I was looking for a place to buy cheap balloons in. This place I had bought stuff from before in…read moreGranada didn't feel like they were giving me a bargain, and I like to get a little more variety and reliability than an National Book Store, so I searched the internet and finally the Yellow Pages (remember that?) and found this place which was just a jeepney ride away. The area around it's a little rough (it's Cubao) and when I got up to the place I was greeted by a crazy barking dog. They operated out of a house, so I had to holler to make sure the place was open, but the kind businesslady let me in and once inside, it was all cuteness and kid's party vibes all around, even in the dim fluorescent light. The store's owner Ruby was very kind in helping me out with what I needed, which were a shitload of balloons, and I was pleased to learn that they had all colors imaginable (like black, which I love) and that the balloons came cheap--I could get them at eight bucks a pop. Like most other party supplies stores, they have a lot of other offerings, like pabitins, small toys, plastic chairs, and even a karaoke machine, though I did just come for the balloons and I left pretty damn pleased with myself and the store.

If you're looking to throw a very Pinterest-y party and would love for your guests to Instagram…read moreeverything they see, Celebration Party Central is the place for you! This little corner on the top floor of Power Plant is heaven for party planners of all ages, from adult boozy afternoons to little kids' pirate adventures! They've got all these little trinkets and party favors to brighten up any occasion, even theme related ones! When I first entered I was already so overwhelmed with the super cute decor they hanging from the ceiling, I wanted everything! They have pails for treats, hanging pompoms, even inflatable balloon letters!! (Told you, all Instagrammable!) They're a little pricey if you know where to get these in Divisoria, but a lot less hassle, so if you're looking to spruce up an event, this is definitely your best bet!

This is my one-stop-shop for my party needs. For many years now, I've always had to order party…read moreitems from the states and have them shipped here. I could never find those little trinkets like colored cups, pails, goodie bags and themed decors for kiddie parties so I was so grateful that Celebrations Party Central opened in Rockwell! I love how their products aren't just for kiddie parties but also for showers, baptisms and even adult birthday parties. Yes, they aren't cheap, but for the convenience of having them just there, I don't mind spending a little extra on their items.

I booked Zenas for my sister's garden wedding last year, and honestly, she made the whole thing…read morefeel like a dream we didn't even know we had. We gave her a modest budget and a loose vibe--soft pastels, lots of greenery, nothing too fussy--and she turned our simple venue into something straight out of a magazine. The floral arches were breathtaking, mixing fresh blooms with these delicate hanging vines and little fairy lights that lit up perfectly at golden hour. She even surprised us with these gorgeous escort card displays using vintage books and tiny succulents that tied everything together. Super patient with all our last-minute tweaks, always smiling, and her team was so professional on the day. Every guest kept raving about how elegant and personal it looked. If you're planning anything special, trust me, Zenas is worth every star. 5/5 forever!

Zenas is a rockstar…read more She's an awesome lady who has all the talents that make her a good event & party planner. She listens well and shows you her ideas, so there are no unexpected surprises. She has a great taste and knows of the latest international trends, so she makes great recommendations. She has a great network of suppliers, so she can execute your dreams at a reasonable price. She has humor and is sweet so she is patient with you when you change your plans and comforts you if you are feeling insecure. Nothing less than 5 stars.

When our group, The Bride's Maids and Co. changed it's logo 22 years after it was established, we…read moreknew we had to do major changes as well, mostly to keep up with the times. With the growing number of wedding planners popping up, we knew we had to keep our edge by innovating and keeping updated without sacrificing elegance and cost efficiency. One of the items we had to have made were embossing plates because we wanted to continue having embossed calling cards and stationery. After all, calling cards are the first physical thing that we hand over to prospect clients. This is where iEmboss came into the picture. I stumbled upon them online and I was so glad I did. After a short inquiry, I was guided into the process of acquiring our embossing kit. There are two types to choose from - rectangular and round. We chose the latter as it was more applicable for our printed materials. We deposited the required amount and the item was delivered via courier right on time. With it's quality, efficiency, convenience, and value for money, I won't be surprised if I get one for myself soon.

A special day in a girl's life is when she first falls in love, first kissed a boy, first…read moreheartache, graduations, 18th birthday, wedding proposals but nothing beats "Getting Married". I told myself that I wouldn't get married to my boyfriend before (my high school sweetheart) until we have everything we need to start a family. Even though love is so true, I still didn't think that marrying before thirty was a good idea...but because love was indeed so strong and so pure, I walked down the aisle when I was 25 years old. Five years earlier than my estimated time to get married, haha. Since my husband and I grew up in Las Pinas and almost all that we know resides in this city too, we decided that it's only right to do the wedding here. We looked at amazing venues and decided that Ysabel's Garden was the place to be.On the biggest day of my life, the place was beautifully set up and felt surreal; more of like the wedding was being done in a magical garden, roses were everywhere and the elegant tables and chairs were set up neatly and professionally. The food was incredible and even during picture taking with newlyweds; guests would say their best wishes followed up by praising the food. It was an unforgettable night and I was very satisfied with the service, the ambience and the overall scenario. Truly one of the most cherished moments in my life.

This used to be Queensland Catering's exclusive venue for their events, but I think they're now…read moreopen to just renting this space out to other events with different caterers. On the ground floor is their showroom where you can take a peek at how they style their more upscale events, and an entrance to their vast garden (can accommodate up to 300 guests), two smaller function rooms are available at the second floor, and another bigger one at the third floor (for around 150 persons). My mom celebrated her 50th birthday there, and she felt like a blooming debutante as she walked down the spiral stairs from her dressing room (which is quite nice and comfy) as her guests welcomed her in the garden. I recently attended another event at the third floor, and I saw that they have updated their look, with damask table cloths and glass (glass-looking, but they're actually plastic) chairs. The place already looks elegant even with minimal styling.

How does this business have zero reviews?! Has nobody in Manila been to a costume party?? Or…read moreperhaps nobody has because they haven't heard of this place yet. My friends and I decided to go with the theme of "Miss Universe" for one of our many Christmas parties and I for one was going to give them a run for their money with my costume so here I went upon the recommendation of a friend. This place is paradise for anybody who likes to play dress up. You could literally get lost searching all day for the perfect costume because there are just so many options. And that's a good thing. Fast, polite service. Not strict. And they didn't catch the small stain I left on my costume, thank God.

I first encountered Kutchie Zaldarriaga when my close friend got married in 2010. I was so…read moreimpressed by both the turnout of her wedding at the Manila Cathedral and the reception that followed at Makati Shangri-La that I just had to find out who the organizer behind it was. It turned out to be Ms. Kutchie. She was so amazing that as my cousin's maid of honor several years later, I advised her to employ the services of Kutchie. No regrets. She was extremely professional every step of the way and my cousin's wedding turned out to be a complete daydream.

Call it hoarding or just plain obsessed, but I have this strange habit of collecting gift boxes,…read moreanimal-themed wrapping paper, and cheeky greeting cards months before the occasion arrives. I do this so I won't have to rush putting a thoughtful gift together on the day itself. Mother's Day? No problem, here's the card. Friend's birthday? I have just the right bag. Happy graduation day? Already signed. Tie Me Up Buttercup sees right into the desires of my decorating-happy soul, and boy, am I thankful. This gift shop lured me in with its stylish calligraphy, dainty collection of pop-up greeting cards, vibrant ready-made boxes, embossed wrapping papers, and decorative accessories, all of which will no doubt make a charming personal impression on a loved one. On my first visit I couldn't even leave the shop without purchasing two gift bags that read "a hug in a bag" and "I found this and thought of you." What I love most about Tie Me Up Buttercup is they know it's not just the thought that matters in gift-giving. It's the entire package.