Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Pamamanhikan

February 18. Pamamanhikan day.

I felt nervous. I felt happy...overjoyed to be exact. I felt tired...because my mom and I cleaned the house to prepare it for visitors. I felt blessed. I felt loved.

I really have no idea what happens during a Pamamanhikan. I only encountered it once before when my Tita got engaged. The only thing that I remember during that time was that my Lola invited us over to their house because there's food (hahah). We didn't really participate in the whole "wedding negotiation/preparation" because only my grandparents and my tito's parents were talking.

Now, it was my turn to experience it...for real.

I didn't go to work that day. My mom and I had to prepare our house - which means it was general cleaning day. It was very tiring. But it felt fulfilling because our house finally got its much-deserved "pampering". We started cleaning the house at around ten in the morning and finished at around four in the afternoon. WHEW! That's how "messy" our house was. And maybe that's why I got allergies after...because of all that dust. Anyway, after washing up, my parents went out to buy some fruits and ice and to pick up Tatay Pidreng and Nanay Abe (my dad's parents). Too bad Nanay Luisa can't come over. We'll just visit her one of these days. As I was waiting for them, I logged on to Facebook to play some games and to relieve the tension I was feeling. My heart was pounding! I totally had no idea what was going to happen. I had no idea of what I need to prepare. Are they going to ask about details of the wedding? The budget? Where Brian and I would be staying or living after? I was so nervous! But also excited. Maybe this is how it will feel like come my wedding day...but maybe a hundred times more intense. *eeeep!*

My mom and dad finally came back to the house with my grandparents. Brian told me they'd arrive at seven in the evening. I was checking the time almost every fifteen minutes. That's how nervous I was. Then Brian texted me a little before 8PM and he said they were on their way. WAAH! They're on their way!

Then they arrived.

They brought in the food.

We sat down.

Pastor Ric, Brian's dad, prayed.

Then the pamamanhikan began.

Brian's dad talked. Much like an introduction. Very formal. He said they came over to our house to talk about our upcoming wedding.

Then my dad talked. He asked us if we had a date in mind already.

Brian answered. He said "around October or November. But we initially want it on November 11." It was a pretty date. 11.11.11. But it seems like almost every other couple who's soon to be wed wants to pick that date, too. So Brian said we'll just move it a week after. 11.18.11.

Then my beautiful lola said "akala ko June na. November pa pala. Ang tagal pa.". She thought the wedding's going to happen this June! My mom and I laughed a bit when she said that. She was as excited as we were.

Anyway, the conversation went on. It was mostly my dad and Pastor Ric talking. And I was just smiling the whole time. Even though I was tired and felt a cold coming in because of my allergies, I was happy. I was joyful and thankful to God that Brian and I are at this point of our lives. Two families joining together. Our parents imparting wisdom. Everyone having a good conversation, having fellowship with each other and thanking God for it.

After the pamamanhikan proper, we finally decided to eat. We were all hungry! Good thing Tita Josie, Brian's mom, prepared everything already as was customary. We had caldereta, piniñahang manok (*gulp* for the piña), and beef with brocolli. Yumyumyum! The funny thing about dinner is that my dad and Pastor Ric were all just talking about church stuff. And none of the supposedly pamamanhikan topics. They jive I guess in that aspect. Even my mom and Tita Josie were talking about church stuff. O well. Pastors and their wives, what more can I say?

Everything was just relaxed after. We had fruits for dessert then coffee. I guess everyone felt at ease already. I was happy seeing all these happening right before me. I was very thankful to God. I realized then that more than the formality of the two families meeting together for wedding preparations, a pamamanhikan is really a celebration and a time for fellowship. It's a time for each family to bless one another and to celebrate the upcoming union of their children. It's the time for each family to thank God and to honor Him with our relationships.

So now...let the wedding preparations begin!

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