A montemar kind of wedding

Some would say that church weddings, while traditional, are so done. In the year 2007, why not venture out of the stifling receptions-filled-with-a-hundred-guests, and do something unexpected? Visit someplace new. Have a more memorable beginning.

Do that in Negros Oriental. After all, what’s more romantic and fun than getting out of the city and exploring the mountains (monte) and beaches (mar) of the Philippine South?

The province, the largest of all Central Visayan provinces, provides 60% of Region VII’s total forest cover. It offers a treasure trove of tropical forests, sultry beaches, thundering waterfalls, and awe-inspiring caves—along with the necessary elements in the weddings of the year brouhaha, from the cakes to the souvenirs to the caterers. They are less expensive, and will undoubtedly make for better photographs and stories.

Are you adventurous?

When pitched to local nature-lovers, a wedding ceremony performed by a good-natured priest or a close friend overlooking Lake Nailig at the foot of Mt. Talinis got rave reviews.

Trek for half a day up the “Cuernos de Negros” (Horns of Negros) in Valencia, Negros Oriental to reach this mirror clear lake surrounded by trees. Don’t let the word “trek” scare anyone. Mt. Talinis rises almost 6,000 feet above sea level with a high degree of biodiversity, with virgin forests, orchids and rare species of wildlife. To get to the highest peak, an overnight hike-slash-camp with a guide (check at the Island Life Outdoor Store or the Valencia Municipal Government) is needed. But it’s definitely worth it.

After sampling the sunrise atop this mountain range, go to the province’s capital, Dumaguete City, and treat friends and fellow climbers to cold beer, grilled pork belly and sisig at Barefoot Bistro in EJ Blanco Drive, an outdoor bar and restaurant with native huts, billiards and the smell of the sea.

The next day, the couple could go to the municipality of Mabinay for some good, old spelunking. The most visited caves are Odloman (8870 meters, known as the 2nd longest cave in the Philippines), Crystal (159 meters with icicle-like dripstones), and Panligawan and Pandalihan (143 and 282 meters, popular among amateur cavers).

Then head to the Paintball War Games Park at the Fantasy Village Convention Center on the national highway to appropriately end the day with both color and energy.

Other sites: Forest Camp, Casaroro Falls, Pulangtubig Falls in Valencia.

Do you want romance?

Especially if one is in love, boulevard strolls at night or bicycle trips (available for rent by the outdoor tempura stands) early in the morning, horse-drawn carriages and ancestral Spanish houses, are but footnotes to the possibilities of a romantic wedding in Oriental Negros.

The Antulang Beach Resort (www.antulang.com) in the municipality of Siaton is highly recommended because of three words: private pool villas.

But before that, have the ceremony at the terrace of their restaurant, with the trellis overgrown with flowers and the sparkling ocean spreading before the couple. And don’t forget the authentic, mouth-watering Negrense cuisine. Afterwards, go horseback riding on the beach, rappel down a picturesque 20-meter drop, kayak to Tambobo Bay and snorkel in the blue waters.

Surrounded by antulang (gumamelas) bougainvillas and wild blackberry trees, the premium rooms and facilities are situated on the edge of the limestone cliffs the resort is built on. With a breathtaking view of the sea and one’s own saltwater pool in a little corner of the world, who will not melt at the luxury of it all?

Other sites: Tirambulo Highland Resort, Mabinay
Recommended for lodging and food: Mamias Restaurant, La Residencia Al Mar, South Sea Resort

What about the beach?

There are seven kilometres of white sand beach that is only visible during low tide in Bais City. Welcome to the Sandbar, a respite from the deep waters of Bais Bay and Tañon Strait. From afar, its cottages seem like they built on water. A wedding ceremony bordered by the sun, sand, the local favorite lechon manok and reggae music just might be the way to go.

But here’s the added treat to both guests and family members. Before you get to Sandbar, go on a Dolphinwatch Cruise (035-541-5161), touted as among the most successful dolphin and whale watching operations in the country.

From dolphins to pygmy sperm whales, the cruise takes everyone through a body of water acknowledged to have one of the highest concentrations of cetaceans in the world. This wedding in the middle of such rich marine life will truly be one-of-a-kind.

When you get back to Dumaguete City, dance to the Visayan beat during the Wednesday reggae nights of Hayahay Treehouse Bar and Viewdeck (Flores Avenue, Piapi) fronting the sea. Drink to the couple, smell the habagat and taste their famed oysters for a truly ocean-filled night.

Recommended months: from May to September

Care to dive into the Apo way of life?

Start it off with a Wednesday Market experience in Malatapay, Zamboanguita, just before riding a boat to internationally acclaimed Apo Island. The seaside market features livestock auction, flea market and al fresco beach food stalls which only whet anyone’s appetite for more Negrense culture.

Then head to Dauin for a 30-45 minute trip to the island, one of the world’s best known community organized marine sanctuary. Marine scientists from Silliman University encouraged the locals to stop dynamite fishing in 1982. The island is now home to over 650 documented species of fish and 400 species of corals, making it one of the top dive sites in the world.

Composed of only 72 hectares, this volcanic island has five pocket beaches of white pebbles, two mangrove lagoons and a lighthouse. Diving equipment is readily available, and for first-timers, snorkelling gear also does justice to the abundant marine life.

But the best thing about Apo Island, aside from a sunset beach wedding by the marine sanctuary, is its friendly and hospitable people. At 10pm, the electricity is turned off. And as the couple and guests stay at the Apo Island Beach Resort (035-225-5490), they will not help but realize how Apo Island inhabitants are working for the good of the whole community. The resort, the cooperative store, the bakery; all proceeds are divided among the locals.

Encircled by love for both nature and for people, the appreciation for living and beginnings can only increase thousand-fold.

Recommended hangout afterwards: Payag sa Likod, North National Highway
Recommended time to visit for the full Negros Oriental experience: October for the provincial fiesta, Buglasan Festival of Festivals in Dumaguete City

*To get there: Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have daily direct flights, and Super Ferry also has regular trips.
*For more info: www.negor.gov.ph