Venue Prospect: The Tents at Alphaland Southgate

This was a good contender for our reception venue.

The Tents at Alphaland Southgate is located at the 6th floor of the Southgate Mall. It's connected to the Magallanes MRT station and it's on the corner of EDSA and Pasong Tamo Extension.

We initially wanted a brunch reception so we could enjoy cheaper venue fees and catering menu packages. But when we walked into The Tents, we were convinced that it would look better at night. When you walk out into the balcony, you'll get a New York, urban, rooftop party vibe. We agreed that at night, the map posts on the street and the light from the cars and the traffic would look even prettier. It looks over Magallanes, Edsa and Pasong Tamo, but it doesn't look stressful even with the traffic.

Letting go of dream venue: Filipinas Heritage Library

For years, I've been dreaming of having a simple, outdoor reception at the Courtyard of the Filipinas Heritage

Library. Formerly the Neilson Tower, it is probably the most vivid reminder that Makati was once an airport. 

I've never been inside, but I knew in my heart that this was the perfect venue for us! I had everything planned out. We were going to have the preps at the Manila Peninsula, and walk across the street to the wedding venue. A photo studio would be set up in one of the rooms inside. Then I wanted to have cocktails catered by K By Cunanan in the Courtyard and be surrounded by trees and tall  lit-up buildings at the same time.