How to Plan a Birthday Party at a Private Resort

In the Philippines, the birthday party at a private resort is practically a cultural institution. From a kid's 7th birthday to a lolo's 70th, renting a private pool for a celebration is the go-to choice for Filipino families and friend groups. ## Why Private Resorts Are Perfect for Birthdays - **All-in-one venue**: Pool, dining area, kitchen, rooms — everything in one place - **Privacy**: No strangers watching your "Macarena" dance number - **Freedom**: Play music, decorate, set up games — the space is yours - **Cost-effective**: Split among guests, it's often cheaper than a restaurant - **Overnight option**: The party doesn't have to end — extend it overnight - **Photo opportunities**: Pools, gardens, and open spaces = great photos ## Step-by-Step Planning Guide ### Step 1: Set Your Budget (4-6 weeks before) Break down costs: - **Resort rental**: PHP 3,000-15,000 (depending on location and size) - **Food**: PHP 100-250 per person (if cooking) or PHP 200-400 (if catered) - **Decorations**: PHP 500-3,000 (balloons, banners, table setup) - **Cake**: PHP 500-2,000 - **Activities/Games**: PHP 500-1,500 (prizes, materials) - **Transportation**: Variable **Per-person formula**: (Resort + Food + Extras) ÷ Guest Count = Cost Per Head ### Step 2: Choose the Right Resort (3-4 weeks before) Consider: - Guest count (don't overpacked — it ruins the experience) - Distance from where most guests are coming from - Kitchen facilities (if you're cooking) - Pool safety for kids (if children are attending) - Covered area for the dining/program setup - Parking availability ### Step 3: Plan the Food (2-3 weeks before) **Option A: Cook at the resort** (Most common, cheapest) - Assign a cooking committee - Prepare menu: pancit, spaghetti, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, drinks - Buy ingredients the day before - Bring cooking equipment if the resort's kitchen is basic **Option B: Order catering** (Easier, slightly pricier) - Local caterers can deliver to most resort locations - Budget PHP 200-400 per head for a standard Filipino party package - Include: main dishes, rice, dessert, drinks **Option C: Lechon package** (The classic Filipino party centerpiece) - Order a lechon (whole roasted pig): PHP 5,000-12,000 depending on size - Supplement with sides cooked at the resort ### Step 4: Set Up the Program A classic Filipino birthday program: 1. **Welcome and swim time** (1-2 hours after arrival) 2. **Games** (parlor games, pool games, relay races) 3. **Food time** (the main event) 4. **Birthday song + cake blowing** (don't forget the candles!) 5. **Message from the birthday celebrant** (optional) 6. **More swimming + videoke** (until everyone's exhausted) 7. **Clean up** (before checkout) ### Step 5: Decoration Tips Keep it simple but impactful: - **Balloon arch** at the entrance or pool area - **Banner** with the celebrant's name and age - **Table centerpieces** (simple flowers or themed decorations) - **Photo wall** or **backdrop** for group photos - **Themed props** (if it's a themed party) Budget-friendly hack: Buy balloons and a banner from Shopee/Lazada — skip the expensive event stylist. ### Step 6: Day-of Execution - **Advance team**: 2-3 people arrive 1-2 hours early for setup - **Decoration first**: Before guests arrive, setup is complete - **Designate a photographer**: Someone with a good phone + portable speaker - **Assign a host/MC**: Keep the program flowing - **Have a cleanup plan**: Everyone helps before checkout ## Cost Breakdown Example **Birthday party for 30 guests at a Bulacan resort:** | Item | Cost | |---|---| | Resort (overnight, 30 pax) | PHP 5,000 | | Food (cooked at resort) | PHP 4,500 (PHP 150/person) | | Lechon (medium) | PHP 6,000 | | Cake | PHP 1,000 | | Decorations | PHP 1,500 | | Prizes for games | PHP 500 | | **Total** | **PHP 18,500** | | **Per person** | **PHP 617** | That's a complete birthday celebration with a pool, lechon, cake, games, and overnight stay for just PHP 617 per person. Try getting that at a restaurant! ## Find Birthday Venues on Pribado Browse private resorts perfect for birthday celebrations. Filter by capacity, amenities (videoke, kitchen, parking), and location. Book directly with owners and start planning your celebration.