My parents insisted that Xian needs to be baptized since were moving in Cavite by next month. Initially, I had plans of celebrating his baptism on my 25th birthday (Dec. 10). Being a good and obedient daughter I am (ngekz!) I finally said yes even though I'm still suffering from the pain of my CS wounds plus I have an awful Princess Fiona-like swollen ankle/feet and arms (due to edema). My original plan was he'll be baptised in Shrine of Jesus MOA followed by a festive lunch at either Conggo Grill/The Creamery/Max's since most of my visitors will be coming from Cavite-Manila area and that's supposedly on 10th of December. Now, I have to change each and every detail of my son's baptism- from date, church, reception venue...everything! I've been scouting places since the other day and I only have 12 days to finalize everything. So far, here are the restaurants that we're considering for my son's big day:
1. Max's Shangri-La --> Our all time favorite restaurant (urrhhg! sinigang! lolz).. =) We thought it would be so accessible since the mall is just along Edsa-Shaw Blvd. Budget-wise, their baptism packages is a good deal. but then, I have to set this option aside because they said that the function room is already booked on Oct. 08.
2. Aberdeen Court- Makati Ave --> Good food, good ambiance. The sales officer who answered my queries regarding their baptismal package was so accommodating. They offer good packages too! However, there's a lot of charges that we need to pay extra for the corkages in case we close the deal with them. (like 1k for each photographer/videographer- professional/not). Hmmm... contemplating me!
3. The Prestige Tower --> Highly recommended by most of my colleagues. You can get the venue free of charge provided that you have to book a minimum of 15k worth of food with their accredited caterer. I would love to have my son's baptism reception here but then, the caterer need at least 1 month day lead time... and we only have again, 12 days left before Xian's baptism.
4. Dad's Megamall/Ortigas- Oh yeah, Megamall..and Xian's baptism will fall on a Saturday. In short, we'll be having a hard time to look for a parking slot esp. around that time. Well, with Dad's?!? I think it's safe to say that their buffet is one of the best here in Manila..They do offer good baptismal packages too.
5. Jade Palace Restaurant- I grew up remembering how good their peking duck, el nido soup, sweet and sour pork and their pansit canton was. The last time we ate there was way back 2008, and I must say that the foods are still as good and delicious as before. I'm not sure if they offer baptismal package but I am sure that my guest will enjoy their foods..simply, delicioso!!! yum!
6. Shakey's Shaw --> Well again, budget-wise I was told that Shakey's could offer me great deal for my son's party. I am actually expecting around 50-70 guests, so my friend suggested to order 7-8 monster meal consisting of pizza, pasta,chicken, blah blah and I can avail the function room FOC. Hmm..personally, I'm not a pizza lover..hmmm.. Well, let's see.
7. Tramway Shaw --> Hmm.. Tried and tested. Good food, lots of choices at a very reasonable price! =) I just had my baby shower there last July and my friends really enjoyed the buffet and the ambiance! They even suggested to have Xian's Christening there. Hmmm... bahala na.. =)
But one thing is for sure for now--the baptism rite will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church (Shaw Blvd.) that's exactly the same church where I was baptized 23 years ago. =)
