Top 10 Wedding Destinations in the Philippines
/From up north to down south, here are the top ten wedding destinations in the Philippines you’d love to visit over and over again.
Boracay
The mere mention of Boracay spells night-outs, parties and beach frenzies. But looking at this island in the Visayas in a different light brings in glamour and sophistication. Its long white stretch of sand that sparkle in the midday sun, the green turquoise waters and cool breezes truly make this a romantic rendezvous for your special day. Some of the best resorts in this area are Boracay Regency, Sea Wind, Pearl of the Pacific and Waling-Waling.
Palawan
Many people hail Palawan as one of the top destinations in the country because of scenic spots such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also called the Underground River), the Hidden Beach in El Nido, the Coron Bay in Busuanga and other attractions. This island is a lovers’ paradise with its stunning beaches and some mountainous areas.
Cebu
There are two options for a wedding in Cebu. You can do it in the city in style at the fancier hotels like Marco Polo Plaza or Radisson Blu, or you can have a beach wedding on one of its islands, such as Bantayan. Cebu City and neighboring Mactan island have several great hotels such as Plantation Bay, Waterfront Cebu, Hilton and Shangri-la. Either way, Cebu is definitely one of the top wedding destinations in the country because of its rich and celebrated history.
Camiguin Island
The smallest province in Northern Mindanao, Camiguin Island boasts an environment so serene you’d think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Relive your romance at the island’s popular sandbar, the White Island, or pose with your special someone at a volcanic spring by the sea, the Tangub Hot Spring. Whatever your chosen spot, just make sure your family members and guests come in beachwear or comfortable clothes. One thing sure, though—exchanging vows in such exotic and breathtaking scenery will ignite your love and passion like never before.
Batangas
Being just a couple of hours away from Metro Manila, having a wedding here should be fairly easy. You can have your wedding within the four walls of any church such as the Lipa Cathedral, the San Jose Church, the Church of St. Martin De Tours or the Caleruega Church. Club Punta Fuego, one of the prime destinations in Batangas, provides beach lovers with their dream wedding on a long stretch of white powdery sand and a magnificent view of the lush and verdant environment.
Tagaytay
Aside from the cool breeze all year round (even during summer days), this is definitely the place to fall in love, with its romantic ambience, scenic views and enchanting landscapes. The romantic day can be spent by the Taal Lake, which offers you a momentous view of the Taal Volcano. Plus Tagaytay is just two hours away from the metropolis so your guests and visitors won’t have a difficult time arriving in batches. For a rosier atmosphere, you can tie the knot at Sonya’s Garden where nature is gloriously alive, and the food and herbs are fresh and organic.
Baguio
The summer capital of the Philippines offers a cool and breezy ambience, perfect when you both walk down the aisle, thanks to its preserved pine forest. Plus, you also get to visit an eclectic mix of venues for the day after: Camp John Hay, the Botanical Garden, Mines View Park and Burnham Park.
Intramuros
You’d probably never think of Intramuros as a wedding destination since those who live and work in Manila pass by it every day. But it has a grand and classic feel to it, especially if you want a wedding that is a blast from the past. Here is an idea: For the theme of your wedding, why not bring back everyone to the time of Jose Rizal?
Bohol
Bohol is famous not only for its Chocolate Hills or its tarsiers, but also for its powdery stretches of white sand, mountainous terrains and rocky hills. Among the many attractions include the Loboc River Cruise—imagine going for a ride immediately after the ceremony – the hanging bamboo bridge, Panglao Island and of course, the tarsiers. You can revisit the past via the different museums and churches in the area.
Benguet
It may be cold up there, but once the kisses are shared and the hugs are flowing, the atmosphere will get hotter by the minute. Hold your wedding at the San Jose Parish Church in Poblacion, La Trinidad. For the reception, you can rent the San Jose Gym, just a few steps away from the church. The day after, you can pick strawberries at the Strawberry Farm, visit the famous burial sites for the kabayan mummies, or even climb Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon. Of course, you'll have the majestic Banaue Rice Terraces around you. Not only are they awe-inspiring, they also teem with a verdant wildlife that visitors can ogle with delight.
Excel V. Dyquiangco describes himself as a "dreamer, an adventurer and a mentor." Between working free-lance for magazines and surfing the Internet, he inspires, encourages and builds “passion for some people who have lost theirs along the way.”