Photos from a Recent Wedding Reception at Chateau Du Mer

Chateau Du Mer has hosted a number of wedding receptions since it was opened to the public several years ago. The following is a typical example of a romantic and lovely wedding reception both in the beach house and Hall. The photos were taken by Toby Jamilla during the Luzares-Montalban wedding reception at Chateau Du Mer Beach House and Conference Hall just recently.

I have the permission of the bride and groom as well as the photographer to put the following photos in my blogs. Congratulations to the Bride and Groom! What a Romantic and Lovely Wedding Reception.

The Beautiful Bride the Night Before the Wedding in the Bedroom of the Beach House

The Groom's Party in front of the Stairs of the Beach House(Conference Hall in the background)

The Bride's Family in front of the Beach House( Amoingon Beach in the background)

The bride inside the Beach House. Notice the Capiz shells Door.

The next four photos were taken in the Conference Hall during the Wedding Reception Ceremonies

Chateau Du Mer is opened all year round. For more information and rates call:

SIONY JAMBALOS –(Boac) 042-332-1754

DAVID B KATAGUE (US)-916-961-3365

E-mail: tagaboac@comcast.net

The First Wedding Reception of 2020 at Chateau Du Mer

The following three photos were recently sent to me by Charro Jambalos-my sister in law during the preparation for an outdoor wedding reception in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer (CDM), Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. This was the first wedding reception at CDM for 2020. Hopefully more similar events will follow!!

In front of the CDM Hall (North Side)

At Back of the Hall By the Creek( Southwest) by the side of the Beach House

Parking Lot Area by the Side of the Hall

For other wedding reception photos visit the following site:

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/search?q=wedding+reception

Chateau Du Mer Conference Hall and Gardens, 2011

Fireworks, Live Band and a Haughty Decorator

Hall Decoration Preparation
Our first and second wedding receptions were just completed the other day. The first reception on March 18 ( Calbario-Mariposque) is historic in the sense that there were fireworks as soon as the newly weds arrive. Unfortunately, there was still daylight and the effect of the Fireworks was minimal. The Hall was decorated beautifully with rays of white flimsy materials, that flutters and hide the roof of the Hall. It feels like you are in Heaven. The Food was delicious with a salad, fruit and dessert bar. My compliments to the decorator and the caterer.

The wedding was at the Boac Cathedral officiated by Bishop R Evangelista and assisted by two other priests. The ceremony was 30 minutes late since the bride was late. The priest celebrant even commented that the celebrants are even more excited than the bride since at exactly 3:00PM, they were all dressed and ready for the ceremony. Any way, after the ceremony and photo shots, we all proceeded to CDM where the newly weds spent another 30 minutes for photo shots in the beach resort and in the ocean. The setting sun was an excellent background for the photo shot. As a whole the wedding reception was a success, both in the Hall decoration and in the food service. There was a live band from Gasan. They looked pathetic without their uniforms, since the party was supposed to be formal. The men guests were requested to wear barong and the women a formal attire. About 60% of the guests wore formal attire. This is the same band that played during Mayor's Lim 65th birthday last month.

Speaking of food, and catering here in MDQ: We have four good food caterers that served the clients of CDM. I will discuss the Pros and Cons of each caterer and just called them Caterer A, B, C and D. A and B are in the business for quite some time and are located in downtown Boac. C is located in Laylay and D in Mogpog. "A" catered the Thursday reception and "B" catered the Saturday reception. C and D had been catering at CDM since last year and my four employees love them, since after the event, C and D always reserved extra food for them to take home as well as to partake during the event after all the guests had eaten. A and B never offers my employees food, so that when they are the caterers, I always instruct my manager to feed them first in the house, so they would not be hungry. A has an excellent record of service with us, except in one occasion, when of the dishes was spoiled ( Panis) yet it was served. On that occasion frequent brown outs occurred in MDQ,so there was probably a problem of proper refrigeration.

B has only catered twice at CDM including the one last Saturday. It has excellent food but more expensive than A, C or D. The first time B catered was about 5 years ago, before the CDM Hall was constructed. On that occasion, the food was insufficient. When Macrine confronted the owner, she said her food crew told her that the reason why food run out was that our household help also eat the food. Macrine was furious, since this was not true. Later when the food crew was cleaning up, I saw that one big dish of food was not served and the food crew was planning to take it home. From that time on, I had doubts of recommending B to our clients.

Another incident worthy of blogging, is the attitude of the interior decorator during the Saturday event. When my workers informed him, that one of the placement of on table and food tent was not proper, he ( may be a she)proclaimed that no one should tell him what to do, since the decoration of the Hall was his design. So my workers left the table and tent on its original location. When I saw the table and tent placement, I was also mad. The table was blocking the handicap ramp and access and the tent was blocking the driveway. The decorator was not there, so I ordered the table and tent removed to a better location. Speaking of the Hall decor, It was not exemplary but very ordinary. The church decor however was excellent.

In general the wedding reception and ceremony of my nephew was a tremendous success. There were about 16 guests from out of town ( Manila and suburbs). Eleven of the guests stayed with us in the beach house. They had fun swimming in the ocean and partaking Macrine's homemade cooking of sardines, sweet and sour tangigue(blue marlin) and mango pancake. I had fun talking to them. Associating with young adults also made me feel young. We hope they returned to Marinduque and stay longer to see more of the island.

Getting Married? Be Prepared to Spend at Least 30K

Last year, my niece got married here in the US. She spent around $35,000 not including a one week honeymoon in Bora Bora, Tahiti. I thought it was really an extravagant wedding, until I learned today that the average expense of getting married here in US is about $29,000. My niece by the way had two wedding ceremonies, one civil here in Northern California followed two months later with a Roman Catholic Wedding in the Philippines. The reception was held at Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort in Marinduque, Philippines. The US wedding was more expensive even though the guests were limited to 100. The Philippine wedding was much cheaper because the wedding venue was free ( my gift as the primary sponsor). Accommodation for some of her US guests was also free. There were around 350 guests at the reception. My niece and her Mom spent only about $3000 for the wedding ceremony in Marinduque not including the 5 days honeymoon in Boracay Island, Aklan.


Incidentally, Chateau Du Mer has been a venue of both Garden and Beach Wedding Ceremonies in the Philippines as shown in the above photos.

Note: The dollar figures quoted above are my educated guess. I am sure however that my niece sold some of her stocks and cashed in $50K. I do not know how much the groom contributed, but their 5 days honeymoon in Tahiti cost them 10K. Nine years ago, we have a family wedding. The cost at that time was 25K. So, how much are you willing to spend for a wedding in your family? Would you rather save the expense and used it as down payment for a house or maybe a condo?

If you reside in the Philippines and money is not your problem, I highly recommend Bellarocca Resort in Buenavista, Marinduque as a wedding venue. However, be prepared to spend at least 2 million pesos( current exchange rate is 43 pesos for one dollar)or about $45,000.

You have however a much cheaper alternative. The rental for Chateau Du Mer for one day is only 7000 pesos or about $163. You may choose a Garden or Beach Wedding site.

Recent Wedding Reception at Chateau Du Mer-Marinduque

It is heartening to know that Chateau Du Mer Hall is still providing a venue for a wedding reception in spite of my physical absence. My thanks to Siony Jambalos( my sister-in-law), Edwin and Cecile ( caretaker couple) and Jimmy ( my grounds keeper and gardener) to make this event possible even in my absence. Attached below is a recent video of the Jandusay-De Castro wedding reception.
https://www.facebook.com/lot.j.decastro/videos/10214320104748747/UzpfSTExMjQxMTQ0NzY6MTAyMTIxMDcyNzk3MzM2MjM/

Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary for the StoryWorth Book

This is my response to the query on Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary for the StoryWorth Book of Memories

Our Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration, 2007

Last December, 2007 we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Boac Cathedral ( the same church where we were married in 1957) in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. 

Here are two photos during our wedding day, May 8, 1957 featuring the parents of the Bride and Groom and The Nieva and Jambalos Clan

Our Parents from L to R: Dr David J Katague, Elena Nieva Jambalos, Me, Macrine, Mama Pacing Balleza Katague and Papa Bernardo Jambalos, Jr. Photo in the Front Porch of the Jambalos Residence, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, May 8, 1957.

The Nieva and Jambalos Clan Attending Our Wedding Day, May 8, 1957

Our actual 50th anniversary was on May 8, but we postponed the celebration for December, so most of our relatives outside the Philippines can attend. 

All of our four children and three of our grandchildren, a son-in-law and two nieces from the United States were in attendance. In addition about 150 friends and relatives from Manila and Marinduque were also present. A friend from Vancouver, B.C., Canada also attended this memorable event.
 

The Bishop Blessings at the Boac Cathedral

The Bishop of Boac( Most Reverend Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D.) officiated the renewal of vows and mass. The Governor( Bong Carrion) and his wife with about 150 guests attended the reception held at our conference hall( Chateau Du Mer Conference Center) in Amoingon.
Entering the Reception Hall with 100 live butterflies to be release after the cake cutting and champagne toasting ceremony.
 
Governor Carrion(RIP) dancing with Macrine and me dancing with his wife (currently Mayor of Boac).
 

Incidentally, Ex-Governor Carrion is Macrine's first cousin on her maternal side of the family(The Nieva Clan). This is an obligatory dance for social etiquette in Marinduque.
Carenna wants her share of the wedding cake. After all she serenaded(New World) her Lolo and Lola. She deserves the cake.

The following is a write-up of Ditas, my youngest daughter, of her experiences during this momentous event in our life. She titled it " Survivor Philippines and my Parents Golden Wedding Anniversary. "

Resembling the journey survivor contestants make to get to their island, after 47 hours of travel -planes, trains, automobiles and a long ferry ride-- Carenna and I finally arrived on the peaceful island of Marinduque, staying at my parents winter home and resort. Here are the 12 items, we will always remember.

1. One Great performance- Carenna sings "New World" at the Anniversary reception
2. Two Happily married parents ( renewed vows after 50 years)
3. Three Hours of holding Carenna (50 lbs), sweating during midnight mass in an ancient (no A/C) cathedral built in 1660 with 1000+ mass attendees( imagine survivor LOG HOLD challenge)
4. Four Roasted Pigs -aka Lechon . Carenna got to meet the live pigs the day before they appeared at the party ( albeit with tan).
David Ernst after all of the four lechons are almost consumed.
 

5. Five guys eating balut- Ian, Dave, Alex, Dodie and David E had a Christmas day Balut eating contest-- yes that's the fertilized duck embryo boiled eggs that they eat in Survivor and Fear Factor TV shows
Balut and San Miguel beer. Where's number 5, David E ?
6. Six aquamarine bridesmaid dresses that did not fit
7. Seven words in tagalog that Carenna knows, ( Tabi po Nono', tubig, paroparo, salamat po, maganda and Kain na)
8. Eight bouts of prickly heat-poor Carenna
9. Nine hours of marathon shopping in Metro Manila with Cousin Cindy Nieva ( professional shopper)
10. Ten asthma attacks in Manila-not known for air quality
11. Eleven types of rice cakes ( 11 hour hangover for Ella)
12. Twelve of us crammed in a van during the round Marinduque Island Tour

Ditas is my youngest daughter. For her Professional Achievements visit her LinkedIn Site:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditas-katague

This is Dinah's memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

The David King Family at our Golden Wedding Anniversary
 

The following is from Dinah's Christmas Newsletter, describing the family's trip to the Philippines during our golden wedding anniversary celebrations as well as the current status of her children, Ian and Elaine as well as husband, David King.

I'm here again at my favorite time of the year. Besides good food, we all make an extra effort to remember those people who have touch our lives in a positive memorable ways this past year. This time of the year always give me a special glow inside that makes me grateful for all the blessings in my life. Now, allow me talk about my favorite subject. My family of course!
 

Our 2008 year, actually started in December, 2007. On the 20th of December, Lolo Katague's birthday, the King family boarded an airplane at the SFO International Airport headed to the Philippines, to spend 16 days experiencing the country of my parent's birth and to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. I could spend pages describing what a wonderful experience this was for everyone, but then I would just bore you all. Meeting all the cousins, eating, drinking, dancing, joking, betting, taking risks, attending cock fights, picnic excursion, riding tricycles and jeepneys and even destroying the natural coral reefs by shooting firecrackers into the ocean, as well as swimming and snorkeling and experiencing a wonderful culture and family that has lived half a world away, makes me feel so blessed to have been able to share this experience with my children and husband.
A big "THANK YOU" to all the Nieva's and Jambalos side of the family for making us feel a part of your lives. We have all agreed to make the trip again in four years. Then, maybe this time, we can spend a month and get to know the Katague's side of the family.
 

Upon returning to the Unites States, I was greeted with the fact that my contract work was not going to be renewed, because my employer had been laying off people since September. This was not unexpected and it gives me time to look for another job.

By the time you get this letter, I will have entered my second art show and sale. I have actually sold pieces of my pottery, so to be able to make this hobby a saleable endeavor is exciting.
 

Note: Dinah is my oldest daughter. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained her BA degree from Sacramento State University and Masters Certificate in Paralegal Studies at St. Mary College in Moraga, California. She was formerly married to David King, a former classmate. They have two children, Ian, 30 and Elaine, 28, both college graduates. For more of her professional achievements visit her Linkedin site:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinah-katague-cams-832ab67

Here's Dodie Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

Dodie and Family with Me and Macrine
 

Here's Dodie's description of his trip to attend our Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Boac, Marinduque. Dodie ( Diosdado) is our oldest son. Unfortunately, none of his family were able to attend.

"Last Christmas and New Years (2007-2008), I spent the holidays away from my wife and children. I was in the Philippines with my parents, brother, and sisters celebrating my parent 50th wedding anniversary. I had a great time visiting the country of my birth, but missed my family, who stayed home. I know it would be an adventure with or without them. 

 

And what an adventure it was! Just getting to the small island of Marinduque from Manila after a 16 hour plane ride took another 8 hours via a van on a two lane road dodging cars, jeepneys, motorized tricycles and livestock to get to the ferry port. We missed the ferry by 15 minutes and had to wait another 4 hours on the dock. The 3-hour ferry trip was crowded because of the Christmas holidays and there were no seats in the passenger section so we slept in the van in the cargo hold for most of the sea-faring trip. Fortunately, I did not get sea sick.

We arrived at my parents house around midnight-24 hours after boarding the plane. But that was the worst part of the journey and I kept thinking that I was glad that my family was not with me because they would have complained the entire time and there was nothing I could do about it. I took in all the bad and the good things that happened, and I had the experience of a lifetime.


Chateau Du Mer Main House-My Parents Winter Residence

What I discovered about my parents surprised me. They were raised closer to the land than I ever know. Just imagine going back to visit your relatives on the farm back in Iowa that's how I felt. Except my parents were rural folks in the tropics. Still, they have a retirement home on a few acres right on the beach,a housekeeper, cook, driver and gardeners, so it was a very comfortable vacation once we arrived. 

 

My parents renewed their wedding vows in the same historic church(the Boac Cathedral built in 1756) they were married in 1957. We wore traditional Filipino clothes( barong tagalog for men) and my brother and sisters were all part of the ceremony. I saw some American tourists peaking into the church and taking pictures of us and I remember thinking, "Those tourists are going to show pictures of me to their friends thinking they got a snapshot of the Filipino culture when all they really got was a picture of some overweight short guy from California". From Dodie (Diosdado) Katague, newsletter, 2007-2008


Note: Dodie, my oldest son was born in the Philippines, but immigrated to US when he was only 18 months old. He has a law degree from UC Davis and now a successful prosecuting attorney in Northern California. He early retired last year to devote more time writing his second novel.  He is married to his former classmate, Ruth Carver, also a lawyer and they have 3 children, Philip, Alix and Marina. This trip was his first trip back to the island. Here's a short biography of Dodie as the author of Cloyne Court.

Dodie Katague lived at Cloyne Court Coop from 1977-79 while he attended the University of California, Berkeley. he graduated in 1981 with a degree in Geography. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law in 1985. Since then, he is a prosecutor in Martinez, California. Dodie is working on his second novel, "Rock Star Planet", a Young Adult science fiction adventure. He is waiting to retire to finish his third novel, "Devil Mountain DA", a fictional account of life in a dysfunctional district attorney's office. 

****************************************************************************

 

David E Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

 

David is single and currently works for the Federal Government (TSA) in Sacramento. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy with concentration on Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He used to work for the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) in Washington DC during the Clinton and Gore Administration. During the time of his employment with OMB we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and Parties for OMB employees. David E is learning how to speak Tagalog. During our 50th wedding anniversary party in 2007, he addressed the guests in Tagalog and made a good impression. His Tagalog is improving but still has the American accent. Macrine and I are proud of his desire to learn the language of his ancestry. Without David's help, we will never be able to enjoy staying in our island paradise in the Philippines for as long as we desire. Today, David E is keeping me company after Macrine's passed away last year. (8/2020).
 

************************************************************************************


Prior to the golden wedding celebration, we had a Christmas party for relatives on December 23. We had a putong ceremony by the group of Tita Glory Jambalos from Laylay and the customary lechon. We were also serenaded by a blind guitarist from Santa Cruz. The kids gave him a lot of tips for his excellent singing and guitar playing.Carenna, 

 

Elaine and Macrine watching the lechon getting ready to be devoured by hungry guests. 

 

Indeed, we are not rich in terms of gold or silver, but rich in pleasant Memories!! 

 

 

First Garden Wedding at Chateau Du Mer Revisited

While looking at my old pictures in my files, I found the following photos on the first garden wedding at Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. I am also reposting my write-up of this historic occasion ( being the first garden wedding at the resort) posted on February 2, 2010 in one of my blogs as follows:

The bride with Parents on her Wedding March

The wedding ceremony started with the bride transported by a white horse-drawn open carriage from the nearby beach resort. This reminds me of Cinderilla riding in her golden carriage on her way to the Ball. On her arrival she was met by the groom and her entourage( includes 6 pairs of primary sponsors) at the balcony of the beach house. The groom stayed overnight in the beach house. The wedding ceremony then began with a ballet dance on the bridge, followed by songs, prayers and homily. It lasted for two hours. The wedding vows and ritual ( cord, veil and candle sponsors) is similar to the Roman Catholic Church, except for presentation of gifts to the parents of bride and groom. In addition all the primary sponsors were required to give public advice to the newly weds. The officiating pastor was from the Born Again Christian Church from Manila.

The reception in the hall had a printed program distributed to around 200 guests. It included several musical and dancing exhibition as well as public dancing. Music was provided by a live band of 10 musicians. At the end of the reception 4 hours later, the newly weds spent another hour at the beach house and ocean just relaxing and taking more pictures. There was a videographer and several photographers.

The ceremony ended with the bride and groom riding the open horse-drawn carriage back to the nearby resort where the bride stayed. The next day, I was told, they are flying to Hongkong for their honeymoon. A most memorable and grand wedding event -the first event here at Chateau Du Mer. I hope more garden weddings in the future.

Releasing Love Doves in Filipino Weddings

This posting is inspired from a recent inquiry from a neighbor here at THD. She asked me if I have written a blog on this topic. I said no, but I will do a search on it. I told her, yes we have 2 love doves and butterflies released and rice showered on my wedding day, May 8, 1957 in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Here's an article on this topic. Enjoy! 

The Symbolic Flight: Releasing Love Doves at Filipino Weddings

Weddings are filled with symbolism,  rituals and traditions that embody hope, love, and the promise of a shared life. One such tradition, particularly cherished in the Philippines, is the release of two white doves,  a moment many couples, families, and guests remember long after the day is over.

A Tradition Rooted in Meaning

At many traditional Filipino weddings, a pair of white doves, typically one male and one female are released by the bride and groom during the reception or at the end of the ceremony. As the couple opens the cage or basket and the doves take flight, they symbolize peace, harmony, love, and the beginning of a new life together. The two birds represent the couple’s journey as partners flying side by side into the unknown future with hope and unity. 

This beautiful moment isn’t just an aesthetic flourish; it reflects deeply held cultural values. In many cultures around the world (including the Philippines), doves have long been symbols of peace and fidelity. Their graceful flight becomes a metaphor for the couple’s aspirations: to live together in harmony and mutual support. 

Some celebrants also see the act of releasing doves as a way of letting go of the past and embarking on a new chapter, an uplifting visual that resonates with guests and creates lasting memories.

Where It Comes From

The tradition likely grew out of a blend of influences:

• Spanish and Catholic heritage: Catholic symbolism in the Philippines often uses the dove to represent peace and the Holy Spirit. While there isn’t a precise historical record pinpointing the exact origin of the wedding dove release, its incorporation into the wedding reception parallels the Philippines’ long Catholic tradition. 

• Universal symbolism: Around the world, doves have been used in ceremonies of union and peace from ancient rituals to modern celebrations. In the Philippines, the image of two birds flying together resonated with the collective cultural yearning for harmony in marriage. 

Then and Now - Is It Still Done Today?

During my wedding day in 1957, the dove release was definitely part of the wedding culture at the time and it continued to be a recognizable tradition for many decades. In weddings throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s, releasing doves was fairly common at traditional Filipino receptions. 

However, like many long-standing customs, its popularity has evolved. In more recent weddings:

• Some couples still choose to include a dove release as a meaningful part of their celebration.

• Others opt out either replacing it with symbolic alternatives (like releasing butterflies, lanterns, or balloons, rice showers), or simply skipping it altogether because it’s not practical or meaningful to them.

• In some areas, modern wedding planners may offer dove release services, but they’re sometimes seen as optional rather than expected reflecting shifting tastes and priorities among younger couples. 

Indeed, conversations among people who recently planned weddings in the Philippines suggest that while the tradition still exists, many couples today consider it a more old-fashioned or optional touch, rather than a must-have ritual. 

A Tradition With Lasting Beauty

Whether embraced, adapted, or set aside, the tradition of releasing doves at Filipino weddings continues to capture the imagination of couples and their guests. Its essence, honoring love, peace, and hope for the future, remains timeless.

Just as weddings evolve with each generation, customs like this one remind us of the shared human desire to celebrate love in meaningful ways whether through birds taking flight or through new rituals created by each couple themselves.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:

Releasing white doves at Filipino weddings is a cherished, symbolic tradition where 

the newlyweds release a pair of doves to signify a long, peaceful, and harmonious life together. Representing purity, fidelity, and the Holy Spirit, the birds symbolize the couple's new journey, commitment, and, because doves mate for life, enduring love. 

Key aspects of this tradition include:

• Symbolism: The pair represents the bride and groom joining together, with their flight symbolizing the couple soaring to new heights, harmony, and prosperity.
• Ritual Action: Often held after the ceremony, the bride and groom hold and release the doves, signifying the release of their individual lives to start a new, shared life, trusting that they will always return home to each other.
• Spiritual Significance: In many Filipino ceremonies, the doves represent the presence of the Holy Spirit, blessing the marriage with peace and loyalty.
• Cultural Context: It serves as a popular,, elegant alternative to, or accompaniment to, the traditional rice shower, representing a,, "white dove release". 

• Meanwhile, here's the top five News of the Day:

  Mass Shooting at Canadian High School – Ten people, including the shooter, died after a gunman opened fire at a school in British Columbia, marking one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. 

• No Charges Against Six Democrats – A federal grand jury declined to indict six Democratic political activists who urged military personnel to reject unlawful orders, in a case drawing intense national attention. 

• FBI Documents Reveal Georgia Election Office Raid Rationale – Newly released FBI records provide insight into what led agents to conduct a controversial raid on a Georgia elections office. 

• Trump Issues Warning to Canada Over Bridge Opening – U.S. President Trump has threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge to Canada, escalating bilateral tensions. 

• Samsung Confirms Galaxy Unpacked Event – Samsung officially schedules its Galaxy Unpacked event for February 25 in San Francisco, expected to unveil its flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone.

  My Photo of the Day:

  
  Parts of My Caps Collection: 
  

  
  

Joys and Pains of Running a Beach Resort in Marinduque

Center Stage of the Conference Hall-Ready for a Wedding Reception

A closer view of the Conference Hall

Entrance to the Conference Hall

The Conference Hall

The third Bedroom with Three Double Deck Beds-The Room is Air Conditioned

The Second Bedroom with Two Single Beds

The Master Bedroom with the Queen Size Bed

The Beach House after Completion of the Bottom Floor as the 3rd Bedroom

Early Evening in the Main House-so Quiet and Calm

The front yard of the Main House

The landscaping in the front yard of the Main House

The driveway from the main house to the national road

In 2005, three years after my retirement from FDA, Macrine and I started constructing a beach house with no intention of opening it to the public. Two years later we decided building a multi-function Hall by the side of the beach house.
(Note: The main house-our retirement home was built in 1999-three years before our retirement).

However, in 2008 after numerous inquiries and urgings from friends and relatives, we decided to open both the Beach House and Function Hall to the public. I then created a website( www.chateaudumer.com) and a blogsite ( http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com).
Just this year, I posted a video on YouTube titled Chateau Du Mer-Marinduque. Since then, the hall had hosted more than 40 wedding receptions, seminars, parties, and community prayer meetings and picnics. The beach house on the other hand had less than fifteen guests, mostly from abroad ( US and Europe).

So, what are the joys of running a beach resort and conference center. First of all, Macrine and I enjoyed meeting strangers which afterwards become our friends. Second, I love hearing positive comments about the resort, such as: your garden is so beautiful, the landscaping is perfect and I feel like I am in the Garden of Eden in this place.
It was indeed a joyous moment, when one day, one of our young guests during a wedding reception informed me, that our retirement house ( which was built earlier) is her dream house and that someday, if God permits she will have a similar one constructed.

This Holy week, a van load of tourists from Manila stopped by and requested to take pictures of the beach house and conference center area. One of the tourists had seen my website and wanted to see the place in person. She commented the place is as beautiful as the pictures in the Internet. Last, but not least, the conference center is the only Hall in the whole province of Marinduque that can accommodate more than 300 attendees in doors and up to 500 attendees outdoors. This resort is also providing permanent employment for two local residents and temporary employment to four local residents, which help the economy of this 3rd class province.

So what are the pains of running Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center?
First, there are unique physical maintenance problems, since the compound is exposed to salty air and breezes almost all year round. Most of the fixtures even stainless steel had to be cleaned and rusted almost every year. Repainting and repairing equipments are common. Just recently, the water pump did not work. I had to replace it immediately at the costs of $400. Wood borers and mites attacked most of the wooden and bamboo structures as well as furnitures. If you know of a chemical that will kill the wood borers and mites( not termites), please let me know.

Second we have problems with the recruitment of reliable and honest personnel. Since 2008, we had already two managers. One we caught stealing. The current one is honest but super sensitive.

Lastly, the resort income is only enough to pay for the taxes. Hopefully as the economy improved more tourists will visit Marinduque and more young people will hold big wedding receptions; the resort will then earn enough to pay for both maintenance expenses and taxes and might even earn a little profit. But I am not depending my livelihood on this project. We build the place for our personal enjoyment. Our relatives called the place "Macrine's and David's Follies" in their old age.

Above are some recent pictures that I took of the main house, the conference Hall and the Beach House. Hopefully you visit one of my sites, in case this is the first time you have heard of Chateau Du Mer. Comments are appreciated.
Here's a short video of Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center