60th (and beyond) Birthday Ideas

Let me begin this post with a narrative about my dream of honoring my mother on her 60th birthday. 5 years ago (2012), my mother celebrated her 60th birthday. I was still working as a virtual assistant then and event planning was only my sideline. I wanted to give my mom a birthday party. Back then, I was alone in shouldering all the expenses since I was the only working among my siblings and my dad went to heaven in 2007. I understood the agony of scrimping all my earnings just so I could orchestrate a simple but memorable birthday celebration of mom. For her 60th birthday celebration, i was able to pool a budget of 20k for food, cake, decors, etc.. with more or less 80 guests estimated.

5 years forward, me and my siblings sort of had a pact to give mom a birthday party every five years after she turned 60. Just last July of this year  2017, we orchestrated another birthday celebration for her 65th birthday this year. This time, I had help from my siblings. 

My mom has a bubbly personality. She is life of the party. So I made sure that the colors of her backdrop will signify a bursting of life that woukd represent her. Orange and green are the perfect colors to describe her. For her 65th birthday, we had a meager budget of 35k inclusive of food, venue, decors, etc.. for estimated 90 guests.

I am very happy seeing my craft in decorating birthday stages improved with time. My budget for these decors never go beyond 5k. I always make sure I only spend what is necessary.

So earlier today, I dressed up Albertino's Restobar for my close friend's mother who is celebrating her 60th birthday. Auntie Yen, is musically inclined so she chose to celebrate her birthday in a restobar. The challenge was to decorate the place with also a limited budget. I had to use whatever existing materials I have and didnt have to buy brand new. I just had to buy some balloons, candles and fresh flowers.

Joan, my ever reliable assistant, helped me set up the place. I loved how it turned out.

There, for five thousand pesos, me and my reliable assistant was able to add flair to a boring looking pub, an empty function hall and ordinary house veranda and made it lively and timely for a party. These are just some of the 60th birthday decorations I can do with a limited budget. I hope I can improve more in the coming years.

Top Pick Catholic Churches in Davao City

Davao City is my hometown. I was born, raised and have lived here for more than 3 decades. I have traveled around my beloved country Philippines, but Davao City, by far the most livable city amongst them all. (hahah... yeah, according to my standards with all my biases!) I pretty much know the city streets and its ins and outs, culture, people, lifestyle and religions. When you want a tour guide, I can be your "Siri" of Davao City. I know where the best foods are, best getaways, best thrifty shops and more!

Since I know this city by heart, I have a pretty much dense idea on where the best Catholic churches are. In this blog post, I will reveal to you the top 5 Catholic Churches which I think have the best architecture and ambiance for the perfect wedding ceremony for Catholics.


Number 1 on the list: Sta. Ana Shrine

Located along Sta. Ana Avenue, this church used to be a shrine, a small chapel for the nearby communities, but because of modernization, the church flourished and grew as time went by. Generous donors and sponsors from all walks of life contributed to the growth of the church. With recent improvements, Sta. Ana Shrine has become even more suitable for a romantic wedding. This church has the longest aisle so marching down the aisle will truly be a moment to cherish step by step.

Sarah + Adrian Wedding at Sta. Ana Shrine Parish on August 18, 2015

Second on the list: St. Joseph The Worker Parish

This parish is located in Sasa, Davao City. What I love about this church is it's interiors. I love the wood works on the walls of the altar. It resembles a fierce light shining from a risen Jesus on the cross. When I first had a client who chose to tie the knot in this church, I really felt compelled to focus my eyes on Jesus with His majestic glory for us all because of the beautiful wood works on the altar wall.

Cherry and Lester Wedding at St. Joseph The Worker Parish on March 21, 2015

Third on the list: St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Located on the corner of Maa Road and Diversion Road, this parish is very popular for Catholic weddings with a garden theme. Catholic wedding ceremonies are not allowed to be held in any other places, like garden or beach, but inside a Catholic Church. So this parish gives the couple a feel of the real garden with its altar adorned with a mini garden with real live plants growing.

Photo Credit: http://mapio.net/s/75647313/ St. Francis of Assisi Parish at Maa Davao City

Coming at Fourth list: San Pablo Parish

Located inside Juna Subdivision, this quiet parish nestles among residences and schools but offers a calm ambiance for wedding and religious ceremonies. This is where my little sister walked down the aisle on one sunny December afternoon way back in 2015. This parish is specially close to my heart because this is where I first trained as an event organizer as a youth leader for most of my teen years. It is far from traffic and honking cars so this is a very solemn place to hold weddings. Another upside is a wide parking space and near downtown areas.

Raga + Mund Wedding at San Pablo Parish Dec. 5, 2015

Fifth on the List: Sto. Rosario Parish

This parish is located in the heart of Toril poblacion. What I particularly like about this church is its vastness. The ceiling is so high, you'd think it is majestic. The aisle is long enough to feel the moment of walking down the aisle.

Photo from: http: thetravelingnomad.com

On 6th listing: Mother of Perpetual Help Parish (Redemptorist) 

This old church is an icon to countless famous weddings in Davao City. It is located along Bajada Road fronting Abreeza Mall. It is very accessible to commuters. This is top choice for many florists and wedding designers because of its concise aisle that makes it easier to decorate.

Jaja + Robin Wedding at Redemptorist Parish Bajada on Nov. 9, 2016

These are just 5 of the various catholic churches that you can choose from when you want to get married in Davao City. There are still many more. Depending on your preference, I think all churches are suitable for catholic weddings because the decorators will most likely transform the place with the flowers and additional flair of accessories.

If you are still contemplating on what church you want to say "I do", here's a concise list of common parishes in Davao City.

Downtown Area

Our Lady of Assumption, Torres Street, Davao City
Mother of Perpetual Help, JP Laurel (Bajada), Davao City
St. Jude Thaddeus, Malvar Street, Davao City
Sta. Ana Shrine, Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City
Our Lady of Fatima, Fatima Street, Davao City
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bo. Obrero, Davao City

Maa - Matina - Bankal Area
Ascension of our Lord Parish, GSIS Matina, Davao City
San Pablo Parish, Juna Subdivision, Davao City
Our Lady of Lourdes, Central Park Subdivision, Davao City
St. Francis of the Assisi, Maa Road, Davao City

Mintal - Calinan Area
Immaculate Conception Parish, Mintal Road, Davao City
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Calinan, Davao City

Talomo - Toril Area
San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, Talomo Road, Davao City
Sto. Rosario Parish, Toril, Davao City
The Holy Family Parish, Juan Dela Cruz Street, Toril Davao City

Agdao - Sasa - Panacan - Tibungco Area
San Antonio De Padua, Agdao, Davao City
St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Sasa, Davao City
San Miguel Parish, Panacan, Davao City
St. Francis Xavier, Tibungco, Davao City

Buhangin Area
St. Mary's Parish, Cabantian Road, Davao City

Catalunan Grande
San Isidro Parish, Catalunan Grande Road, Davao City


Consider hiring a wedding planner from Davao City to cut short your dilemma in finding the perfect church for the most beautiful day in your life. Call me: +63 949 770 28 29