Top Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Venue

Wedding celebrations are among the most awaited events by couples from all over the world. It's a sacred day where they get to formally exchange their vows in front of their families and friends.

As such, adequate preparation is necessary to ensure that the celebration runs smoothly and the guests are taken care of well. An essential starting point for all types of planning is the selection of wedding venues. Aside from the convenience factor, sites can add color and life to your event especially if you're planning to follow a theme.

Before you take your pick, be sure to check on the following considerations.

Size of your guest list

Sit down with your partner and make a list of the people you wish to invite on your special day. If you want the gathering to be small and private, then limiting your guest list to your family members and closest friends is a fine choice. For big gatherings, on the other hand, listing down the contact details of each person as well as the potential individuals they might bring along with them is necessary.

Either way, the size of your guests will affect your venue selection. Typical areas have a particular limit as to the number of people they can hold. Find that location that can house your expected number of guests.

Event budget

In as much as how you wish to get that dream venue, it won't be feasible if your budget cannot afford the place. Knowing your budget helps you narrow down your list to those areas that are fit within your capacities to pay. 

Create a sample breakdown of all the expenses and see how much you can allocate for the venue alone. Going beyond the budget will affect the money allocation you have for other factors so make sure to be detailed in the calculations.

Date availability

Popular wedding sites are typically reserved for couples ahead of time knowing that others may have an eye on it too. You should do the same. This is especially true when you're planning to get wed on favorite season picks for the wedding. If you already have a date, make sure to double check and see if the venue is available at that time.

Package inclusion

When you choose a venue, take the time to ask whether the offer is just right for the location or will it include extra services like catering food and even providing souvenirs. There are exclusive wedding spots that do this. If you wish to have a hassle-free preparation in having to scout for individual services, might as well choose those that offer all-in-one.

Referrals

It wouldn't hurt to ask a person or two to give you some ideas on how good the location is. If you haven't done an ocular inspection yet, you may have doubts on whether the photos you see online really live up to the appearance of the actual location. Don't hesitate to ask the owner of the venue for referrals. If they're confident with what they provide, they must be able to give you names of previous clients who will be willing to share their reviews about the place.

Accessibility of location

Last but not the least is the place's accessibility. How easy is it for guests to travel from their homes towards the venue. Some sites may look great but is only accessible by private shuttles provided by the site owner. Before choosing a place, consider the convenience of your attendees when it comes to transportation. Some of them may want to bring their vehicles on the way. Be sure to explore the options.

Weddings, often happen once in a person's entire life. This is exactly why couples pay close attention to its preparation, making sure that every aspect of the event is well addressed. Start listing down things to accomplish and find the best venue!  

Shop 'Till you Drop at these 5 Biggest Malls in Manila!

Having a vacation and staying away from your hometown wouldn't be complete in the absence of shopping. Whether you're buying some necessities or just picking up souvenir items to bring back home, knowing the best Manila shopping malls could help you save time from having to sort out all the areas in the metro.

Here are five of the most popular a and most visited areas by people residing outside the city. Drop by anytime and enjoy shopping!

SM Mall of Asia

MOA (Mall of Asia) is known to be the 4th largest mall in the Philippines and the 11th biggest in the whole world.

It houses over 600 shops apart from the leading department store and food court. It also has an attractive outdoor walkway perfect for sunset viewing. In some special events, you can even enjoy pyrotechnic display. Apart from the variety of shopping areas you can explore, Mall of Asia also boasts the biggest IMAX theater. So if you'd like to experience high-quality 3D movies right after shopping, this mall is the place to go.

Greenbelt

If you're looking for a lavish, classy shopping area that caters to your needs in one go, Greenbelt is an apt choice. It's considered as one of the most upscale malls and is often frequented by a lot of foreigners and business people because of its strategic location.

The mall is divided into Greenbelt 1,2,3 and 4, each catering to specific areas like cinemas, stores, restaurants and more.

SM Megamall

From the name itself, you get the idea that it's a huge mall and in fact, it is. It's the 4th largest one in the whole world! So if you like the idea of strolling along the place and visiting different shops for hours, then SM Megamall will indeed treat you to some of the best products you might not found in other locations.

It has a total of 5 shopping buildings that houses different shops for your needs. You can go to Building A to watch cinemas or visit the Toy Kingdom, building D for the ice skating rink, The Atrium for restaurants and event venues and so on. It might take you hours to explore the entire place, but if that's what you're up to then feel free to have a go!

Glorietta

Just like the previous ones we've listed, this mall is also subdivided into sections to facilitate easier shopping for the people. It's near Greenbelt and Rustans Makati, making it a natural choice for anyone who is around the area and wants to make a quick shopping detour.

Despite its notoriety for explosion and bombing issues in the past, it remains among the top picks of shopping malls around Manila primarily because of its features and accessibility.

SM City North EDSA

And now we're down to our last recommendation in this list which you should not miss! This mall is the largest mall in the Philippines and the third in the whole world.

It's widely known as an eco-friendly shopping center because of its extensive usage of solar panels. Then entire mall is divided into nine parts, housing different facilities, and shop sections. Among its most popular attractions include the Sky Garden which has a simulated river and waterfalls.

Shopping is one of the favorite past times by a lot of Filipinos. Don't miss Manila's best and be ready with your shopping list before you head out. If you're not planning to buy anything, you can always try out the beautiful attractions and sheer grandeur of the malls' architecture! Have fun!  

What to Expect during a MICE Event?

With the current global economy's dynamic and continued growth, it's safe to stay that more foreign entrepreneurs are likely to invest in quality labor force such as here in the Philippines.

But given the differences in company expectations and the working culture observed by Filipinos, there remains a challenge of how to breach the gap to arrive at a common ground and pursue a clear goal altogether.

It's the idea of boosting the knowledge of employees, volunteers and other active participants in a project that makes MICE tourism an effective event for different people. The Philippines has hosted some these events and is showing an enormous potential of hosting more of it as investors and business people pay more interest in the country.

Today, we'll have a quick look at what MICE is and what to expect from it.

MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conferences and Events)

It's an acronym used to describe events that are conducted in groups, wherein a certain number of people is brought to a particular location to attend something, be a representative of their organization or purely as a reward from their employer.

M – Meeting

This one more like covers corporate conferences that usually brings in people who run the business. A good example would be a company's board of directors meeting with a business partner's new investors to discuss the future of their investment.

I – Incentive

This is often given to top-performing employees who did significant contribution to the company. The head or the owner usually conducts an awarding ceremony wherein the incentive to travel abroad is given to a person or select people as a reward.

This also cover those overseas team training organized by employers through which workers could both learn something new while at the same time enjoying some recreation time.

C – Conferences

This one covers all those assemblies and conferences organized by academic institutions or organizations. International associations, for instance, who wish to send a group of student representatives for an international convention overseas is a good example. Annual conferences and world congress also fall into this category.

E- Events

This is otherwise known as exhibitions. Trade shows, cultural and sports events fall in this category. Some companies or individuals with break-through discoveries can join trade shows to present their product to select guests who may be interested to sponsor their project.

Government agencies who are in-charge for cultural and heritage promotion can conduct cultural shows like traditional plays, antique displays and even film showing of local movies to introduce to the younger generations the importance of their ancestry.

Where does MICE take place?

Few convention centers can host MICE events all year round, but the top picks especially by people in the corporate world are those luxury hotels, resort, and casino that offer both a convenient location and top-notch facilities.

What can you expect from the event?

Depending on the type of activity you will be doing, there are some exciting and educational things you can learn from a full MICE tour. For meetings, you can expect an indoor facility where the gathering should take place. For incentives, you'll get the chance to travel around the selected destination and visit the best tourist spots in the location.

For conferences, you will likely meet new people from around the world who share the same interests and profession as you do. Last, on events, you will be able to see lots of fascinating display from antiques and home designs to the most bizarre art creation.

Over the years, there is an increasing number of people who invest on MICE regularly to empower their workers or team members. If you think it's time to hold your own, it's great to know that there are luxury hotel packages you can choose from to cover the venue and equipment you will use for the event.

List down your needs and be ready to host the next convention in your place!

Four Reasons Why M.I.C.E Should be Supported by The Government

What is MICE? 

To the unaware and uninformed, MICE is an acronym for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Generally planned well in advance, it is a type of tourism wherein large groups are brought together and are geared towards a specific purpose. Once a location has been slated for this particular event, a gathering with a striking semblance to a convention takes place. Apart from this, the MICE industry is essentially what you would call a service industry. It encompasses finance, travel, trade and transportation and is characterized by three highs: high growth potential, highly beneficial innovation as well as high added values. As a result, it offers large outputs, large industry associations as well as large opportunities for employment with the respective advantages being the efficient utilization of human resources, assets, and technological know-how.

With a myriad of benefits attached to it, support from the government should not only be expected but perfunctory. Apart from the obvious growth in revenue a MICE convention would result to, it brings industry counterparts together as well as assist in the synergy ideas and bringing in additional clients. Additionally, it would serve as a cost effective means of advertising and would guarantee a boost in tourism which is why many countries would vie to promote themselves as a hot MICE destination. For this reason, MICE hotels in various countries have mushroomed seeing as economic growth and the opportunity to obtain a major piece of the industry offered in these conventions are just two of the benefits. Apart from the major boost in tourism and economic potential, here are some of the many reasons why MICE should be bolstered by the government:


1.)  MICE is a platform for Transfer of Knowledge and Technology


Undoubtedly, a chance to host the International Convention or Exhibition is a coveted chance most countries are vying for. This is because they would be incredibly fortunate to benefit in terms of economic value but the knowledge and technology transfer that the foreign participants, international speakers, and exhibitors would bring in with them is incredibly expansive. The country's local audience would have a lot to learn and can integrate all they have learned to their respective industries whether that may be in the medical or business field. As a result, professional and industrial growth can be expected which would gradually build up to economic growth.

2.) MICE would usher in tourists

Apart from the foreign participants and international guests one can expect in a MICE convention, the host country can also expect a horde of tourists to arrive in their country. A MICE convention is not only a convention by ordinary means, it gathers not only foreign speakers and international guests but experts of a particular field and industry as well which can potentially interest foreign investors and tourists. And who knows? Maybe one of those foreign investors may decide to invest in the host country as well.

3.) MICE benefits multiple industry suppliers

MICE creates a snowball effect to the economy and the industry directly related to it. An international exhibition or conference would involve not only hotels but airplanes, travel, tour operators, corporate giveaways, freight forwarders, production houses, exhibition venues, catering and so on. An event this big would certainly need all of those and because of that, the industry involved would not compete but rather collaborate in various different projects.  In a MICE event, a lot of partners would need to pitch in in order to make the event a success, a single entity cannot accomplish it alone.

4.) MICE gives a positive image to the host country

Whenever a country has the privilege of hosting a MICE event, it will without a doubt put its best foot forward in making sure that not only will their foreign guests feel welcome, but have an excellent experience as well. If a MICE event is staged well, foreign visitors and international participants will relay their experiences through word of mouth to their countrymen and if they have a positive experience, this will entice more tourists to visit the host country. This would all redound to the host country as, after all, a country with an excellent international image would attract foreign investors and a lot of opportunities.

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Satiate your Japanese Food Cravings at these Top-grade Restaurants in Manila!

Who says you can't savor authentic Japanese delicacies in Manila?

With more Japanese coming in and out of the country as well as the gradual increase of interest in Nihon culture, it's only a matter of time before we see lots of food shops focusing on serving high-quality Japanese foods to satisfy your unique cravings!

Below are few of the variety of Japanese restaurants in Manila that you can enjoy while staying at the Philippine capital! Drop a quick visit and taste Japan's best!

Dohtonbori at Greenhills

Hello, there Okonomiyaki fans! Here's a must-visit place to savor various mouth-watering okonomiyaki treats as well as Yaki mixes. Favorite picks on their menu include Four cheese okonomiyaki, Deluxe okonomiyaki, Tonkichi, Hiroshima Yaki and Butatama pork!

Ogawa at BGC

Nothing beats great Japanese foods enjoyed at a quality replica of old town Japan. This restaurant is perfect for anyone who likes to enjoy authentic Jap cuisine at a serene ambiance. They have special meal packages right for those on a budget. Their menu line-up range from fresh sushi, Maki, Ebi Katsuni Zen and more!

Ippudo at SM Megamall

It's impossible to thoroughly enjoy a Japanese food trip in the absence of the ever-popular ramen, and Ippudo is here to bring you the best. Being an international name with over 80 branches in Japan and some more in other places like Bangkok and New York, it's safe to say that you can expect the best from this restaurant.

Don't miss some of their best: Karaka-Ramen, Simmered pork loin, Ippudo pork bun, Hakata style gyoza, Nanban Karaage and more!

Ramen Yushoken at Alabang

This shop is another home for the must-try ramen variation at reasonable prices. They also offer delectable side dishes to perfect your Japanese dining experience. Yushoken's most popular dish include Hiyashi Chuka, Tokusei, Tantan-Men, and Tonkotsu.

Nikkei at Legaspi Village

This stop is more like an intermarriage of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine all served in a comfortable sushi restaurant and bar in Legaspi. If you're craving for a delicious mix of delicacies from Japan and Peru, then this place has you covered.

Be sure to try the following dishes: Green Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Parmesan Scallops, Maguro, Kampyo and the variety of sashimi cuts on sushi rice, ikura, and tamago.

Ichiba Japanese Market at Newport Mall

If you like the fish delicacies in Japan and would like to go hands-on with catching your food fresh from the water, then this place is a real haven. Compared to the rest of the locations we have on the list, Ichiba market is the newest Japanese food shop on the league.

It also has a total of 10 stations, each offering different delicacies for you to enjoy. Be sure to treat yourself with the following dishes: Beef Sukiyaki, Crab Sate Sotanghon, Coconut stew, Sakumashi and Japanese potato salad.

Nihonbashi Tei at Makati

If you're planning to visit a Japanese food shop in wee hours, then this place might just be your best bet. While some restaurants close around 10 p.m., this shop is up until 2 a.m.

They also offer different meal sets fit for anyone's gastronomic preference. Here are some must-try foods: Special Kakiage tempura, Nira liver itame, Beef teppan yaki, Mix fry, Sukiyaki Don, Gindara teriyaki, and Chuka Tsukemen

These are just a few of the must-visit Japanese food shops in Manila, and there's a whole lot more! Whether you're eyeing for a particular dish or want to try a full buffet, the Philippine capital has lots of great places to offer.

More importantly, these restaurants offer reasonable prices fit for your budget. Some may even give significant discounts for early reservations or special occasions.

Don't let your stay in Manila pass without grabbing a taste of authentic Japanese foods!