R/R: Wedding Rites: Santisimo Rosario Parish Church

Santisimo Rosario Parish Church

University of Santo Tomas, Manila

Contact:  632-406 1611 loc 8315

Peso Power:  20000++

Our Rating:  4/5

Irish said:  ''The church is one of the few non-negotiables for our wedding for two huge reasons:  Noel being a Thomasian and his ''doon kita hiniling'' story.  In my case, it was simply love at first sight - from the the distressed exterior walls, coffered ceiling to the long red carpeted aisle.  The pre-marital seminar and canonical interview which was part of the whole thing was totally helpful.  I was particularly impressed at how organized the staff was.  There was even a church coordinator during the day of the wedding.  The only thing that made me a bit upset was that we were not able to give our personal wedding vows.  I don't know if it's because of time or the officiating priest just forgot our request.''

Noel said:  ''We have to make sure that we and the guests are comfortable during the ceremonies.  UST church is perfect because it is fully airconditioned.  So no worries na mahuhulas ang make-up ng asawa ko.  And  I can't think of any place to say my I do than this exact altar where I asked for her.''

R/R: Reception Venue and Caterer: Ibarra's Garden and Catering by Ibarra's

Ibarra's Garden and Catering by Ibarra's
Website:  http://www.ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph/


Peso Power: xxx xxx
Our Rating:  1.5/5

Irish said:  ''I could say a lot of things about this and I would go on for a day so I'll just highlight the those that angered me the most (yes, I came to that extent).  I was honestly quite disappointed when I finally met the team that assisted us from the time of the food tasting to the second visit/ocular up until the reception itself because during the course of email exchanges my husband and I had with them they sounded all nice (and who would have thought that we are in for some serious trouble if all you see from their website are photos of happy couples and guests and a perfectly executed wedding reception?).  I am going to start with their physical location which is kind of a sorrow for someone who could not find a decent place to park his car.  The parking space was well, small and the next thing one could have for a space is the busy jeepney-laden street of Padre Faura.  Second, their people.  I was particularly irked about their banquet/sales specialist/staff or whatever they call themselves for not having the heart and ears to listen to our preferences.  I was particularly very floored when they gave us the wrong cake design when in fact in our exchange of gazillion emails we have specifically told them what we want.  Third was their non-compliance.  It was included in the package that they should provide fifteen flower centerpieces but all I saw was the huge one in our table and the ones at the buffet (which doesn't count as a centerpiece).  Good thing there were the ones that were made by our florist.  Like what I have said, you'll probably get tired of reading this if I continue on.  However if there is one thing positive I can cite, it was the buffet spread and the food in general which have had nice compliments from our guests.  Ask me if they have my two thumbs up?  Well I'd rather have my fingers cut.''  <ouch!>

Noel said:  ''This place is a no no.  If there was one thing I regret on my wedding, that was choosing this place over the venues we went to at Intramuros.  From the staff, to the place, to the way how they handled our wedding,  our money was not worth it.'' 

R/R: Hotel for Preps: Century Park Hotel

Century Park Hotel
Website:  http://www.centurypark.com/


Peso Power:  PhP 16000+
Our Rating:  3.5/5

Irish said:

''Overall, I would give this hotel a fair rating because they did not disappoint and neither they did exceed my expectations.  We booked a bridal suite and a deluxe room for self and Noel respectively and with due fairness to the staff and front desk, they were courteous and attending the entire time we were there.  The price was also just fair (I think) so I would generally recommend this hotel for soon-to-wed couples.''

Noel said:

''The hotel is okay but there is not much areas you can pick that can be a nice back drop for photo ops.  But the rooms are nice and clean and the breakfast buffet was awesome.''