Traditionally, weddings in the Philippines are lavishly big and grand celebrations with a large entourage, feast-like banquets, and stunning evening dresses and suits. Since Filipinos are known to have very strong family ties, you can expect even the far-fetched relatives of the bride and groom to attend their nuptials. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has been a major game-changer not just in wedding events but in other social gatherings as well.
During the height of the pandemic, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines recommended having simple weddings with only the couple, their immediate family, and one set of sponsors attending the celebration—a far cry from the grandiosity many are used to. Now that people are beginning to embrace the “new normal,” some soon-to-be-weds opt for more intimate celebrations while others are gradually becoming comfortable with inviting more guests but imposing stricter health and safety protocols.
Now that we’re in the era of masked weddings and health checks as precautionary measures to curb the virus spread, we’ll definitely see more Zoom attendance for guests who cannot come in person, increased sanitation and hygiene standards, and social distancing. Here in our country, the guidelines on the number of guests allowed to attend the ceremony and reception can change over time, depending on the government’s alert level system. Couples and wedding planners should be flexible with their plans and adapt to the unpredictability of this situation.
As of June 4, these are the guidelines for the nationwide alert level system regarding social events, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding receptions, and wedding anniversaries.
Alert Level 5 Wedding Guidelines
Under Alert Level 5, activities are not allowed to be undertaken on-site, except for the essential ones mentioned in the guidelines.
Alert Level 4 Wedding Guidelines
Engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding receptions, and wedding anniversaries are permitted at a maximum indoor venue capacity of 10 percent, and this applies only for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Meanwhile, an outdoor venue capacity of 30 percent is allowed if they have been given a Safety Seal Certification. Note that on-site employees or workers of the establishments and event organizers should be fully vaccinated. Minimum public health standards must also be strictly enforced. There must be no objection from the local government unit (LGU) where the event will be held.
In-person religious gatherings follow the same protocols: maximum indoor venue capacity of 10 percent for fully vaccinated people and 30 percent outdoor venue capacity. It must be confined to the conduct of religious worship or service. Priests, pastors, and other religious ministers and assistants should also be fully vaccinated.
Alert Level 3 Wedding Guidelines
Under Alert Level 3, a maximum indoor venue capacity of 30 percent is permitted for fully vaccinated individuals attending engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding receptions, wedding anniversaries, and in-person religious gatherings. An outdoor venue capacity of 50 percent is allowed. All employees and event organizers must be fully vaccinated, and minimum public health standards must be strictly followed. There should be no objection from the LGU as well.
Alert Level 2 Wedding Guidelines
A maximum indoor venue capacity of 50 percent is allowed under Alert Level 2, and this applies to fully vaccinated people and individuals under 18 years old even if they’re not vaccinated. A 70 percent venue capacity outdoors is allowed. All workers and event organizers should be fully vaccinated, and minimum public health standards must be strictly observed. There must be no objection from the LGU.
Alert Level 1 Wedding Guidelines
As of June 14, the Philippines has logged 3,130 active coronavirus cases, according to the Department of Health as cited in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Despite the rising cases in Metro Manila, the region will still fall under Alert Level 1, the most lenient of these classifications, until the end of June, according to Malacanang. Also under this alert level are 84 out of the 121 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities. 161 out of the 758 component cities and municipalities will also be under the most relaxed classification. On the other hand, there are other provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities under Alert Level 2.
Establishments and activities that were either allowed on a limited capacity or prohibited under the previous alert levels will be permitted at “full 100 percent capacity” in certain places put under Alert Level 1. However, proof of full vaccination is required before going to mass gatherings or entering indoor establishments.
Celebrate your Wedding in the Seafood Capital of the Philippines
Fancy a lovely wedding in a breathtaking destination dubbed the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”? Blessed with enchanting natural attractions, fresh seafood, and historical landmarks, the province of Capiz in Western Visayas is an idyllic place to tie the knot with the love of your life, spend a romantic honeymoon, and build a home together.
If you’re looking for a house and lot for sale in Capiz, check out Camella Capiz, a 12-hectare development plan located in Barangay Sibaguan, Roxas City. This beautiful Spanish-Mediterranean-themed community is only 8 minutes away from Roxas Airport and a 5-minute-drive to Capiz’ capital where you can find malls, business centers, schools, and hospitals via Roxas-Ivisan Bypass Road.
The Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is just 3.9 kilometers away via Holy Trinity Ave while the giant statue is only a minute away from the property. Capiz State University, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, and Filamer Christian University are five to 10 minutes away. Also nearby are malls such as Robinsons Place Roxas and SM City Roxas, so you can easily shop for essentials. The transport terminal is just five minutes from Camella Capiz. You can also take advantage of the shuttle service from the site to the city proper.
Family-friendly amenities, such as a basketball court, clubhouse, swimming pool, jogging trails, pocket parks, wellness areas, and kids’ playground are at your disposal. The gated community also has perimeter fencing, 24-hour CCTV at the entrance of the village, and roving security personnel within the subdivision. Depending on your lifestyle needs, you can choose among the house models available, such as Bella, Cara, Dana, Ella, Freya, and Greta.
Find your Dream Home in Capiz
Check out our catalog of house and lot for sale in Camella Capiz
Source: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/06jun/20220604-IATF-GUIDELINES.pdf
