Party Planning 101: Choosing a Caterer

If there’s something Filipinos are particulate when it comes to events, it’s the food. We can adjust to the venue and get along with the program, but we can never sacrifice the quality and quantity of the food.

Of course, it difficult to prepare the dishes yourself if you're already handling the guest list, the program, and the logistics. Hence, you need to subscribe to a catering service. Now, what do you need to know to get the best service from your caterer?

Caterers take away a chunk of your responsibilities which makes you confident of their competency. But they're still a business, and their goal is to earn a profit. There’s a high chance they’re cutting corners and taking shortcuts. What you want is to get the most out of your money within the hours of employing their service.

Taken from the pages of experience, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a caterer.

Which type of venue will it be

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Some venues have on-site caterers while others consign brands and food establishments to provide the meals during the event. Secure a place depending on your priority, so you have a clear view of what you want to happen on the day of the event.

There are party or reception halls that have strict guidelines when it comes to outsourcing a caterer. If the place does have a caterer and does not allow contracting independent food services, look for other options to compare prices and rates. Remember to account for the need of your contractor such as electricity sources. Conduct ocular visits to find which venue suits your taste.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend

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Hiring a food connoisseur will cost four digits the least. Prices vary depending on the chosen menu and additional items you would request from them. You can haggle with caterers during negotiation, but it’s more helpful if you already have a price ceiling set for the event. That way, you won’t be swayed by tempting offers during the talk.

When you have a budget, caterers can help you work around it and offer alternatives and great deals within the price.

It’s the experience that matters

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The only way to get to know if the caterer is right for your event is if you had an experience with them. Brochures, pamphlets, and websites are just advertisements. It doesn’t show if the food is well-prepared or if their service is superb.

The initial encounter with the company or contact person from the caterers will dictate if it’s a go or a no. It’s important to have a good feeling and being comfortable during the meeting. If they gave an extra effort (offering snacks and drinks), it speaks a lot of how they treat their clients. Always set face-to-face meet ups with caterers and business partners because a phone call isn’t enough to express how both parties can work, especially when conflict arises.

Have tastings during the season

You are allowed to ask for a tasting session yet it costs more when they aren’t booked. There are caterers who conduct formal tasting upon request. Tasting is what makes or breaks you’re the caterer you’ve chosen, so take all the time you need to decide if they have the menu you want.

If you’re planning to book a tasting, set a date close to the season of the event. It will give you an idea which ingredients are available at those times. Through this, you get to pick out which dishes are likely to be served and easily prepared.

If you’ve already had a tasting and the caterer didn’t meet your expectations, do not despair and settle for what’s available. There are other options available, you just have to be diligent in looking for another. Soon enough, you will find the caterer best suited for you in this haystack.

These Four Questions Will Help You Plan A Flawless Coming-of-Age Party

Turning eighteen is a milestone to be celebrated. I didn’t plan anything for my 18th birthday, and I absolutely regret it. The transformation of being a carefree minor to a knowledgeable lady of society is an exciting venture that only comes once. Why not celebrate with a bang?

During planning, you might think the most fun part is thinking of a theme. But that’s only the beginning. Preparing days before the party and execution on the day itself all have its fun parts, ups, and downs too. If you already decided on a theme, great!

If not there’s still time to think of something that reflects your personality. Meanwhile, answer these four questions to make sure your debut party becomes the talk of the town (or peers) for days.

Who are priority guests?

Our teenage years is the year we have flourishing social lives. We’ve suddenly turned to social butterflies and gained hundreds of friends. It is also the year of changes - new school, new neighbors, new classmates, clubs, volunteering, etc. - so we meet a lot of people all the time. It’s tempting to invite all of them, but like everything on Earth, there are limitations.

To avoid coming across the dilemma of asking the wrong people to come, list the important people whom you want to share your coming-of-age. The number of people you will invite will determine the venue that will fit your theme and entourage as well as the menu for the day. If you’re on a budget, you can always opt to limit the celebration. Have it indicated on your invitations early on to avoid plus one surprises.

Where is the perfect place to celebrate?

Once you’ve narrowed down your guest list, the next step is to look for a party venue in Manila to celebrate. Now, what makes a perfect venue?

The venue should be able to accommodate all the guests, the activities in the program along with the logistics and the catering tables. There should be enough seats for all the guests. Always ensure there are extra tables and chairs available for surprise guests. Some venues look spacious but become crowded once everything is in order. It becomes a problem once the program starts. It will be awkward and inefficient to ask guests to adjust their places to have your dance.

Some venues already have facilities you may need for your party and is packaged in a set with the venue. Before setting your eye on the place, inquire on the flexibility of the site. Do you really need a fog machine, a karaoke set, and a cotton candy maker? I don’t think so.

What do I want to happen on the day?

This is pancit. The big day.

The day you will look your best. The day the whole world will know you’re legal and can vote, drive and be independent. Besides looking beautiful, what exactly do you want to happen at your party?

Remember, there are guests to consider. They may be your friends, but they came to have a good time. It’s a party after all.

This is where the program plays a part. If you’re a traditional gal like Blair Waldorf, you will need an escort. Other than that, you will have 18 dances where your escort and male partners will hand over a rose [or another flower you’d prefer]. Of course, these 18 males are part of your court, which is also composed of 18 females who are usually close friends and relatives. The court will have a traditional dance, the Cotillion de Honor where the debutant will also participate. If dancing isn’t your forte, don’t forget to hire a dance instructor or someone experienced on these things. He/she will teach you the social graces you should observe. Think Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries.

Other breathtaking moments like the grand entrance and birthday wishes are universal. To add spice to your party, why not include games? Activities and surprise performances are also welcome. It’s best to entrust the program planning to someone who knows you well.

What do we eat?

Nowadays, the menu depends on the theme, but a three-course meal is necessary regardless of the time of the day. Some parties serve snacks and finger food before the program starts. Be sure the caterer sets up hours before the guests arrive. Food can be served food buffet or family style, so the time to prepare depends on the food service.

When it comes to the menu, it’s safe to pick recipes that are familiar to everyone - pasta, beef, chicken, and veggies. Consider your guests when choosing the menu. Will there be picky eaters? Always include an alternative for them so they won’t starve the entire time.

Use these four questions to guide you in your party planning. Your eighteenth birthday only comes once, make it unforgettable for everyone. Most of all, show them how you can throw a flawless debut party.

Date Ideas: Where to Take Your Date This Valentine's Day 2017?

Let us all face it, Valentine's Day is that one day of the year that is marketed towards couples. While it is true that it is also that one day you can show different types of love from familial, friendly to amorous, it is also that day most boyfriends spend days or even weeks agonizing over. After all, most of them would like to regale their lovers to a unique and memorable date—one that might even top the date they planned for them in the year prior. Most dates consist of a visit to one of Manila's shopping malls, a dinner and then finishing up with a movie. But if those sound cliched, then maybe the date ideas below will be more to your liking:

1.) 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Your actual date does not have to fall on the fourteenth. If you are running on a busy schedule, why not plan a weekend trip to Pampanga and see the myriad of hot air balloons taking flight on their Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival. This event is held the weekend prior to Valentine's day running from February 9-12, 2017. Apart from enjoying the colorful event, you and your date can enjoy aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, paragliding and other aerial and aviation relevant activities. Take lots of photos to commemorate the event and fill your social media feed and enjoy a weekend date that is unique and memorable.

2.) Spiral Sofitel Manila

If you and your date share an enthusiasm for food, indulge on the fourteenth and fill your night with romance, spice, and everything nice. Spiral 21's dining options feature culinary delights from all over the world that would surely satiate you and your date's taste for a gastronomic adventure. Spiral 21 promises to kick your dining experience up a notch by adding new and enhanced flavors to your meal which features, vanilla, saffron, ras el hanout cinnamon, cayenne pepper, star anise, pink pepper, etc. Finish up your meal with an elegant and decadent selection of desserts from Spiral's Chocalterie and Creamery.

3.) Makati Shangri-la

Upgrade your dinner experience on Valentine's Day by dining in a restaurant with a Michelin star. Have an exclusive dinner in Makati's Shangri-La and enjoy and unique meal specially made by Michelin two-starred chef Michel Portos. On Valentine's Day, this esteemed chef is welcome to Shangri-la's Sage Bespoke Grill for a night of excellent dining and delights.

4.) Philippine Pyromusical Fireworks

If you and your lover have the kind of love that lights up the sky, then why not see fireworks? Literally.  Staged by the world's leading pyrotechnic experts, this event promises to paint the sky with a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors you and your date are sure to enjoy. The vibrant and colorful background will surely make a fetching backdrop for your photos of your date.

5.) Vask Tapas Room

Are you and your date looking for a dinner menu that is made in honor of the occasion? Then look no further than VASK Tapas Room as they will be featuring a special set menu comprised of nine dishes—many of which are new. Although the set menu may be a bit pricey (Php4900+ per head), it would all be worth it once you sink your teeth into an array of delectable delights that are made with classic Valentine's Day elements. Additionally, the main course is something to look forward to as particular attention is given to the braised prime ribs with mashed potato, basil and asparagus they will be serving. Guests will not only be coming home with an empty stomach, but they would each get to take home a surprise given by the restaurant. A souvenir to commemorate your Valentine's night spent at the restaurant.

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Stunning Wedding Venues in the Philippines

“Planning the wedding is a trial run for your future marriage. The things you battle about now are clues to where you are going to have trouble in the future.” –Tina B. Tessina


Although heavily clichéd, many couples would choose to tie the knot or get engaged in February, the well-known love month. However, while that may be true, most couples would only have the date locked down, but as to where they actually want to, they want to say their respective “I do’s,” they would be left a little lost. After all, in a country of 7,107 islands, you would be hard-pressed to select only one wedding venue.

Indeed, there are a lot of wedding venues in the Philippines and to choose one; you just need to know what it is you are exactly looking for. If you are looking for the best venues that would make the perfect backdrops as soon as you and your spouse say your vows and have your guests take tons of Instagram-worthy photos, here is a brief list of the Philippine cities with the best wedding destinations.

1.) Boracay 

Couples are quick to dismiss Boracay as a wedding venue owing to the fact that it has been relentlessly overdone by couples year after year. Apart from that, Boracay no longer holds that subtle and serene charm that would make for a picturesque wedding site. But do not let this deter you, the island of Boracay is still more than your raucous night-outs and beach frenzies. Though heavily commercialized, this island still retains its glamour and sophistication. The long white stretch of sand that sparkles in the sun would make the perfect makeshift aisle as you make your wedding march.

2.) Cebu

If you want more wedding venue choices, Cebu is your best bet. You can have a grand and traditional wedding in one of their churches and opt to hold the reception in one of their fancier five-star hotels, or you can choose to have a beach wedding in any of Cebu’s resorts or on an island in proximity such as Bantayan. Cebu has a lot of great hotels which couples can choose from which is precisely the reason why it is considered one of the best cities to get married in the country.

3.) Batangas 

A couple of hours away from Metro Manila depending on traffic, Batangas seems like an ideal location for a wedding for couples residing in the capital. Holding a wedding here would mean fewer complications and hassles in the planning without compromising an idyllic scenery as Batangas has its share of gorgeous churches with beautiful architectural designs. Beach lovers can also have their wedding here as Batangas is the prime destination for Manila residents who wish to visit the beach without booking a plane ticket. Their beaches have the usual Philippine staple of white powdery sand complemented with a majestic view of the verdant and lush environment.

4.) Tagaytay 

There is no other place in the Philippines more romantic than Tagaytay. The cool breeze all year round (even during the summer) complemented by the picturesque views and majestic landscapes would indeed make it the perfect place to fall in love or get married. Your big day can be spent with a dreamy ambiance in a place overlooking the Taal Lake as well as a grand view of the Taal Volcano. As Tagaytay is only a couple of hours away from the Metro, your guests and visitors would not have a difficult time in arriving, and the likelihood of their tardiness would be significantly diminished.

5.) Intramuros 

If you are looking for something a little classic with an offbeat theme, then you should tie the knot in Intramuros. Known for attracting couples with a penchant for places with history and cobblestone paths, Intramuros is known for being the wedding venue that gives you a blast from the past.  Although the place might have its fair share of history and may be a bit old, it has not lost its original charm and still has that air of grand sophistication to it.

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Types of Gathering Featured during MICE Meetings

Gathering the members of a certain company, organization or government is crucial in any strategic planning. This is why department heads and event organizers find quality venues where participants could discuss and engage into a productive discourse pertaining to specific areas of concern.

Huge gatherings like a MICE meeting often comes in different forms and differ in the number of attendees but they are usually exclusive and have a definite guest list who are expected to present something to the group.

Here is a short list of the most common gatherings that can be categorized under MICE meetings:

Management meetings

Companies who have different branches on different places will need to meet the managers in each branch once in a while. This would allow company owners to get an idea as to the status of their corporate performance from each branch. All issues that affect their operation will be addressed in this gathering.

Training Seminars

This covers those workshops conducted by companies to help their employees develop their competence at work. Select speakers working for the company or someone outside will be invited to facilitate the seminar. This usually lasts for two to three days but can go as long as a week depending on the type of training.

Client, supplier, or business partner meetings

Businesses who wish to expand their operation or those who plan to renew their partnership with other ventures go for regular meetings to get a detailed status report of their projects. More often than not, these types of get together happen at some secure and private setup to maintain the confidentiality of the matters they discuss. The more people involved in the discussion, the bigger would be the needed space.

Product launches

Prior to the launching of new product lines, it's imperative for companies to meet with the key personnel involved in the production and tackle the necessary aspects relevant to the launch. Issues, expected outcomes and challenges will be included in the planning. Given that it’s a plan, many ventures do the discussion in a private location. Most of which happen on conference halls in hotels and company headquarters.

Strategic meetings

These types of meetings are not only limited to private ventures but also to government and non-government organizations. Even educational institutions can sometimes make use of strategic planning to discuss upcoming events or projects that they are expected to take part. A number of these types of meeting is participated by groups and will therefore need to be conducted in a location complete with facilities for discussion and report presentation.

Retreats

Last but not the least are the retreats. These gatherings cover those that are conducted by companies to get their employees involved in out-of-work activities. It can include inspirational talks, team building activities and those that seek to invigorate the members of the company or group.

Meetings are vital since they help shape the outcome of a project. It also seeks to gather ideas from the members in order to create the best plan. But like any activity, not all meetings can be conducted on casual dining locations or even at home. Events that seek to gather different sectors, group leaders and the like will need a good location where the planning and the like can be conducted.

At present, there are lots of good options involving private conference halls, luxury hotel convention rooms and even school AVRs that could cater to these types of events. If you’re planning to host one, make sure to reserve the venue ahead of time. More importantly, if you are eyeing to have a room reserved at a popular event location, take time to coordinate with the reservation staff to see if there are available rooms for your desired date. There is a good chance that there are others who have already secured a spot. Might as well reserve yours.