Chateau Royale Country Club

Now that were done with the church, its time to scout for the reception. We planned to go to Chateau Royale (a Sports & Country Club) after Caleruega but since its already past 12 noon, we decided to eat at ViewSite Seafoods Restaurant in Tagaytay and visit Chateau Royal the next time we get together. Since Ezra is an avid fan of the place, she guaranteed that the food is delicious and true enough it was very palatable. We ordered buttered garlic prawns, bulalo, echaladang manga, crispy tawilis and a salad, yummy!! And while we’re there, we also spoke to the F&B Manager about their wedding packages while we wait to be served. The place is an open restaurant with a very nice view of Taal Volcano. The cool breeze of Tagaytay is so calming and refreshing. It’s nice to have the reception here and we like the place. After having our hearty lunch, Ezra unfortunately had an allergic reaction to prawns even though she only ate 2 servings. Instead of going to another restaurant to survey in the area, we went to a drug store to buy some medicine for her. Since we are already near Batangas, we then decided to go and visit Chateau Royale instead of waiting for our next ocular visit.

View of Taal Volcano


When we arrived, Adrian and I marveled on the how the place looked like and saw all the outdoor activity that they provide (wall climbing, horseback riding, fishing, warzone). The last time I saw this place was it’s still under construction. We were excited to enter the gate. When we reach the lobby, Ezra was surprised that there were furniture and sofas already.The last time she was there, it was empty. She asked for their wedding packages that they offer and a sales person showed us the main ballroom.. We were in awe when we saw the huge room. With chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling, an elevated presidential table and with tables and chairs around, it was a perfect hotel reception setting. I was holding Adrian’s hand, I looked at him and smiled up to my ears hoping and searching in his eyes some clues whether he like the place or not. I on the other hand definitely love it...As I scan though their package, it was a better deal than the other one and much cheaper. Then we walked out of the room and took a seat in their café over looking a great pool. Adrian was busy taking some pictures of the place as Ezra and I discussed the package...how near this place is to Caleruega, less than 10 minutes drive. She pointed a specific detail in the package..”A 3 layered fondant cake!” she said all smiles.. and I said “Yes I know” (I wanted a fondant cake with fresh flowers) giggling with her about other things that we saw in the quotation like the free room accommodation, the bridal car, even a bridal shower and most important – food tasting.. we are both excited and as Adrian walked towards us, I asked him if he likes the place and he said he did with a smile on his face..and I said..”me too”.. and so there, we decided that Chateau Royale Country Club it is...where the celebration of our union is going to take place.

I’d like to think that Ezra’s allergies was a blessing in disguise, because if it was not because of our need to buy her medicine, we would not have gone to Chateau Royale and may have chosen a different venue. God really works in mysterious ways.


Chateau Royale

The Transfiguration Chapel at Caleruega

The most important decision has already been made. The Church or should I say the Chapel.

Though we have already decided that Caleruega is where our wedding vows will take place, it was a different feeling and affirmation that it is indeed the place for us when we arrived in Caleruega for an ocular visit. As we (Adrian, I, Ezra, Butch and their son Angelo) enter the lovely and serene place, a vintage fountain caught my eyes, just like what I saw in some pictures online. We then went to the office, spoke to the caretakers and went on to tour the beautiful sanctuary. We passed by some rooms where a seminar/retreat were being held. We stop to take some pictures of the scenery below the hill.. Nature is so beautiful..God is truly an amazing artist. We then took the stairway to get to the roof deck that you can rent for the venue of your reception. And we went down to go to the other side where the beautiful chapel is located. It’s surrounded with pine trees, trimmed bermuda grass, healthy plants and sweet smelling flowers. Shots were taken here and there.. Adrian can’t get enough of the chapel, he took 8 different shots of it from the outside and 8 shots of different angel of it from the inside. It’s very small and very compact (it only has 7 benches on each side) and I’m imagining our family and friends seated side by side to witness our union… I was more excited than ever! Adrian said after taking his last shot of the Chapel, “I’m falling inlove with this Chapel” and I knew right there and then that this is our chapel, this is where my big day will take place. Pictures were again taken as we walk through the steps back to the admin office. And there, we reserved our Wedding Date: September 3,2005 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

First step...My Wedding Coordinator

I envisage my wedding to be simple yet elegant, small and private with nature’s natural beauty surrounds my groom, our guests and me. And that is why we’ve decided to have our wedding vows in The Chapel of the Transfiguration, Caleruega, Batulao, Batangas. And the reception will be somewhere in Tagaytay (most probably).

I didn’t exactly plan to have my wedding outside the metropolis but as Ezra have carefully conveyed her plan for my wedding; I was so excited that I’ve decided right there and then that Caleruega it is! We talked about almost everything, from the motif to the centerpieces, to the flower and plants for the chapel, the cake, the gown, the entourage, the flower girls, the place to stay, the giveaways for principal sponsors and guests, the reception…Gosh, there are so many things to do! And may I not forget the church’s requirements (birth certificate, confirmation, counseling) Thank God for Wedding Coordinators!

Though we have not visited the place yet, and have not made any deposit or reservations, I’d say this would definitely be it…we’re schedule to make an ocular visit on Aug 14 (hope it pushes through). I won’t be sharing in detail what the plans will be for the big day ( so that there will be an element of surprise)… just as a teaser, I’d say my wedding will have a Nature Spring Theme. :)