O F

In his novel Noli Me Tangere, the Philippine National hero Dr. Jose Rizal, idealized the Filipino woman as a beautiful maiden of uncompromising ideals and virtue. Her name? Maria Clara. The name Maria Clara has come to evoke the traditional qualities of Philippine womanhood: pure and simple, delicate and meek, hauntingly beautiful in her baro (top) and saya (skirts), yet blessed with an inner strength.

Suggestions:

Theme Party:
* Nostalgia Filipina
* Old Manila
* Turn of the Century

Venues:
* Champagne Gardens, Manila Hotel
* Coconut Palace
* Fort San Antonio, Central Bank Grounds
* Intramuros/Fort Santiago
* Nayong Pilipino's Vigan Area
* Puerta Real Gardens
* San Agustin Courtyard
* Casa Manila
* In Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Provincial Capitol Social Hall
* In Bacolod, Iloilo and Vigan: ancestral mansions and houses Archishop's Palace in Bacolod
* Selected hotels can recreate an Old Manila party in their ballrooms or gardens
* A novel way to transfer your guests to the venue is via carriage (tilbury) or calesa.

Entertainment:
* Strings trio
* Orchestra
* Rondalla
* Cultural Dancers and singers

Gifts:
For Maria Clara:
* Jusi fans and handkerchiefs
* Silver hair ornaments
* Silver picture frames
* Kimona top

For the Gentleman:
* Canes made of Philippine mahogany or narra
* Barong Tagalog