McKinley Hill's The Blue Leaf braces for busy season

On any given day of the week, according to owner Eugene Sandejas, there could be a birthday party, office seminar, or wedding at The Blue Leaf events pavilion. The modern Asian-themed garden enclave tucked inside McKinley Hill at Fort Bonifacio invites a steady stream of clients from social to corporate events each season.

“There’s a growing demand given the population and market growth,” says Sandejas. “But we offer a nontraditional space. It’s more relaxed but they find the same creature comforts they are familiar with, like professional services, air-conditioning, audio-visual facilities and other amenities.”

The expansive half-a-hectare grounds also houses three similarly styled pavilions: the Banyan, Jade, and Silk, each accommodating 200 to 300 guests. “These can host any occasion, depending on the preferred size,” says Sandejas. The outdoor area of Jade may function as an entry foyer to the Banyan, a special feature often utilized for media launches that exhibit large products. At times cocktails are set up at the garden area while the main program is held at Banyan. Silk’s rounded shape is also popular for intimate weddings.  

In addition, the minimalist motif enables clients to customize their chosen pavilion through a range of color and decor. Sandejas notes that given fundamental elements in the design such as wood, glass and steel, the venue can boast flexibility.

These considerations are very crucial to wedding planners and couples that have special themes in mind, especially last August, which was a popular date due to the belief in eight as a lucky number.

In the past, a Christian wedding ceremony hosted at Silk made use of its circular dimensions as a chapel. The backdrop, altar, aisle, and chairs in a row were also set up.  Sandejas says that preparation is key to any busy period, like the wedding and Christmas seasons. “We take into account all events taking place in a given week to make sure everything is ready and in place,” he explains. This usually takes between three weeks to a month, adds Sandejas, to ensure facility maintenance, repairs and replacements. According to him, their group usually works with the client’s events coordinator when available. “So we also know the equipment, props, and supplies necessary,” he says. “There won’t be any surprises. We’re in tune with everything that goes on at each pavilion before anything happens.”

For instance, Sandejas says they should be ready as early as October for the upcoming Christmas parties in December. “Usually we increase manpower, like more staff members for security, housekeeping, engineering and management. He recalls one of their memorable celebrations, a Las Vegas-themed Christmas event staged at the Banyan pavilion. “It had all the elements — well-decorated, good planning and entertainment,” he says. “You can see that everyone had a great time.”

The Blue Leaf is just one of the important locators within McKinley Hill. Already operating within the township are the Chinese International School, Enderun Colleges, and numerous business process outsourcing (BPO) firms. Its newest offering, The Venice Luxury Residences, makes McKinley Hill stay true to property giant Megaworld Corporation’s vision of a vibrant live-work-play-learn community.

For inquiries on how to stage your event in style at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, call 898-BLUE or e-mail inquiries@theblueleaf.com.ph. For inquiries about the luxurious condominium units at McKinley Hill, dial 815-1888 or visit www.megaworldcorp.com.