Baguio weather is temperate for most of the year. Given that the Philippines has only two seasons (hot and rainy), Baguio boasts almost perfect weather year-round: it is cool and refreshing, even at midday. No other place can boast of having centralized air-conditioning provided by nature; thus, outdoor weddings are more than possible, they are expected.

This is especially true at Camp John Hay Manor. Having a garden wedding and reception there can be magical. Imagine saying your "I do’s" while a white billowing cloud slowly rolls in from the ridge and blankets everyone in a dreamy white mist. It’s not hard to imagine having your first kiss with your new better half as sunlight slowly filters through the breaking clouds and dissolves the fog around you and your guests. Yup, it’s totally romantic, not to mention picture-perfect. Crowning this perfection the fact that there is virtually no pollution at Camp John Hay Manor as it is surrounded with thousands of trees.

A theme wedding is a workable option for the adventurous couple. You can have a Lord of the Rings-themed wedding amid the majestic pines. Or why not have a fairytale-themed wedding, with you and your guests frolicking among the dew-drenched flowers? You can also opt for a high fashion gala wedding, with everyone dressed to the nines under the glittering stars that are so near you can almost reach out and touch them. It’s all really up to you and your loved one to decide how you want your special day (or night) to turn out.

What to wear at the Manor for a wedding? As long as it suits the occasion (and the weather permits it), you can wear anything from long gowns, coats, trendy jackets, trench coats, fur, ponchos, and shawls. Your entourage can be dressed in practically any shade or hue, from black to pastels and white to earth tones.

One wonderful thing about Camp John Hay Manor is that it offers its clients the talent and creativity of Chef Billy King. As Chef Billy is in charge of all the events and food preparations at Camp John Hay Manor, you’re assured that the food will be delicious and unforgettable. He brings with him over two decades of experience from many of the best hotels and restaurants in the country. He is the toast of the culinary world, and now he’s head honcho of the Manor.

Chef Billy and his team can cater to any number of guests. They can easily serve the most delicious meals at the Manor itself or in a garden setup among the pines or in the pocket gardens. He can serve lamb or beef dishes just as easily as seafood and other exotic dishes. Chef Billy is used to special requests, and he handles them with his trademark pizzazz and panache. Rest assured, the end result will surely be a gastronomic success.

The best part is that, unknown to many people, the Manor has a wedding package that is simply hard to beat, coming in at a little less than Php 200,000. That’s inclusive of photo and video, flowers (including the bride’s bouquet), food for 100 guests, a wedding cake, an overnight stay for the couple, and so much more. Mind you, the price tag is already inclusive of government taxes. Now wouldn’t you say this is real value for your money? You get the ambience of Baguio, the expertise of Chef Billy King, and you can avail yourself of a package that has everything you need to get hitched!

A groom once told me that having his wedding at Baguio would once and for all prove to him who the people were who really loved him and his wife as it would take a five-hour trip from Manila to reach the City of Pines. But it would be a trip worth taking if the Manor is involved. – Sigfred S. Catalan