Lavish wedding receptions by the Bay at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Perhaps one of the most well-known hotels in Metro Manila is the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Formerly known as the Westin Philippine Plaza, it is the only five-star luxury resort hotel in the metropolis and has housed various levels of VIPs – from royalty to heads of state. It is located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, right smack on the edges of Manila Bay, also gives it a front-seat view of that famous and spectacular Manila Bay sunset.

Sofitel Manila is perfect for weddings, be it for the preparation stages or the reception. For wedding preparations, it is quite accessible to and from several favorite church wedding venues such as the Malate Church, the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church.  Sourcing last-minute needs is no problem as the Mall of Asia (MOA) is only a few minutes away. There are options for other reception venues, such as the nearby Coconut Palace, also within the CCP Complex; the Palacio de Manila in Roxas Boulevard; or the 1 Esplanade at the MOA Complex.

The wedding couple can take advantage of the resort hotel’s facilities for their pre-nuptial shoot. The tropical gardens, the mini-golf and tennis courts, the lagoon swimming pool and its small bridge – all with the Manila Bay as backdrop. The hotel has 609 rooms that boast of minimalist interiors using local materials such as capiz and coconut. The rooms vary in size and amenities – possible venues, too, for that bridal shower and other pre-wedding activities. Five bars and restaurants, probably the most famous of which is the Spiral, offer wonderful options for the rehearsal dinner. And, on that special day itself, the hotel offers services from its reputable hair and beauty salons to give the bride that unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime look.

The wedding couple would probably be at a loss on choosing their wedding reception venue out of 14 possible rooms, to suit parties of different sizes, whether intimate or lavish: Davao, Boracay, the Grand Plaza Ballroom, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Mindoro, Romblon, Sulu, Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Palawan, Negros, Panay, the Grand Sunset Pavilion, and the Harbor Garden.

Among these, the largest is the Harbor Garden, with the air conditioned tent able to seat as much as 2,000 guests who can also make use of the outdoor area for additional space. Another similar venue is the Grand Sunset Pavilion, which can accommodate up to 600 guests for a reception. Both the Harbor Garden and Sunset Pavilion directly face Manila Bay, have an unhampered view of the glorious sunset, and are a few steps away from the well-manicured landscaped gardens.

Meanwhile, the Grand Plaza Ballroom is an expansive room that, at more than a thousand square meters, is fantastically column-free and highlighted with chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. The Ballroom can seat up to 1,500 people, yet can be divided into three smaller function rooms (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). It has a wide foyer and balcony area overlooking the gardens, the lagoon swimming pool and Manila Bay.

Sofitel Manila offers wedding packages that are for those who opt to go all-out in having a grand wedding at a five-star resort hotel. The package recommends the services of a stellar team that includes planner, chef and concierge. The package is inclusive of use of venue, white orchids, a three-tiered cake, decorations and souvenirs,  plus the use of a luxury bridal car (Mercedes Benz or the like), a kulintang (traditional musical gongs) ensemble to set the mood, and a menu with culinary delights ranging from Chinese lauriat to New World buffet. The couple can also avail of accommodations at a luxurious honeymoon suite, as well as enjoy being pampered with massage or treatment sessions.