Party Venue: Velada Estate

Tucked neatly in lower Antipolo City, and within the confines of Villa Cecilia Subdivision is a lovely venue that is perfect for weddings and debuts.

Velada Estate and Events Place is like a gem waiting to be discovered with it's beautifully designed and fully air conditioned pavilion called El Patio. 

half of El Patio

El Patio can accommodate up to 300 guests, accentuated with draped ceiling that added a romantic ambiance to the venue.

We were lucky there was a food tasting event ongoing (we just chanced upon) by Buffet Runners so the pavilion has tables and chairs setup.

El Patio's other half

Sample table setup of Buffet Runner. Cozy, simple and elegant.

For couples who prefer an outdoor reception or a garden wedding, El Fuenta is your perfect venue with 620 square meters of lush greens, a fountain and trellis. It is also right across El Casa which serves as VIP room and lounge for the wedding entourage.

This is La Casa which has a huge and cozy VIP lounge for your guests while waiting for the reception program. It also has a Bride's Room that can be used for wedding preparations and shoots. Velada Estate can include in the package the use of La Casa.

Now the cost. Velada Estate offers wedding and debut packages for 150 and 200 guests. They have partnered with select caterers for their packages. In my opinion, approximately Php250,000 for 200 guests is already fair especially if it includes the use the pavilion and full catering.

Should you wish to contract a non-accredited caterer, Velada will charge a 20% corkage fee. The venue rental is Php90,000 for 4 hours use of the pavilion.

For more details please visit their website.

Party Venue: The Mango Farm

Oftentimes lovely venues are found in the most unexpected places, and The Mango Farm is the best example. Who would ever think there is an amazing, large and romantic wedding venue inside the quiet private residential subdivision of Kingsville Court in Antipolo City?

Boasting of about 200 mango trees in its 2.5 hectares property, it's surely has more than just a function hall to offer. The ambiance is perfect for an elegant garden wedding or a debut of a princess.

photo linked from The Mango Farm website

There is also an air-conditioned venue for those who worry about the weather and prefer an indoor setting - The Glass Pavilion. Two hundred fifty (250) guests can sit comfortably its 400 square meter usable area.

photo from The Mango Farm website

VENUE ONLY RATES (Rates as of Jan 2016)

GARDEN Venue only (exclusive use for 7 hours; one event at a time) Number of guests NET Charge Overtime charge after 7th hour, or after 10PM Up to 200 P74,900 P7,490/hr plus P120/pax after the first 200 guests PAVILION (exclusive use for 7 hours) Number of guests NET Charge Overtime charge after 7th hour, or after 10PM Up to 200 P83,500 P8,350/hr Up to 250 P83,500 + 120/pax after the first 200 guests; overtime is 10% of net charge/hr - The above rates are applicable for any 7-hour block between 8AM and 10PM. NOTE:

Check out The Mango Farm blog and fall in love with the place through the actual photos of events hosted there.

Don't tell me I didn't warn you. You will LOVE this place.

Party Venue: Grandview Events Place

The Hubby stood as principal sponsor (he's too young for this, I tell you!) for a relative's wedding and the reception was at this new events place in Makati. What I love most about being invited to attend a party is the chance to see and experience new venues that I can feature here. It's like shooting 2 birds with 1 stone!

Grandview Events Place is strategically located near Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in San Antonio Village. In fact, guests can walk from the church to Grandview. I love receptions/venues that are just walking distance from the church as it's convenient for the guests especially those commuting.

The events place offers 3 function halls to cater to all types of parties, big and small. The largest hall, Aphrodite Hall, can accommodate up to 400 guests and is ideal for weddings. It's elegant and well appointed (lovely chandeliers and swags) but I find the the pillars a bit obstructing and annoying. Cost to rent this Aphrodite is at Php60,000.

Photo grabbed from Grandview Events Place website

Some notes if you are interested in this venue:

1. There are no parking slots. The venue is on the 3rd floor of BUMA Building which also houses other businesses. There are few (count your fingers) parking in front of the building and guests resort to parking along the street. 

2. No elevator going to the 3rd floor. If you have grannies in your guest list, be prepared to assist them.

Visit the website for more details. They have packages for weddings, debuts, childrens' parties and company events.

Grandview Events Place

3rd Floor, 1012 Buma Bldg. 

Metropolitan Avenue, Makati City'

www.grandvieweventsplace.com 

Party Venue: Castillo Royale Ortigas

If you're up and about to executing a Royal themed party, this is THE venue. Castillo Royale perfectly suits a magical party fit for a princess to be. 

Look at that ceilings with fabulous swags! It's even more charming when the lights are on and with extra decorations. I was shown a photo of a sample basic setup and it's already good as it is.

A powder/dressing room is also provided at the mezzanine. Brides or debutantes can have the dramatic entrance through the elegant staircase.

This ballroom is at the 5th Floor of MORE Building and can accommodate up to 350 guests. It is huge, clean (as it is relatively new) and without obstructing pillars.

Rental fee is at Php40,000 for 4 hours use. It includes 15 tables and 150 pieces of Tiffany chairs. There's a corkage fee for clients bringing outside caterers since they also have packages that includes food and complete amenities.

Castillo Royale Ortigas

MORE Business Center

Ortigas Avenue Extension

Taytay, Rizal

Tel nos 584-3272/584-3275

Party Venue: Whitespace Manila

Planning a grand celebration for more than 300 people and wants to do away with hotel reception? There's a venue in Makati that could accommodate that crowd (up to 450) and still exude a grand, luxurious atmosphere.

Here's Whitespace.  

Photo from Whitespace website

720sqm of all white space (hence, the name) that can be setup any way you wan it - garden-themed debut party, a Victorian fantasy wedding, Carnival-inspired children's party and many more. The possibilities are endless with this huge hall with no huge obstructing pillars whatsoever.

The rental cost could be an game-ender though for those on a budget. The whole 720sqm hall can be had at Php140,000 (VAT excluded) for 5 hours use, while the smallest hall (Hall A) with a 150-seating capacity costs Php55,000 (add VAT).

The rental includes a basic sound system, caterer's gallery (a room with glass walls so you can view the caterer's activities), 5-hour use of dressing room and lounge, bathrooms with dedicated attendants and use of parking space (23 slots free). 

For more details and to view their packages, visit their website. I recommend watching their video to see how they transformed the huge space into unbelievably beautiful debut and wedding venues.