest book

- Wine for Ceremonial toasting for presidential

- Floral or waterfalls centerpiece for the buffet w/ skirting of motif of choice

- Decorated golden Cage & doves w/ fresh flowers & satin ribbons

- Glass centerpiece w/ topiaries for each table w/ luminaries

- All Tiffany chairs w/ double motif using Organza ribbons

- Elegant imported chafing chafing dishes for the buffet w/ buffet lamps

- Free use of the bridal suite during the duration of the function

- Platform for Bride and Groom 

- Free use of the lobby for cocktail and receiving area for the guests

- Red carpet

Below are pictures from our Food Tasting Experience:

GRILLED TANIGUE

BALINESE CHICKEN

CHICKEN FLAMBE

KOREAN BEEF STEW

QUEENSLAND CATERING

http://www.queenslandcatering.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queensland-Catering-Services/236579109718295

ADDRESS: 

633 Sicily St Cittadella Village

CAA Rd Las Pinas City

GLOBE: 09276492771           

SUN: 09335655873

SMART: 09474623866

LANDLINE:

8207223 | 8267791 | 8264923

"HOW WE DECIDED TO TIE THE KNOT"

Gabo and I (Gem) have been together for more than 5 years now.  We've decided to tie the knot  dahil andami naming goals like getting a car, a house... which is sa tingin namin mas mapagtutulungan namin if we are together.  Gabo worked in Aklan, in Shangrila Boracay for about 3 years I think.  He is also a part-time event coordinator there.  Di na rin kami bumabata and we just really wanna be together til' death do us part. hehehe!  

At first we decided to have a civil wedding lang kasi tipid, then tamang out of town with the family after sana.  But then we were strongly advised by our parents to have a simple church wedding instead para daw may blessing, and we realized that we also deserve this because we've been through a lot for years now and proud to say that we are stronger and we're continually falling in love everyday.

And that's it!  The date was set to February 22, 2014 kasi 6th year anniversary namin as boyfriend-girlfriend is February 20, 2014.  We decided to set it on the weekend close to our anniversary...

After that conversation di na ako makatulog... I AM REALLY EXCITED TO BE MRS. GIEMEL HAZIEL M.  TORRE!!!

THE VENUE - YSABEL'S GARDEN

At first, we're only to have 70 guests.  My soon to be mother in law wanted us to have our wedding in Dreemhaus Banquet & Restaurant in Manila because that is where she and my soon to be father in law got married.  Plano namin kung saan ang reception, doon na rin ang ceremony.  Kaso lang we've learned na nagsara na pala yon and iba na ang may ari.  My H2B and I also find their menu expensive.  Then we decided to just look for a venue which is just within our vicinity para less hassle.  

FIRST STOP:  VILLA SUSANNA  

This is located in Vatican Dr, BF Resort Village, Las Pinas.

Ang ganda talaga ng venue na ito and spacious.  I love their stair case.  Kaso lang medyo expensive.  I was quoted P10 - P20 thousand for the venue pa lang... Price range depends kung kuknin din ang Bridal Suite nila. Meron din silang package na P100 thousand-all-in with sounds, lights, decoration, cake. caterer, etc.  But this is only good for 100 guests kaya ang expensive talaga, sayang!

Villa Susanna does not have a website but they do have a facebook account.  Its link is https://www.facebook.com/villa.susana.9.  Their Contact No is 0929 846 4621.


 Below are photos from their facebook account. 

SECOND STOP: CITYSTATE HOTEL in Manila

Gabo and I were also part-time event coordinators.  Almost all our debut clients loved Citystate Hotel kasi elegant pero hindi ganon kamahal.  Marami pating naiwe-waive na corkage fee si Gabo doon since suki na kami doon.  Kaya we also thought of considering it for our wedding.  

Kaso I found out na mas mahal ang rate nila for weddings.  For a Debut kasi nasa P60,000 and up ang rate nila for 100 guests.  Pero pag wedding pala nasa P100 thousand and up din.  Aside from that whenever we handle 18th Birthdays in Citystate Hotel I would always need to get a florist for the stage decoration kasi more on pillar, drapings and foot lights lang and design nila.  Walang flowers and balloons.  Centerpieces lang ang may flowers.  Malayo pati sa'min coz' we are in Las Pinas, so cratched out na ang CityState.

Citystate's website is http://www.citystatetowerhotel-manila.com/ppc/?gclid=CMnPwNS9wroCFUtFpQod9ioAow and their contact no is (02) 7089600 or (02) 3283261.   They are located at 1315 A. Mabini corner Padre Faura Sts., Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000.

THIRD STOP: YSABEL'S GARDEN

This is in BF Resort Drive, BF Resort Village, Las Pinas City.

I love the place kasi ang taas ng ceiling.  Feeling ko kasi parang mas elegant ang dating kapag mataas ang kisame at may drapes.  Good thing din na maraming halaman sa main garden kasi minimal na lang gasto namin sa design.  

Forgot to tell you... Dapat yung function room lang nila ang kukunin namin kasi sa Main Garden, free lang ung venue kapag 150 guests or more.  If less than than we would need to pay P5,000.00 for the place.  Kaso nakakaloka dahil ngayon nasa 175 na ang guests namin.  Ang dami pala naming friends and loved ones!!! We are so blessed dahil madaming nagmamahal sa'min.  First come, first serve basis ila and as early as July abi ni H2B mag-down na kami ng reservation fee na P10,000.00.  

Another thing... In-house ang caterer nila... Queensland Catering I consider them na pinakamura sa mga Class A na caterers so hindi na masama.  Marami na rin kami na-attendang event na sila ang caterer and we liked their food. I'll also post a blog regarding our food tasting experience and their rates. 

Ysabel's Garden's contact number is (02) 8207223 / 8264923 / 8267791 / 8287340 / 8287341.  Address is BFResort Dr., BF Resort Village, Las Pinas.

Below are pictures I took pagpunta namin doon.

Here is how it looks pag may decoration na:

"OUR MOTIF"

My husband to be and I are so much obssesed with black-themed events like weddings in particular.  It's like a mixture of a modern, fierce and yet elegant theme kasi.  Kaso bukod sa ayaw ng parents namin, medyo gasgas na yung kulay na ito para sa'min dahil ang dami na naming kakilala na ganto ang motif.

My H2B told me that I could pick whatever color I want as long as hindi daw pink, orange or yellow.  And I don't know why he doesn't like those colors.

I first wanted Sky Blue, Lilac and Pistachio Green then a summer feel na wedding theme.  Then I want to use pin wheels instead of flowers as my wedding decoration and buttoners.  Kaso, we realized na bagay ang theme na ito only if hapon ang wedding.  But we've decided to have the wedding in the evening para hindi mainit kasi Garden ang venue namin at glass ang ceiling (I think).  

Then we decided to just have Blue and white as our motiff.  Theme is I DON'T KNOW.  Basta I want picture frames hanging in our aisle then may tea light candles and our guests' pictures will be printed in black and white tapos naka-frame.  Parang bringing back old mem'ries ang peg... hehehe!  But I really don't know yet. Maybe pag nakausap ko na suppliers mas madadagdagan pa inputs.  I'll let you know pag meron na...