10 Tuesdays before Christmas: Pop Talk searches for party venues

Throwing parties may sound simple, but it can be quite stressful especially if it's prepared in a rush. To avoid the hassles of planning a Christmas party at the last minute, GMA News TV show “Pop Talk” conducted an early hunt for unusual Christmas party venues.

Events and marketing specialist Gems Rodanilla, designer Karen Olano, and Kapuso celebrity Enzo Pineda joined “Pop Talk” host Tonipet Gaba in this review.



Filling Station
5012 P. Burgos St., Brgy, Poblacion, Makati City
8972053, 8995555
Price: P700 to P750 per head, 6 hours, minimum of 50 persons



If you're a fan of Throwback Thursdays and would want to go vintage on your next Christmas party, then FIlling Station is the right place for you. This party venue will remind guests of the 50s, from the old school music playing in the background to the vintage-inspired decorations and photos of pop icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and the Beatles hanging on their walls. Even the staff's uniforms are reminiscent of classic American diners.

Events specialist Gems appreciated the place's design, saying the venue’s decors are more than enough for a great party.



"Para sa akin, I love the ambience," commented Enzo. "I would definitely go back here."

Filling Station's menu includes pizzas, burgers, cakes, shakes and more. Pool tables are also available in case guests want to take a break from eating.

Enzo has nothing but praises for FIlling Station. "Para kang nasa ibang panahon talaga. I love how they designed the place, I love the quality of their food. I love the place. I love everything about it."

Final verdict: 9 pop points



Bounce
359 M. Vicente St. (formerly Dansalan) near Boni Avenue, 1550 Mandaluyong
Price: P380 per person for a group of 125

Bounce, tumble, slide, play and go back to being a kid in Bounce, an air-conditioned party venue that features inflatables as its main attraction. "So naisip namin inflatables... Una napaka-safe niya tapos maganda siyang tignan," Rich Benito, owner of Bounce shared. "Adults can use it also."

This restaurant can accommodate 125 to 500 people. Visitors who want to conduct programs can also avail of extra party amenities like sound systems, projectors, tables and chairs for free. Bounce also offers free wi-fi to their customers.



"Sarap ng feeling kasi parang naging bata ulit ako. It was fun," attested Enzo. Gems and Karen thought the same, saying that playing with the inflatables made them forget about their other concerns.

Bounce can recommend their own accredited caterers but customers are also free to choose their own catering service and bring it to the venue.

"Yung venue itself, nababago mo kung weddings, Christmas party..." Enzo said. "Facilities and amenities, 'pop na pop' lalu na [dahil may wi-fi sila]."

Final verdict: 9 pop points



Splendor CJ Yacht
Contact Danny Chua (0916845486) for rentals
Price: P9,000 for 1 hour cruise, 30 persons

Floating parties or yacht parties are pretty uncommon, which is probably what makes it special, too. For only P300 an hour per person, Splendor CJ Yacht gives people the chance to try this unique experience.

"Dito sa Splendor Yacht, pwede niyong gawin 'yung mga programa gaya ng kantahan, sayawan, picture-taking at inuman," explained Renato Garcia, captain of Splendor CJ Yacht.



"Yung challenge dito, dapat 'di ka mahilo 'pag gumagalaw na 'yung barko habang kumakain," Enzo joked.

One of the highlights of having a yacht party is to take in the view of the sea. In this case, the “Pop Talk” reviewers took their time to enjoy the view of Manila Bay. "Honestly, I love the view kasi 'yun naman 'yung habol mo kaya ka magre-rent ng yate," commented Enzo.

"'Pop' siya... something different. Habang kumakain ka, may sightseeing," stated Karen. "Siguro nag-overexpect rin ako kasi when you say yacht parang sosyal. Pagtingin ko, parang 'Okay, 'yun pala 'yun.'"

Final verdict: 3 pop points