The Kasalang Batagueño-Ilocana Suppliers Rating (The Hotel where we stayed)

This would be our contribution to the group. As much as possible, we won’t be using the word OC (since it has been overused here already) and we would detail our rating so it could serve you as a guide. Our verdict is based on how we coordinated with them (from start to finish) and it shouldn’t be a sole basis whether you book this certain supplier or not (different strokes for different folks). Here is how we would be rating our wedding team. Sorry for the very long delay XD.

All pictures here were taken by Ariel Javelosa and Joey Boquiren.  

Legend:

5 and Up: Oh Yeah! Swabeng-Swabeh!!! (Book them while still available)

4 - 4.99: Swabeng-Swabeh!!! (Very Good)

3 – 3.99: Swabeh!!! (Quite Ok)

2 – 2.99: Swabeh Lang!!! (Needs Improvement)

0 – 1.99: Hindi Swabeh!!! (Now you know)

By Joey Boquiren

Bridal Preparation: Orchid Garden Suites

Address: 620 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Street, Malate, Manila, Philippines

Contact: Ms Maya (My Mom knows her)

Tel Nos: 523-9870, 523-9860, 523-9836, 523-9829

Email: orchidgarden@pldtdsl.net

Cost: Around 10-12K all in all (2009 Rate)

Inclusions: 3D/2N stay at Executive Suite 1002. Overnight Stay at Executive Suite 1004 and Overnight stay at Standard room 1001

Verdict: Oh Yeah! Swabeng-Swabeh!!!

 By Joey Boquiren

Wedding Kwento: We started to look for hotels since March of 2009 that would not jut fit our budget but also more accessible to our church and venue. We inquired each hotel but they didn’t allow us to do room inspection. When we went to Orchid Garden Suites last March, the staffs were accommodating and when we asked if it’s ok to take a look at their rooms, they allowed us to do so. But we didn’t find anything special about their rooms plus they don’t have any grand staircase or any good spots for pictorials. Also they don’t have buffet meals there (their meals are plated) unlike other hotels I’ve been to before.

By Ariel Javelosa

I’ve checked reviews of Orchid Garden from w@w and I didn’t see any negative feedback from them so we still keep them as our last option. During our 3^rd Anniversary (as bf-gf), we visited Manila Pavillion and Diamond Hotel to see if we could choose between them. With Manila Pavilion, their rates are ok but they charge an additional Php 1,500 per person in excess of 3. With Diamond Hotel, they gave us a package that allows us to have a photoshoot at their grand staircase and other nice locations. However, their rates are simply high (like diamonds in the sky). We also considered Century Hotel in Vito Cruz since we were impressed with their staircase but still, it’s quite expensive as well. With that, Orchid Garden Suites came back to the picture.

By Joey Boquiren

It was last October we decided to book Orchid Garden Suites since my Mom knew the Sales Manager personally. We got The Executive Suite and Family Room at a discounted rate. Plus their breakfast meals were now buffeted as well so that really made us to go for it. 

By Joey Boquiren

When I checked in at around 9:15pm, I felt the comfort of my room away from home. Though my room (Standard) was small, the room was good for two people and it was adjacent with my mom’s executive suite. However my best man wasn’t able to come since traffic was so heavy down south. I was able to sleep well even if I slept at 1:00am on the day of our wedding and got up at around 5:45am. Their breakfast buffet was really filling that I didn’t need to take my lunch even if Jo-Anne advised me to. They don’t have that grand staircase but our photographers were able to take beautiful pictures using the suite’s scenery.

By Joey Boquiren

The staffs were courteous, polite and quick in our requests which make me feel at ease. They didn’t charge us for any food bought outside the hotel unlike others. We would definitely recommend this to any soon-to-be married couple who are on a tight budget

From Joey Boquiren

Realization: If it wasn’t for budget constraints, we could have gotten Diamond Hotel because of its Grand Staircase and other picturesque parts plus its proximity near Ramon Magsaysay Center and their buffet breakfast. Or we could have looked for any 5-Star Hotel near to our venue of choice. 

By Joey Boquiren

Recommended for: Couples on a budget and doesn’t mind having their photos taken without any grand staircase since your photographer will be the one who would create dramatic pictures. 

By Joey Boquiren

Other Suppliers Considered (Given the same amount of time for preparations): G Hotel, Manila Pavillion, Bayview Hotel 

From Joey Boquiren

If we started our preparations last Dec 2007, we could have gotten: Diamond Hotel, Century Hotel, Sofitel, Manila Hotel, any 5-Star Hotel near our Wedding Venue. 

By Ariel Javelosa

By Ariel Javelosa