First Visit To A Venue

BLUE GARDENS
The only ENGLISH GARDEN in the heart of Quezon City
A bubbling fountain soothes the soul while the formal garden
is softened by elements like charming bird houses, stained glass
bottles and white lattices covered with vines.

This Monday was our schedule to visit and feel the TOP FOUR value-for-money wedding venues in Quezon City next to Fernwood Gardens of course which is very much familiar to me and to Jojo. These four places are both of our choice. We have not yet considered listing down farther places because we believe that practicality would best work in wedding plans if you've come across the cheapest and the not-so-considered.

It was noontime when Jojo and I stretched COMMONWEALTH AVENUE. We watched Supernatural Season II at the morning after preparing Gaielle for school and before Bastin's Nap time. Luckily we were able to visit two out of four places. Rain poured so hard that we had to postpone visiting other venues. But it was okay, the whole day with my love one was as memorable as ever.

BLUE GARDENS captures the OLD WORLD OF CHARM and natural beauty of an English garden. The stone wall entrance gate has magnificent ornate carvings, a fish fountain, and pillars reminiscent of 17th Century CHATEAU DE BRECY’s monumental gate in Normandy—a fitting dramatic first impression of the garden.

STONE WALL ENTRANCE GATE

Upon entering the garden’s grounds, one is transported to another world.

The landscape is filled with blooming flowers of every color and shape.
A cobblestone path, which is framed by a lush arbor filled with violet lowering
vines, leads to a majestic white gazebo inspired by Castle Versailles of France.

A cobblestone path, which is framed by a lush arbor filled with violet
flowering vines, leads to a majestic white gazebo inspired by
Castle Versailles of France. This is the view outside from the castle-inspired
building. I am actually standing at its staircase.

We were on our way up to the MAIN HALL.

MAIN HALL
European-Inspired Chateau

It has all-white pristine interiors, Greek pillars wrapped with flowering
silk vines, big French windows, a chandelier, and a stage with a panoramic
view of the lush garden.

It's lobby opens to a grand-gilded mirror and chandelier.

Over-all, Jojo was happy and contented with his first visit at the place. He has not seen the rates yet for 2008 but he was able to come up with some unique ideas if ever we'll be celebrating our wedding at Blue Gardens. His eyes expressed so much excitement and many colorful plans he has shared to me when we sat back to the car as we drove to the Grand Terrace. He mentioned about what OUR CAKE should look like, what his pair of shoes will be and what his unique outfit would be. All these are remembered here in my heart. SALAMAT, MAHAL!

The rain has not stopped until we reached our next destination. THE GRAND TERRACE is conveniently situated at the heart of Quezon City. It was only a five-minute drive from Blue Gardens.

The Grand Terrace houses the first fully air-conditioned garden venue in the country, the Venus Garden, which accommodates up to 300 guests. Its UV protected polycarbonate roofing makes it an ideal venue for morning or lunch affairs when the sun is bright, dinner and cocktail parties on moonlit nights, or even when it rains. Conceptualized with the comfort and convenience of the guests in mind, The Grand Terrace incorporates revolutionary concepts not found in any other weddings and events venue in the country.

VENUS GARDEN

On the contrary, Jojo was not satisfied with how their host presented the place to us. No thrill at all he told me. The place was actually really more convenient to me because I was thinking that our guests might not be delighted when they find their way to Blue Gardens compared to Grand Terrace which is actually along Commonwealth Avenue with so many good landmarks. Well anyway, to make the day complete since it's already too late to hop to the other two venues, we dragged ourselves to UP DILIMAN to meet new friends. I suggested to Jojo to try looking for an alternative group who would sing for us for both at the church and at the reception. Yeah, we really don't know anyone from the COLLEGE OF MUSIC, but it was a good shot though for me not to miss dropping by at the college and look for volunteers. Jojo wanted some fishball and kwek-kwek, so we dropped VINZON'S HALL where we used to buy the streetfoods way back years. Wow! It was newly-painted! It has been a while where I last stepped in UP.

Accidentally, I met DAYANG at the 2nd Floor corridor of the Plaridel Hall. I first approached her and I told her of our situation about the wedding. Jojo was at the College's quadrangle, talking to EZ. He called EZ on his mobile phone just to share his experience and his excitement in visiting BLUE GARDENS. Dayang took me to her office and she said that I somewhat looked familiar to her. I told her that I belong to Batch '96 CFA so she can have an idea that we maybe classmates to some GE Subjects. But I learned she belonged to Batch '93. But yeah, she could have been a classmate on one of my PE Subjects. The acquaintance was good and quick. She gave me two referrals w/their handyphone #s and she wished me good luck. She actually shared her wedding experience at Tagaytay with the Madrigal Singers or MADZ. She also mentioned that these referrals were really good at their piece. They may play 10-11 songs at the reception with a good affordable package; instruments include GUITAR, VIOLIN and FLUTE.

Banners along A.S. WALK
reminds me of my college years

Jojo was reminded of the Black Bat cigar we have tried from couples, Ayn and Jeff Azarcon, when we dined in Prince of Jaipur last June. Ayn mentioned that we can buy this stuff in UP. I took Jojo to the Main Library and viola! He bought two as souvenirs. That was a looong walk from where we have parked the car. At least, it was a very good chance I did a li'l exercise. We are sure we will be back, no not for the cigars, but for a long morning walk and some family picnic in Sunken Garden.

JULY 30, 2007