Best Wedding Venues and Most Popular Event Places in Davao City

 Author: Jenelyn Rebucas

'Will you marry me?' has been answered with a resounding 'YES"! 

It's now the time to ask the next questions, when and where? Where should you spend the most special day of your life?

 

You must carefully choose your wedding reception venue for this is where your momentous day will be held. It is where one of the most memorable moments of your life will happen. Everything must be according to plan, if possible, from the wardrobe, food, the theme, and the place for the best wedding venues you can find. You will always cherish your big day --- your wedding. Therefore, the proper wedding venue reception in Davao should be chosen if you're thinking of making Davao your place of choice.

 

Now, where do you want to spend your wedding day? Are you looking for wedding reception ideas?

 

Before choosing your perfect place, you need to consider this factor first:

 

What is your dream wedding?

Everyone has their desired wedding. Some people want to spend their day on the beach; others enjoy the traditional way, which is at the church, or your favorite destination. Therefore, your dream wedding must prioritize choosing a wedding venue. In addition, wedding themes should also be one of the aspects to consider. Listed below are the types of weddings that are a trend nowadays:

 
TRADITIONAL

A traditional wedding is a solemn ceremony, usually in the church or a chapel. It is a holy sacrament for Catholics and Christians; they incorporate personal wedding vows. Therefore, doing your wedding traditionally would be nice. The church is still the most preferred venue for a wedding ceremony and exchanging of vows. It is considered a sacred place and a perfect place to celebrate a holy union. 

 

Here in Davao City, there are a lot of beautiful historical churches you can choose from. Afterward, you can celebrate the rest of the day at your chosen reception venue.

 

 

DESTINATION

Nothing beats tourist attractions when it comes to beautiful scenery. If you're dreaming of having a scenery wedding, you can choose to hold your wedding in some attractive destination near and accessible to your place.

 

 

BEACH WEDDING

If you want the sound of waves crashing on the shore as a music background on your wedding, having the sunrise or sunset in the background while saying your 'I do's and vows, a beach wedding will give justice to your wedding dream. The astonishing ocean view will make the moment more intimate and solemn.

 

VINTAGE

Most couples choose vintage as their wedding theme to experience the ambiance of historical moments. This type of wedding can also make you feel nostalgic as you'll be reminded of historical things. It is like going back to where everything begins.

 

 

RUSTIC

If you're the type that wants to be everything cozy and chill, rustic is for you. A rustic wedding theme is one of the best event themes to choose from; it gives you the countryside vibe. This wedding theme is much likely inspired by outdoor ambiance and nature. It usually incorporates wood and various flowers.

 

 

GARDEN WEDDING

This wedding is often outdoors, surrounded by shrubs, trees, and flowering vegetation. Greens and florals can be seen everywhere. 

 

When choosing your wedding venue, there are couples of factors you need to consider. 

 

• Your budget
• The guests
• Location
• Capacity
• Layout
• Accessibility
• Privacy

 

PANDEMIC WEDDINGS

During the pandemic, some businesses have been closed. Hotels are not exempted; they've also been affected. If you are a Davao resident or knew the first hotel here in Davao, you probably knew that Marco Polo temporarily decided to close its door during the pandemic. 

 

Some hotels had been empty; celebrations needed to take on a private and intimate place. Nonetheless, a new normal has been introduced. Thus, some businesses are slowly going back on their track now. Some had been gone, but there were also new ones that came.

 

Davao offers many choices if you're planning to celebrate your wedding day here in Davao wedding venues. 

 

ü  THE VIEW DAVAO (Magtuod, Maa, Davao City)

Overlooking view, beautiful scenery of city lights at night, The View Davao top that one. The place is vast and can accumulate hundreds of guests. You can also take your wedding photo shoot there, and even hold your wedding ceremony. 

 

You have two choices, you can hold your wedding at their Pavilion, where the city view can be seen, or you can have a garden wedding that can accommodate more than 400 guests. After the ceremony, you can continue the celebration at the function hall, which is non-airconditioned but not a hindrance since the place is quite windy and can accommodate 400 guests. 

 

        

 

VENUE RENTAL RATES

 

  100 guests and below

Php 60,000

 

  150 guests  -   Php 90,000

 

  200 guests  -  Php 120,000

 

  250 guests  -  Php 150,000

 

  300 guests  -  Php 180,000

 

  350 guests  -  Php 210,000

 

  400 guests  -  Php 240,000

 

 *Php 600/head

 

Inclusions:

- Gazebo for wedding ceremony with 100 Tiffany Chairs.

- Non-airconditioned function hall for a reception with elegant Tiffany chairs and round tables, Rectangular Presidential tables, Buffet tables, Cake Table, Mini stage, and Basic Lights. The electricity fee is included.

 

ROOMS FOR RENT

• Bridal Suite – Php 5,000 (airconditioned)
• Groom's Cabin – Php 5,000 (airconditioned) 

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theviewdavao/ 

 

 

ü  THE COURTYARD AT CHATEAU VERONICA 

(Downtown area at Chateau Veronica Apartelle, Araullo Street, Davao City)

 

An intimate place for intimate events. The vibe of a greenhouse, with a classic touch. A fully-airconditioned space, which can accommodate a maximum of 60 guests.

 

VENUE RENTAL RATES

  40 guests & below  - Php 8,000

 

  50 guests  -  Php 10,000

 

  60 guests  -  Php 12,000

 

  

Inclusions:

- 4 hours event duration

- Food prep area

- Tables and chairs with basic table setting

- Sound system w/ 2 microphones

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thecourtyardatchateauveronica/ 

 

 

ü  BELLEVUE SQUARE DAVAO 

(Km 7.5 Diversion Road, Matina Pangi, Davao City)

Do you want to see the beautiful view of the highest mountain in the Philippines? Bellevue offers you this great background. Fully-airconditioned, spacious, and a function hall that can accommodate 200 guests.

 

 

VENUE RENTALS

  50 – 60 pax  -  Php 15,000

 

  60 – 130 pax  -  Php 20,000

 

  130 – 200 pax  -  Php 25,000

 

  

Inclusions

- 4 hours of use of facilities

- Table w/cloth & Tiffany chairs

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bellevuedavao/?ref=page_internal 

 

ü  CASA VIEJA 

 (Front gate 3 of San Pablo Church, Juna Subdivision, Davao City)

 

This wedding venue is perfect for a small and intimate celebration. It has a garden vibe, but they also have a fully-airconditioned function hall. They have a cocktail garden, built-in bar, central garden, and main function hall. If you're planning an intimate wedding and want to hold your wedding ceremony at San Pablo Church, Casa Vieja is giving you convenient access from the church to the venue. 

 

VENUE RENTAL RATES

Indoor

  60 guests  -  Php 15,000

 

  80 guests  -  Php 20,000

 

  100 guests  -  Php 25,000

 

 

Outdoor

  150 guests  -  Php 25,000

 

 

Indoor & Outdoor

  150 guests  -  Php 35,000

 

 

*Excess = Php 250/head

*Event duration of 4 hours (Venue/Facility ONLY)

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/casaviejadavao/ 

 

 

ü  LA HERENCIA DAVAO 

(F. Torres Street, Brgy 19-B, Davao City)

 

409 SQM Pavilion. A spacious and affordable venue. It is a fully-airconditioned indoor venue that offers 4 hours of usage at the Pavilion. 

        

 

VENUE RATES

170 guests  -  Php 35,000

 

 *Excess hours= Php 5,000/hour

 

• Banquet type – max capacity of 170 guests
• Theater type – max 420 pax

 

Inclusion:

- 4 long tables + 40 tiffany white chairs

- Free use of parking

- Usage of the Foyer is subject to availability 

 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/laherenciadavao 

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, your wedding venue doesn't need to be one of the best places in your town. It shouldn't be chosen by the view of others but on your preference. You will know if that place is the right one for your essential day; if you feel connected to the area, you will feel comfortable, and it will give you the excitement to look forward to what and how your big day will be. 

 

 

Davao City hosts hundreds of venues and events place you can choose from. From North to South to East to West of the City, you can find just about the right place to hold your events. This list is just five (5), not even the tip of the iceberg yet! For more venue options, email Leah Jacobe of Dream Team Events at leahjacobeweddings@gmail.com and get a quote for your wedding and event! 

 

How A Long Distance Love Survived the COVID Pandemic?

In all my years as a wedding planner, I have probably met all types of clients. I would say most, if not all, were amiable, easy to get along with, and fairly reasonable with their demands during the wedding. However, there were two couples that really caught my awe and admiration - Robert and Chanetel and Kent and Erna. 

These two sets of lovebirds were maintaining a long distance relationship for a couple of years, especially during the COVID Pandemic. 

Why do they stand out? 

They were FAITHFUL

Well, first among the many reasons was that these couples shared a steadfast faith for their partners. They remained faithful and hopeful amidst the uncertainties happening in the world. 

In early 2019, these two couples sought my services as a wedding planner. Both of them preferred to have their wedding on the month April of 2020. Of course we were all excited planning two weddings as the months went along. But lo and behold the Pandemic happened! It was a month before their supposed wedding events that the nationwide lockdowns were implemented. 

Well, we all knew what happened on those months. There was absolutely ZERO events allowed on that year. Everyone lived in fear, anxiety and uncertainty. 

They were HOPEFUL

Nonetheless, Robert and Chanetel remained faithful to their promise to each other and patiently waited and weathered the storms. While Kent and Erna went ahead with a simple Civil Wedding while looking forward to their Church Wedding. They both had high hopes of the day they could finally tie the knot! They always knew that their 'Big Day' would come eventually.

They truly LOVE each other

And it did! Their Big Day came with a Big Bang!

As January 2022 came, Kent and Erna braved the Level 3 Alert and finally pushed through with their Church Wedding in Panabo City.

Meanwhile, Robert and Chanetel were legally married in an Online Wedding Ceremony that was valid in the US and they had a valid marriage contract registered in the US. On May 14, 2022, their civil marriage was blessed by a Minister from Chanetel's church in Davao City.

Both weddings were beautiful, meaningful, and memorable. They braved the pandemic, they braved the challenges and nuances that came with the wedding planning process, and they emerged triumphant in all these obstacles. 

Here are some of the magnificent snapshots from Joemar Faelnar Photography of the two amazing wedding events of these two wonderful couples:

Kent and Erna | January 29, 2022 | Madonna Hotel, Panabo City

Ecclesiastes 3:11
"He makes all things beautiful in His time."

Robert and Chanetel | May 14, 2022 | RGEMS Event Place, Davao City

Isaiah 60:22
"When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen."

And so I end this post with a wish that in my future events, especially weddings, I could meet and help plan weddings that are God-ordained and made in heaven. 

True Love is rare and precious. In a world of break ups, divorces, separations, and family disintegration, may I continue to meet and work with couples whose desire is only to cherish, celebrate, and immortalize their commitment to love each in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, until death do they part. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-13
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. "

Expectations in 2022 as the Philippines Opens Up the Economy

Thank You 2021!  Hello, 2022!

To those who made it past 2021, you still have a God-ordained purpose in your life! Yep, that includes me!

If I have to describe 2021 in one word, it would be: "HOPEFUL". 

It was during last year when my husband and my brother were hit with the Coronavirus in separate months. My spouse had it severe, while my brother had it mild. Nonetheless, both instances were nerve-wracking, especially the part when my partner's health started the decline.

It was supposed to be a year of celebration because it marked the tenth (10th) year anniversary of our Events business but it was at the beginning of 2020 when Covid hit our country and it affected the Events industry big time! There were a lot of postponements and refunds that ultimately brought the business to crumbles. Although I could not speak for the other event planner, it was all my experience. 

The Transition

So, I did what every prudent person would do - seek other opportunities to earn which led me to full-time online writing. I got hired as a Software Technology Copywriter, Website Content Writer, and Editor thru a talent acquisition agency and I currently work for a software technology company based in the US. 

My Event staff also went searching for ways to earn a living despite the pandemic. 

We all had to find any type of job that could put food on the table and feed our families. 

Expectations in 2022

Now that the first quarter is coming to its conclusion, a lot of world events affected the policies of the government regarding hosting parties and conducting events. The entire Philippines is under Alert Level 1 which means very minimal risk of COVID cases is recorded daily.

Businesses, events, schools, and offices are now allowed to operate on full capacity and pre-pandemic activities provided MASKS remain and HAND Hygiene practices are in place.

Have vaccines worked?

There are no concrete answers to this question. The fact of the matter is that the Coronavirus mutates every few months to create another version of more potent or easily transmissible variants. Hence, lurking on the horizon is the Omicron variant that poses threat to the world once more. This will put us back into remote working, lockdowns, and limited to zero social events. 

But we are all hoping that while there's no guarantee of not getting infected or reinfection when getting the COVID jabs, studies have shown that vaccinated people have a lesser chance to experience life-threatening symptoms. 

Small to Large Business Activities will resume

Since the government reverted back to the pre-pandemic situation, expect that the economy will jump back to its feet. Businesses will be bustling and people will be spending. Money will circulate and the economy will recover slowly.

With the elections looming in May, the candidates will also shower money on the electorate in the hopes of winning a seat in the government. More money in the system, more spending activities will result in increased economic gains.

Travelers will surge around the country

The hotel and travel industry will probably liven up as more airports and flights open up to the public. Vaccine and COVID tests policies have been suspended allowing travelers to freely roam in and out of the country just like before the pandemic, but keeping the MASK ON.

For two years, people have stayed within the boundaries of their homes and communities. The unfolding of the events will boost tourism as people will want to experience travel without restrictions once more. 

Meetings, Conventions, Seminar, Weddings, and Events

This year will favor the events industry once more. Celebrations will spike up. The gathering of friends and family will resume to pre-pandemic modes. There will be national meetings, conventions, and incentives all around the country and it will definitely open up a lot of businesses - small to large scales.

This year is the perfect time to plan for weddings, birthdays, and other life milestones. The government has also lifted the event permit requirements freeing many event organizers to easily conduct events in the open.

In addition, business investments will also increase as the country opens up to foreign investors easing up business processing and registration. 

Workplace and School Transitions

As offices open up, some workers who got used to the home setup will have to adjust to the office set up once more. No more working in pajamas kind of workday and no more binge-eating in front of the computer while performing tasks.

The hybrid work will probably stay. Some day people will be in the office and other days, they will be working from home. 

Of course, students will be back in the classrooms soon. Time for gadgets will be reduced which will be beneficial to the child's mental health.

Traffic

Who loves traffic? No one! But traffic is a sign of progress. It means people are going out, spending their money, and can afford car loans! ha!

Kidding aside, we should embrace traffic because it is already a part of life. The way to counter traffic situations is planning ahead and time management. 

The Takeaway

Exciting things are happening as more people finally get a taste of freedom after being held hostage by the COVID 19 pandemic. Despite the wars and other crises on the other side of the world, Filipinos continue to improve, boost, and start all over again. 

The economy will recover, business establishments will open up, start-up businesses will sprout everywhere and soon we will all be occupied with many outside-the-house activities once more. Social connections will be beyond the cellphones, and meaningful relationships will strengthen along the way.

There are so many possibilities waiting for us and I sure hope we all learned a thing or two about being at home with our families during the pandemic!

Thus, may we all stay safe and keep the minimum health practices while we go out into the world and engage with our passion projects!

Stay Safe Everyone!

Finally Freedom at last!