Pinoy All Occasions

01 March 2012 by Toni Alvarez 

What really defines an intimate wedding? Small venue, small number of guests or limited budget? I say, Intimate wedding is a perfect way to celebrate your biggest day with love ones. Aside from being relaxed on your special day because you are surrounded by close friends and family, your wedding day will be less stressful as it will just feel like a family and friends gathering rather than a big production. Not to mention you will be able to save extra bucks to start your family.

This is not to say though that you cannot splurge on your wedding day. Some couples opt to have limited guests not necessarily because they don’t have enough budget, rather, they choose to spend their money into something that really matters to them. Like designer gowns, destination wedding venues or a great jazz band.

Nowadays, intimate weddings are becoming more popular among couples and destination wedding is probably the number one choice for brides and grooms when tying the knot. Now, that being said, listed are some of the best places in the Philippines that promise you a romantic and one of a kind wedding celebration that you won’t forget sans the big preparation and a wedding coordinator.

Tukon Chapel, Batanes. Tukon Chapel in Batanes is a relatively new chapel in Basco. The chapel’s construction only started last 2008 and is just a few steps away from Fundacion Pacita. Tukon Chapel has life-size paintings of saints installed in its ceilings, all made by young Ivatan artists who are all scholars of The Pacita Abad Center for the Arts.

With breath taking views of both South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, Tukon (Ivatan word for mountain) Chapel is probably one of the best places to go to for a cinematic wedding. The chapel’s stained glass windows, pews of recycled hardwood and a facade that can be likened to the traditional Ivatan stone house makes this chapel very unique. Tukon Chapel is a project of the Abad family, dedicated to their parents whose main desire when they were still living was to be able to walk to the nearest chapel or church. Today, the couple is now buried in the Abad pastureland in Tukon.

The Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, which is nestled atop rolling hills of Tukon, gives one a 270-degree view of the sea
and rolling hills of Batan. It was once a home studio of internationally-acclaimed Trapunto artist Pacita Abad which was reconditioned by his brother, DBM Secretary Butch Abad, who revealed that before his sister died, wanted her studio to become a lodge where guests, specifically artists, photographers and hobbyist, nature lovers, yoga enthusiasts and similar groups could stay, thus the nature lodge was born to provide everyone serene accommodations amid the lush garden and pasture land of Tukon.  Every room of Fundacion Pacita was designed to resemble an art gallery with walls carefully adorned by masterpieces of various artists.

Any couple can be mesmerized by the amazing view from the terrace in all of Fundacion’s room. Waking up being greeted by the cool breeze, rolling hills, cliffs and sea is definitely an experience you would want to share with your husband or wife.

Thus, if you are looking for a laid back wedding, away from the cacophonic Manila, with few selected guests, (mind you, air fare to Batanes is very costly at Php13,000 for a roundtrip so you might want to trim down your guest list) then going for a Batanes wedding  is definitely something that should top your list.

Fundacion Pacita Website: http://www.fundacionpacita.ph/

Monastery of Transfiguration, Bukidnon.  The monastery of the Benedictine Monks or commonly known as the Monastery of Transfiguration, located at Barangay San Jose in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, is a three hour drive away from the City of Golden Friendship Cagayan de Oro.  This pyramid shape chapel has been a favorite destination for couples who seek a tranquil and solemn wedding celebration. The chapel is nestled on top of a small hill giving people a breath taking view of the Bukidnon mountains or Mount Kitanglad to be specific.

Monastery of Transfiguration’s chapel was designed by no less than the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin and the plans of the chapel was said to be the last he signed before he passed away.

The chilly weather in Bukidnon, topped with a well manicured lawn and mountain backdrop makes the monastery a perfect place for a picturesque wedding. Aside from holding wedding ceremonies inside the chapel, its well maintained garden full of flowers in bloom can also serve as a reception area for a nature-themed wedding. It is also here in this serene place where the Benedictine monks live in vow of silence and life of continued prayer. If you want to experience the full tranquility and peace of the place, the monastery is definitely the perfect center for a spiritual retreat.

Aside from its chapel, which is dubbed as “Magnum Opus”, a Latin word which means “Great Work”, the monastery is also known for its Monk’s Blend Arabica Robusta Coffee, this coffee is produce, grown and processed by the Benedictine Monks themselves and available at the monastery’s souvenir shop. Come to think of it, this best seller coffee can also be a great idea for your wedding giveaways.

Monastery of Transfiguration Website: http://www.transfiguration.ph/

Pulchra Resort, San Isidro Cebu.  Want a beach wedding but is looking for something unique that can make your friends green with envy?  Then how does walking down the aisle amid the sea with nothing but views of the ocean and the sunset sounds?

An intimate wedding especially arranged in Pulchra’s floating chapel with a magnificent view of the sea, complete with all the things that a couple needs for a private wedding is readily available in Pulchra Resort, making the most significant event of your life worry free. From hair and make-up, flower bouquet for the bride, corsage for the groom, live musicians, flower shower, wedding coordinator down to the flower girl, ring and coin bearer.  You name it and Pulchra got it covered.

Aside from these things that come with Pulchra’s wedding package, the couple may also opt to avail of the photo and video coverage, wedding party at their fine dining Opus Restaurant and the wedding dress rental.  Yes, you read that right, wedding dress. Pulchra Resort has a rental wedding gown collection that comes in four styles, simple, elegant and classical style or a choice of Maria Clara fashion & Girly Sweet Gown. Now that’s really being practical especially if you are someone who wants to give more importance to the wedding venue than your bridal dress.

And since the ceremony will be held in a floating chapel, might as well be reminded again that this type of wedding is really intimate that guests above fifteen in number cannot be accommodated anymore in the chapel.

Exchanging I do’s in the most intimate and passionate way; being witnessed by people who are really close to you; surrounded by tropical flowers in a secret paradise against the azure sky and ocean; what more could you ask for?

Pulchra Resort Website: http://www.pulchraresorts.com

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa, Marinduque.  Want a Mediterranean wedding in the middle of a secluded island down south of the Philippines? Then a Bellarocca wedding is definitely for you. This Philippines’ version of Santorini, an all-white building on rolling terrain against the lush green surrounding and sapphire sky and sea of Marinduque, makes this resort and spa a dream destination especially for couples and honeymooners.

Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa has been a witness to many weddings already and the privacy and exclusivity of the place makes each and every wedding truly an intimate one.

Bellarocca, which means “beautiful rock”, can be reached via speed boat or yacht from the mini port of Buenavista, Marinduque.  The lush tropical garden and golf course of the resort has been a favorite wedding spot among couples with Mt. Malindig serving as a backdrop. The rate in Bellarocca can be quite daunting at first but if you’ve been clamoring for a wedding in your very own island (well at least just for a day) then the steep price is definitely worth every penny you will shed.

Aside from its distinct Greek inspired architecture, the resort prides itself with a lap pool and infinity pool, seaside pavilion, Marina Cafe and Bar, Wi-Fi, golf course, natural hot spring pool, library, meeting room, game room, gym, medical clinic, aqua sports center, and spa, among others.

Now, what makes this wedding destination intimate? Simply because going to Marinduque province is quite pricey already considering Zest Air is the only airline that flies to the province. Aside from the airfare, the budget per person in Bellarocca already costs an arm so you really need to be mindful of the finances. However, if you have more than enough money to splurge, then go ahead, invite every people you know, but that actually doesn’t make sense anymore since over crowding the resort kills its relaxing and serene ambiance so I wouldn’t dare do that If I were you.

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa Website: http://www.bellaroccaresorts.com