Wedding Digest Philippines Weddings. More fun In the Philippines Edition | Page 144

Special Feature

Fall in love
with the

Island
called

Marinduque
Text by: Koko Tamura

I

f you are thinking of having a
destination prenup or wedding,
consider the province of Marinduque as
your backdrop. We asked destination
weddings expert Ann Samiado on why
this island makes the perfect setting to
create those lasting memories.

“Marinduque is a beautiful and unadulterated place scenic and romantic,” says Ann, who started coordinating
weddings in Sydney, Australia. She’s now back in Manila
because of her desire to share her event know-how to her
“beloved Philippines.”

Despite’s many of Ann’s experiences in creating dream
destination weddings, Marinduque has always been one of
the places that captured her heart. She fell so madly in love
with the place, and she makes it a point that her clients and
even friends check out the island’s intimate beauty.
The province is about 7 hours away by land and water (4
hours by bus plus 3 hours via RORO) and a convenient 1
hour by plane from Manila. Given its distance to Manila,
organizing a wedding may pose a challenge but according
to Ann, transporting the supplies will not be a problem as
she already has a list of varied and available suppliers
(both local and out-of-town) who will be happy to liven up
a dreamy wedding.
However, if the couple desires to get really involved with
the planning, Ann shares a little tip in doing things around
the town - “It’s best if you coordinate with the friendly local
government officials or anyone that you know. The town is
closely knit and everybody knows everybody. You can get
tips on how to get around and make the most out of your
trip.” In fact, Ann and her team was warmly recieved by the
Mayor of Gasan, Honorable Vicky Lao Lim. She remembers
the mayor as the most caring, loving and hospitable person
of all – one who really brings out the best of the town with
her warm reception. Ann will always be grateful for the
memories most especially during the Putong Ceremony
that she truly enjoyed.