Here’s something you don’t hear about everyday: a TV host claiming that her wedding reservation at a private island resort in Quezon was bumped off in favor of another high-profile couple’s wedding date.

While these two concerned parties and the resort owner sort things out, most of us wonder why beach weddings are all the rage, not only among celebrities, but also among us common folk.

To this, we ask this question: why not? With our country’s numerous beautiful and pristine beaches, it only seems natural to hold one of life’s most momentous occasions in such gorgeous landscapes. Just think of it—the sun, sea and sand all working together to make your special moment memorable for you and your guests.

Convinced? If you’re planning your own wedding, then it’s time to check out our list of top beach wedding destinations.

Misibis Bay (Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay)

If private luxury is your thing, head on to this 5-hectare island getaway that offers loads of amenities. Its stretch of white sand is picture-perfect, along with its well-manicured gardens and tastefully designed villas. Aside from being only less than an hour’s flight away from Manila, this resort is equipped with an evacuation plan in case of a tsunami. The resort also offers an aerial view of the famous Mayon Volcano, our country’s most popular active volcano.

Celebrity Couple that Got Married Here: Real Estate Scion Victor Consunji and Beauty Queen/Actress Maggie Wilson

Nasugbu, Batangas

Via land, Batangas is only a few hours away from Manila, making it an ideal wedding spot, especially if the couple and guests are coming from the metro. In 2007, it was declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a special tourism zone, in an effort to boost the promotion and development of its white-sand beaches.

Celebrity Couples that Got Married Here: Pastor Joseph Bonifacio and Actress Rica Peralejo; Singers Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

La Union, Ilocos

Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Northern Luzon, La Union is easily accessible via land and air from Manila. Its beaches are famous sites for water sports, particularly snorkeling and surfing.

Celebrity Couple that Got Married Here: Actor John Estrada and Brazilian Beauty Queen Priscilla Meirelles

Boracay Island, Aklan

When it’s beach wedding season, all roads seem to lead to the most popular destination of all, especially among celebrities—Boracay! Aside from its picturesque waters and shoreline, this island is chock-full of gimik spots that assure guests of unlimited party time after the ceremony.

Celebrity Couples that Got Married Here: Actor Jericho Rosales and Model/Host Kim Jones, Actor Oyo Boy Sotto and Actress Kristine Hermosa

Planning to get married on the beach? Here are some tips to make sure that it doesn’t rain on your wedding day:

Choose your wedding month well. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez, it’s best to schedule your wedding between the months of November and February, which are usually characterized by cold and dry weather conditions associated with the “amihan” or Northeast Monsoon. He adds that at this time, “There will be a slim chance of afternoon or evening rain showers or thunderstorms, except for the month of November, where tropical cyclones are at a minimum—at least one or sometimes none at all under normal climate conditions.”

Opt for late afternoon weddings. This way, you and your guests don’t have to endure the harsh heat of the sun. If you want, you can even schedule the ceremony just so it ends while the sun sets, providing a picturesque background for those romantic photos.

Constantly monitor weather updates. Even if you scheduled your wedding during the summer months, it’s best to check on the weather. Anya Santos-Uy scheduled her beach wedding in March because of its  “better chance of weather. Yet it drizzled about an hour before the ceremony!” Monitoring updates allows you to prepare back-up plans just in case a weather disturbance comes unexpectedly.

Rainy afternoons and evenings are here again.  So before heading out, it’s best to be prepared with rainy weather essentials that are both practical and easy on the eyes. Here are some tips from celebrities on their must-bring and must-wear items when it’s pouring outside.

Photo from official Instagram account of Ginger Conejero

An entertainment reporter and a morning show anchor for more than four years, Ginger Conejero is also known for her impeccable sense of style—something that was honed when she joined Miss Philippines Earth in 2006, where she was declared Runner-up as Miss Philippines Air.

What do you wear on rainy days when you have to go to work?

On rainy days, I try to be as comfortable and warm as I can because the last thing I need is to worry about is my outfit not giving enough protection or being inappropriate for the weather. Printed leggings with a loose top are a go-to for me with comfy boots to keep my feet warm.

If I need to be dressier, I opt for a dress that can be paired with a moto-jacket and booties. If the weather is on the gloomy side, I tend to go for gray, dark blue and maroon to burgundy colors.

How do you keep your things safe and dry? 

Boots or booties are essential rainy weather footwear for me. I really don’t like getting my feet or the inside of my shoes wet because it’s hard to dry them out.  I usually have a bigger, water-resistant bag that I put my stuff into so I can keep my purse and other important things dry.  But if the rainy weather is unexpected, I just go with the flow. Getting wet won’t kill you so there’s no need to get overly maarte about things getting wet.

What’s your stylish rainy day outfit?

Leggings with a stylish top or sweater is the way I tend to dress on rainy days. If I need to wear a skirt or dress, I usually pair it with booties. Also, a scarf always ties an outfit together and is a fave go-to of mine, because it doubles as a shawl over my head in case of sudden downpour.

Photo from official Instagram account of Melissa Ricks

Landing a spot in a reality talent search ten years ago paved the way for Melissa Ricks to fulfill her dream of being an actress. Known for her acting credits on both film and television, Melissa has evolved from playing teenybopper characters to more mature ones, including landing the lead role in Nasaan ka, Elisa? the local adaptation of a popular Chilean drama. Now a mother-to-be, Melissa still makes sure she stays stylish, rain or shine.

What do you wear on rainy days when you go to work?

My jackets, pullovers, leggings or shorts. For my footwear, I go with my jelly boots or Crocs, or any type of shoes that are safe to wear when it’s raining.

How do you keep your things safe and dry?

I use my waterproof bags.

Any advice to have a stylish outfit especially on rainy days?

Just be yourself and wear something that will make you feel comfy and warm.

Photo from official Facebook account of Atom Araullo

Atom Araullo has become known for his daring reports—one of which was his famous live coverage of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, Leyte. Because of his on-the-go lifestyle, this journalist makes sure that he’s always prepared for changes in the weather.

What do you usually wear on rainy days?

I have a gore-tex rain jacket, boots, and a foldable umbrella. If I’m covering floods or heavy rains, I use office-issued waders. I also wear a baseball hat under my hoodie because it helps keep the rain from dripping down my face. I also bring extra shirts and underwear.

How do you keep your things safe and dry?

I always bring a flashlight with a whistle. I also make sure I have a waterproof cellphone case, car inverter, headlamp, a first aid kit, a dry sack, etc. I use a go-pro camera for getting footage because it’s easy to use and it’s waterproof.

A host and a famous traffic reporter in a morning show, Love Anover’s booming voice can easily wake up the most stubborn of sleepyheads. Being in the business for more than a decade, her extensive experience with the busy roads of Metro Manila has equipped Love with daily girl-scout preparedness.

What do you have in bag when having a coverage outside of your office?

I bring rubber slippers, extra shirt and underwear in case I get wet during my coverage. Instead of lugging around a heavy umbrella, I prefer bringing a raincoat.

How do you keep you and your things safe and dry?

To ensure my safety, I always have my ballpen and keys. Since I go to different places, I make sure that my mind is focused and alert all the time. My Swiss pocketknife and other important things are kept in a ziplock to prevent them and my bag from getting wet.

Being stylish during rainy weather also means being safe from the downpour. Take your cue from these celebrities, who know how to prepare for emergencies while making sure they look good on camera.  Be weather-smart, and poise and confidence will be yours, any day of the season.

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