The Simple Elegance of Santuario de San Jose
When people talk of Greenhills, what else but shopping comes into mind? But many are also aware of the posh private subdivisions located in and around the area, particularly those in Mandaluyong and San Juan cities. Aside from the preference for shopping, however, people, especially couples, have been constantly seeking out a venue at the corner of Buffalo and Duke Sts. in East Greenhills as site for their wedding: the Santuario de San Jose.
The Santuario de San Jose stands on a half-hectare lot donated in the early 60s by the Ortigas Company to the Catholic Church for the building of a semi-concrete church. After months of looking for donors, Fr. Guido Colletti of the Oblates of St. Joseph (OSJ), with solicited funds amounting to P827,000, was able to have the edifice built starting in March 1964. Manuel Mañosa, Jr. was the architect and Nemesio Montenegro was the engineer. The church, along with its seminary and rectory, were finally blessed on April 2, 1966. It is dedicated to St. Joseph the Patriarch, he who is considered the earthly father of Jesus Christ.
From the time it first became a parish in March 1967 with 3,500 parishioners coming from nearby Wack-Wack and White Plains subdivisions as well as part of Camp Crame, the church now serves more than 50,000 parishioners, being the home parish of the Holy Family Chapel inside the Greenhills Shopping Center and the two chapels of Camp Crame.
The Santuario de San Jose has become one of the top church wedding venues of choice for different reasons. Its beautiful interiors punctuated by gold and wooden accents, plus stained glass windows that give a play of lights, all add up to a cozy yet classy ambience. A balcony also provides photographers or videographers another vantage point. The interiors’ elegance is hinted at by its exteriors, with its modern façade and simple clean lines and colors. A small garden with grotto near the church entrance is inviting enough for guests to rest or meditate in or even provide additional photo ops.
Another deal maker in having Santuario de San Jose as wedding venue is its location. Being located in an exclusive subdivision means privacy and security. The solemnity of the ceremony is undisturbed, with no loitering vendors or beggars and no sounds of heavy traffic. A wide parking area provides ample space for all guests, and a driveway leading to the entrance of the church provides a sense of order to the whole wedding.
Weddings at the Santuario de San Jose cost P25,000 with air conditioning and P18,000 otherwise. The fee includes simple flower arrangements, red carpet on the aisle, lighted chandeliers, electricity for the use of video, and the services of a solo singer and organist. Additional fees include P3,000 for the use of additional sound system; P500 for tulle along the aisle; P1,000 for curtains.
Possible nearby reception venues are aplenty. The nearest is at the North Greenhills Clubhouse. Other options include restaurants or hotels in the San Juan-Ortigas-Mandaluyong area, such as Club Filipino, Crowne Plaza, and the EDSA Shangri-La Plaza.
