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Davao wedding

Discussion in 'Hotel and Travel reviews' started by markallanwainwright, Nov 28, 2018.

  1. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    In the process of my planning a wedding in Davao for next March. Although my fiance is from that area (Panabo) she doesn't have any idea of where to have ceremony or reception. Luckily she only wants a small affair so we are looking at about 10 To 20 for actual ceremony then about 20 to 30 for afternoon reception.
    Don't want to travel to Samal, intend staying in Davao. Want a shaded garden wedding, simple affair then maybe book a restaurant for reception. Has anyone got any suggestions for venues? We will both be in Davao two weeks before wedding to hunt around but don't even know what area we should be looking. There last month we stayed in Red Planet hotel, good enough but nothing much in that area.
    Appreciate any advice.
  2. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    I'm afraid to say that all the wedding venues in and around Davao are aimed at somewhat larger parties than you indicate and will be priced accordingly. Also you'll find it hard to book separate venues for the ceremony and the reception, it's not the way it works in the Philippines.

    I assume you're planning a civil ceremony before a judge. I'd suggest you get married in his office/chambers and then all meet at a restaurant for the reception. There are three I'd recommend:
    1. De Borderij - Dutch for "The Farm"- Opposite S&R shopping warehouse on General MacArthur Highway, Matina. It's owned by a Dutch expat and his Dabawenyo wife. I reviewed it five years ago and I understand from friends in the city that little has changed since.
    2. Claude's Le Cafe de Ville - situated within the Oboza Heritage House on Rizal Street in Davao city centre. The owner, Claude, is a former French seafaring gourmet chef and he's hands-on supervising both the cooking and the service. Its menu has French, Continental, and Asian choices - their soufflés, sweet and savoury, in particular are to die for - but this will be a more expensive option.
    3. Jolibee - and I offer that with a completely straight face, given that you'll probably be the only long nosed individual in the party!
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  3. DavidAlma
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    DavidAlma Well-Known Member

    I agree with the suggestion of Claude De Ville, great food. You might also consider Bondi & Bourke, again great food. If you don't mind a journey, you could also consider Eden Nature Park. Just a pointer for De Borderij, don't go there on a Thursday afternoon, it's a popular hangout for expats and may be a bit full.
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2018
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  4. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Last edited: Nov 28, 2018
  5. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Yes, I noticed that most venues only cater for 100 plus guests so that throws the package idea out the window. Still looking around for options, including the chambers.
    Funny you mention Jollibee, so did I in a semi jokingly way to the gf.
    Update.....wedding may now be taking place in Manila or Quezon so my question above is kind of defunct.
  6. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    Ouch. That's gonna be expensive whether or not you find yourself paying for 30 or so assorted friends and family to fly up from Davao. If that's the case, then may I suggest that you choose two guests to accompany you and hold the actual wedding in Hong Kong with the reception in Davao/Panabo a few days later. The Big advantage is that you won't have to wait 3 months or so for the PSA to issue your Marriage Certificate before your (now) wife can apply for a UK visa.
  7. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Haha, no the family will not be flying to Manila, just Mama.
  8. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Are you talking from experience about getting married in HK? I'm reading up on it now, seems so much more straightforward and could be doable for us.
  9. DavidAlma
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    DavidAlma Well-Known Member

    If you're considering getting married outside of the Philippines, give some thought to Seychelles. We got married there and it was an absolute dream. Minimum of paperwork and a glorious ceremony on the beach.
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  10. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Thanks for input David Looks like a great option apart from prices. Flight from MNL £1000 each, hotel for week £1700 most basic wedding £550. Will continue searching for better offers.
  11. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    Yes! Mae and I decided we wanted a quiet wedding. You have to be in Hong Kong and register in person at Immigration at least 3 full days prior to the planned wedding date so we travelled there on a Sunday and our witnesses flew-in the day before. We completed the formalities on the Monday, got married on Thursday and Mae spent Friday at the Philippine Embassy registering the marriage -- this last step is optional unless you plan to live in the Philippines.
  12. DavidAlma
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    DavidAlma Well-Known Member

    Yes it's not the cheapest, but hey you only do it once right?, well maybe twice, or......................:)
  13. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    After much Googling have decided to marry in Quezon, short honeymoon in PI then go for reception in Panabo with Mary's family.
    Thanks for all your help and advice.
  14. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    4 times in my case
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  15. johnc
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    johnc Member

    I have not been on here a while but just see your post, me and the wife got married in tagum (church wedding) 3 years ago have you looked at the big8 hotel in tagum if i remember right they cater for weddings and there are plenty of venues to have a small function after the actual wedding and panabo is not too far from tagum hope this helps all the best.
  16. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    Thanks everyone for the input. Our plan is now to marry in Quezon. She lives around there and I'm in UK. I'm now going to pick your brains and get advice to see if I'm reading correctly, how to go about arranging things.
    OK, Iv'e filled in and printed off the Affirmation, not signed. Got an appointment at British Embassy for March 7th and will be taking passport, proof of address (UK drivers licence and utility bill), my divorce papers and of course cash. I understand it will be cleared there and then so next it's off to registry with gf, there I've been informed we need her birth cert - do I need mine? We'll also need to attend Family Planning but not marriage counselling as we are both over 25yrs.....or is it other way around? She will also need Cenomar and a certification of Singlehood from Brgy. Captain. Is that all?
    Once papers are submitted we have to wait around a while, 10 to 14 days she was told, before we get permission to marry.
    Does that sound about right?
  17. Heathen
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    Heathen Active Member

    I got married in Maramag, Mindanao, just this past April, get your other half to visit the city hall if thats where you plan to marry ask them what local requirements are needed, I was a divorcee from the Uk, but I also had to get a Cenomar for myself saying i wasnt currently married in Phills, my wife and i are both over 25 but we had to do the Counselling thing, but not the FP, we also had to get a tree planting Cert from the Barangay, you really need your Fiancee to visit the local City Hall, and find out what the local requirements are for you BOTH, even though you are a foreigner..
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  18. markallanwainwright
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    markallanwainwright Member

    I heard about that tree planting thing, I guess it's a voluntary thing but if you don't do it then it could hinder getting married?
    My gf is off to City Hall tomorrow to get more info.
  19. Heathen
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    Heathen Active Member

    Nope for us it wasnt voluntary it was a requirement, We couldnt get married without having done it, actually we didnt plant a Tree we just paid a fee to get the paperwork, Brother In Law works for the Barangay ;).

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