Why [not] Say "I DO" To A Cebu Wedding?

Why would a couple choose Cebu for their wedding? “Why not,” a Cebuana friend answered me incredulously.

Say I DO to an Island Wedding in Mactan, Cebu.
Wedding Photo by Ariel Javelosa Photography.

The look on her face was the perfect response for my asking such a ridiculous question. Silly me! Cebu will not be dubbed as the Queen of the South for no reason. Being a center of commerce and trade, Cebu is undoubtedly the world-beater of the Southern Philippines and is one of the country’s strongest economies. But this is not the only reason why people flock to Cebu. Business people, tourists and couples travel to take pleasure in the beautiful scenery Cebu offers. Most of them choose the Queen City for their special occasions, such as weddings, for it offers a diversity of beautiful, exotic, and romantic places. Cebu also boasts of abundant supplier resources to make event planning truly hassle-free. Moreover, Cebu doesn’t just offer what a couple need for their most special moment, instead, it offers the best. From wedding venues to wedding photographers, from wedding gown designers to wedding caterers – Cebu has proven to be a powerhouse. So the better question to ask is: Why NOT say “I do” in Cebu?

Read more abou Cebu Weddings....

Wet and Romantic: Underwater Wedding in Hundred Islands Park

ALAMINOS CITY – A day before Valentine’s Day, a couple renewed their wedding vows underwater near Kagaw Island, a part of the Hundred Islands.

Mike Sision, Alaminos Tourism Officer, said that the couple really wanted an underwater wedding but it was only now that they were able to make arrangements for it. They renewed their vows while fulfilling their dream wedding underwater. Mayor Hernani Braganza of Alaminos City, Pangasinan officiated the wedding ceremony with eight licensed scuba divers to witness the event.

Alaminos City also invites other couples who would want to have an underwater wedding to arrange it with the Alaminos Tourism Office. The important requirement is that the couple knows how to scuba dive.
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Kasal.com thanks the following source for this article:

Liezl Basa Iñigo. Manila Bulletin. Couple to wed underwater in Hundred Islands Park (posted on Feb. 12, 2011) Retrieved on Feb. 17, 2011 from
http://mb.pressmart.com/manilabulletin/PUBLICATIONS/MANILABULLETIN/MB/2011/02/13/ArticleHtmls/Couple-to-wed-underwater-in-Hundred-Islands-Park-13022011018011.shtml?Mode=1

2010 Tourist Arrivals Promises Better Year for Wedding and Tourism

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Tourism has just released a positive report on the status of Philippine tourism despite the series of mishaps that has happened including the hostage taking of a tourist bus in Manila. As the Department continues to undertake aggressive marketing and promotion of the Philippines as a safe and secure tourist destination, the market is anticipated to continue growing. And with the beauty of the Philippine islands gaining popularity for destination weddings, Philippine hotels, resorts, tourism- and wedding-related establishments can finally breath a sigh of relief and look forward to better business for 2011. 

Romantic and secluded Pearl Farm Resort

According to the reports, inbound tourists to the Philippines reached 3.52 million, surpassing the 3.3 million earlier set by the Department. “South Korea topped the list with 740,622 arrivals, followed by the United States with 600,165, Japan with 358,744, China 187,446, Australia 147,469, Taiwan 142,455, Hong Kong 133,746 and Singapore 121,083, Canada 106,345 and Britain 96,925.”

Shopping (27 per cent), food and beverage (26.8 per cent), accommodation (23 per cent) and entertainment/recreation (16 per cent) were among those being spent on by tourists.

DOT Secretary Alberto Lim said that the renewed confidence and spirit in the Philippines as a tourist destination was brought about by the entry of the new administration last July. The second half of 2010 showed growth at 21.2 percent than the first semester’s increase at 12.2 percent.

Pristine white sands of Bohol Beach Club

On a monthly basis, December was recorded to have the highest number of tourists. Arrivals at this month also increased by 24.9 against last 2009. (And did you know that December is the peak season for weddings in the Philippines? )

“Visitor receipts grew by 11.3 per cent to US$ 2.49 or P112.55 billion over the 2009 receipts of US$ 2.23 (P106.38 billion). This feat is brought by the increase in visitor average daily expenditure by 10.8 percent to US$ 83.93 while average length of stay remained at eight nights.”
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Kasal.com thanks the following source for this article:

Breitbart. Tourist arrivals in Philippines reach all time high in 2010+ (Posted on Jan. 28, 2011) Retrieved on January 31,  2011 from http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9L19UOO0&show_article=1

Manila Bulletin. Foreign tourists arrival in 2010 was an all-time high (Posted on Jan 28. 2011) Retrieved on January 31, 2011 from http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/301165/foreign-tourists-arrival-2010-was-alltime-high

More Details on Ogie and Regine's Wedding

As their Philippine wedding draws near, more details are revealed about Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez's wedding.

In an interview with entertainment program Showbiz News Ngayon, Ogie himself confirmed that their wedding will be on December 22, 2010 at Club Punta Fuego in Batangas. Furthermore, he shared that Janno Gibbs and Michael V, his close friends from comedy gag show Bubble Gang, will be part of his wedding entourage. Still included is President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino, who has earlier confirmed his participation in the celebrity couple's wedding.

One of the principal sponsors of the wedding, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Dra. Vicky Belo provided Regine's wedding gown, made by Filipino-American bridal gown designer Monique Lhuilier. Dra. Belo dispelled rumors that the wedding gown of the Asia's Songbird costs $36, 000.00 (P1.6 million). She said the gown only costs $8, 000.00 (around P34,000.00).

In another interview, Regine said that Ogie himself contacted the international fashion designer, who happens to be daughter of one of his principal sponsors, M. Lhuillier owners Michel and Amparito Lhuillier. She also revealed that that she will not be wearing a white nor red wedding gown. She will wear a wedding gown that has a shade of red. "Basta ang alam ko lang, I don't wanna wear white sana. Kasi, kinasal na rin ako ng ilang beses sa movie, at saka hindi na rin naman ako 16, [What I know is this, I don't wanna wear white because I've been married a few times in my movies and I'm not 16 (years old) anymore] she said.

Ogie, iwho has been very hands-on in planning their wedding, will have his Philippine wedding attire made by Philippine wedding fashion icon Randy Ortiz.

The soon-to-wed couple plans to spend their honeymoon in Europe, specifically in Positano, Italy.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources:
Showbiz News Ngayon, ABS-CBN. Ogie, Regine plan to go to Europe after wedding (Posted November 3, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/03/10/ogie-regine-plan-go-europe-after-wedding

Brosas, Alex Valentin, Manila Bulletin. Ogie Alcasid shares wedding details (Posted November 3, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/285612/ogie-alcasid-shares-wedding-details

ABS-CBNNews.com. Ogie confirms wedding with Regine on Dec. 22 (Posted October 29, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/29/10/ogie-confirms-wedding-regine-dec-22

ABS-CBNNews.com. Regine Velasquez's P1.6-M wedding gown disputed (Posted September 26, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/26/10/regine-velasquezs-wedding-gown-costs-p16m

Dumaual, Mario, TV Patrol. Regine nakapili na ng wedding gown (Posted September 9, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/09/09/10/regine-wedding-gown-not-gonna-be-white

Garcia, Rose, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Regine Velasquez on her wedding gown: "Basta, ang alam ko lang, I don't wanna wear white...hindi na rin naman ako 16!" (Posted September 5, 2010) Retrieved November 3, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/26691/Regine-Velasquez-on-her-wedding-gown:-Basta,-ang-alam-ko-lang,-I-dont-wanna-wear-white.

Maggie Wilson and Construction Magnate Beau to have Beach Wedding in December

2007 Binibining Pilipinas World Margaret Nales 'Maggie' Wilson will tie the knot with her fiance, construction and property developer magnate Victor Consunji on December 21, 2010 at Misibis Bay Rain Tree Resort in Legazpi City, Albay.

During a press conference for her television show, Maggie shared that her wedding entourage is like a beauty pageant since most of her bridesmaids are beauty queens. These include 2009 Miss Earth Philippines Sandra Seifert, 2008 Bb. Pilipinas World Danielle Castano, 2007 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Anna Theresa Licaros, 2007 Bb. Pilipinas International Nadia Shami, 2007 Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Abby Cruz and 2006 Bb. Pilipinas World Anna Maris Igpit. TV host and video jock Kat Alano will be Maggie's maid of honor.

In a previous interview, the beauty queen-turned-actress revealed that her Philippine wedding entourage will be walking down the aisle wearing a Rajo Laurel wedding attire. She, on the other hand, will exchange vows with her husband-to-be donning a Vera Wang wedding gown.

Despite her upcoming wedding, she stressed that she will not leave showbiz, adding that that her husband-to-be is very supportive of her career. However, she'll definitely take a break from showbiz once she becomes pregnant.

Maggie and Victor met each other in 2008. They officially became a couple on May of 2009.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources:
Cruz, Marinel, Philippine Daily Inquirer. Marrying not for the money (Posted October 17, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20101017-298234/Marrying-not-for-the-money

Francisco-Prieto, Ria, Philippine Daily Inquirer. How 4 brides-to-be are preparing for the Big Day (Posted October 15, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/fashionandbeauty/fashionandbeauty/view/20101015-297726/How-4-brides-to-be-are-preparing-for-the-Big-Day

Godinez, Bong, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Maggie Wilson says Beauty Queen exposes the "ugly side" of beauty pageants (Posted October 14, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/27067/Maggie-Wilson-says-Beauty-Queen-exposes-the-ugly-side-of-beauty-pageants/1/2

Asiñas, Noel, Journal Online. Maggie wilson to wear an expensive wedding gown on her special day (Posted October 13, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/showbiz-tsismis/20213-maggie-wilson-to-wear-expensive-wedding-gownon-her-special-day.html

Robin and Mariel to have Catholic Wedding by Christmas, Clarified Baguio Wedding Issue

Controversial newlywed couple Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez clarified the issue that surrounded their Baguio wedding held last September 13. Furthermore, they announced that they will have a Philippine church wedding ceremony before the year ends.

In an interview with Tina Monzon Palma last September 21, Robin finally broke his silence and set the record straight about the status of his relationship with the TV host-actress. He said that he and Mariel tied the knot last August 19 at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Asked if Padilla asked for Mariel's hand in marriage from her parents, the 'Bad Boy of Philippine Cinema' gave a vague reply.

Prior to the confession, Robin left the country last August 9 to go to India for the duration of the Ramadan. Eight days after, Mariel followed him and this was when they actually tied the knot in India. When they got back, reports surfaced that the two indeed got married but they kept mum about it. Then, on September 13, news broke out that the two got married in an Ibaloi wedding ceremony done in Baguio City.

During the same interview, Mariel said that they weren’t the ones who came up with the Baguio ‘wedding photos.' According to her, the alleged Ibaloi wedding ritual was a war dance and a display of the Ibaloi culture. This statement is contrary to what mamburao Jimmy Ong said when the Baguio wedding came out.

Mariel, in a separate interview, said that they will have a Philippine Catholic wedding before the year ends. The second wedding will be for their family and friends here. She said that the reason why they kept quiet about the real status of their relationship is that they felt it was not the right time yet. She also said that they "have to fix stuff with Ali". Ali is the youngest son of Robin wtih ex-wife Liezel Sicangco.

The actress added the India wedding was called "nikah," a matrimonial ceremony between the bride, the groom and Allah. "It's between Robin, me, and God. It's a Muslim rite," Rodriguez said. About the issue with her family, she stressed that her grandparents knew about the wedding. During the interview, the new Mrs. Padilla shared that she has no regrets about marrying Padilla. At this point, she believes that the overwhelming love and happiness that they have for each other would help them surpass the hurdles along the way.

During an event over the weekend where the newlyweds were guests, they said that they may have their Catholic wedding ceremony on December 25.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources:
Godinez, Bong, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez plan a church wedding before the year ends (Posted September 26, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/26911/Robin-Padilla-and-Mariel-Rodriguez-plan-a-church-wedding-before-the-year-ends

Siazon, Rachelle, PUSH.com.ph. Mariel Rodriguez faces issues about her wedding (Posted September 26, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/26/10/mariel-rodriguez-faces-issues-about-wedding-robin

Lo, Ricardo, The Philippine Star (Funfare). Robin & Mariel: A puzzlement! (Posted September 23, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=614517bv

Lozano Marie, TV Patrol World. Robin at Mariel umaming ikinasal sa India (Posted September 22, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/09/22/10/robin-and-mariel-admit-marriage-india

Palma, Tina Monzon, The World Tonight. Robin Padilla: I married Mariel in India (full interview) India (Posted September 21, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/09/21/10/robin-padilla-i-married-mariel-india-full-interview

abs-cbnNEWS.com. Mariel to marry Robin again (Posted September 22, 2010) Retrieved September 27, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/22/10/mariel-marry-robin-again

Two Baguio Wedding Ceremonies for Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez

News recently surfaced about action star Robin Padilla and TV host Mariel Rodriguez exchanging vows twice - a traditional Baguio wedding ceremony and one officiated by a pastor – last Monday, Sept. 13.

Based on said reports, Robin and Mariel wore ethnic attires during their Ibaloi wedding ceremony held at the compound of the Carino family in Camp 7, Baguio City. A mambunong (native Ibaloi priest), identified as Jimmy Ong, officiated their first wedding ceremony, which lasted for an hour-and-a-half. Only a handful of guests were present at the wedding, including Robin’s son, Ali.

As part of the ethnic wedding ceremony, the newlywed celebrity couple drank tapuy (rice wine) as a symbol of their love. Later, Robin and Mariel performed the tayaw dance, to show the public that they are now husband and wife. A pig was offered and its blood was smeared on the face of the newlywed couple.

After their Ibaloi wedding, the two again exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony officiated by a pastor. As of press time, no details about the second wedding were available.

Robin, a known Muslim convert, said that the reason why he chose to tie the knot in an Ibaloi wedding ceremony is because his mother, Eva Carino, is an Igorot.

A report from Philippine Entertainment Portal published today posted a statement by Robin sent through his manager, Bethcay Vidanes. The message reads, “Ang mga naganap sa lupa ng mga Cariño sa Baguio ay isa lamang sa mga nagaganap na yugto sa aming pag-ibig at sa nalapit na programa sa ABS-CBN. Walang dapat ipangamba ang mga kapatiran, kababayan at katribo sapagkat ang pagsunod namin ay sa Islam, ang pagpupugay namin ay sa Kristiyanismo at ang pakikiisa namin ay sa kultura at tradisyong Pilipino (sic).”

Mariel Rodriguez’s camp has not aired any statement regarding their wedding. Mariel’ manager, Boy Abunda, said in an interview that he was also surprised about the wedding news.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources:
Santiago, Erwin, Philippine Entertainment Portal. FIRST READ ON PEP: Robin Padilla issues statement on his "double wedding" with Mariel Rodriguez (Posted September 17, 2010) Retrieved September 17, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/26822/%3Cstrong%3EFIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-%3C-strong%3ERobin-Padilla-issues-statement-on-his-double-wedding-with-Mariel-Rodriguez

Castro, Roldan, Philippine Entertainment Portal. Boy Abunda also surprised by Mariel Rodriguez's back-to-back shocking news (Posted September 17, 2010) Retrieved September 17, 2010 from
http://www.pep.ph/news/26820/Boy-Abunda-also-surprised-by-Mariel-Rodriguez%27s-back-to-back-shocking-news/

Wallis, Myra, TV Patrol, ABS-CBN. Robin and Mariel wed in Ibaloi ceremony. (Posted September 16, 2010) Retrieved September 17, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/09/16/10/robin-and-mariel-wed-ibaloi-ceremony

Boracay Wedding Resorts Now Offering Lower Accommodation Rate

Are you a soon-to-wed couple who dreams of a Boracay wedding but can't afford one? This might be a good time to rethink your option as some resorts in Boracay are now offering lower accommodation rates.

In an interview, Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) President Loubelle Cann said that some resorts in this famous Philippine wedding destination are offering discounts on room accommodation by as much as 50 percent to counter the canceled reservation of tourists from China and Hong Kong. According to Cann, the cancellation was triggered by the recent Qurino Grandstand hostage crisis.

Ms. Cann said that though the incident was an isolated case, they still have to deal with the loss of bookings. Based on recent interviews, Boracay Island resorts and hotels reported already having lost a total of PhP 7.4 million worth of reservation one day after the incident. Department of Tourism Western Visayas Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said that the losses could reach up to P20-30 million, if other expenses like transportation, food, souvenirs, and other services are factored in.

Ms. Cann, however, is optimistic that the situation will normalize in two months' time and the influx of domestic tourists, like soon-to-wed couples, will make up for the current loss. She said the lower rates plus the good weather on the island would hopefully attract more local tourists. To complement the discounts offered by Boracay wedding resorts and hotels, BFI has asked airline companies offering flights from Manila to Caticlan or Kalibo, Aklan, which serves as the jump-off point to Boracay, to offer airfare discounts as well.

On the other hand, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries - Boracay Vice President David Golberg said that they have not monitored any such undertaking among their member resorts and hotels.

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Kasal.com thanks the following sources:
Burgos,
Nestor Jr., Inquirer Visayas. Boracay lures tourists with low prices
(Posted September 5, 2010) Retrieved September 6, 2010 from
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Angelo,
Francis Allan (Correspondent), BusinessWorld. Resorts in Boracay start
counting losses as Chinese tourists cancel reservation (Posted August
26, 2010) Retrieved September 6, 2010 from
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