Its been so long since the last time I wrote. Its been a busy past few weeks and a lot of things had happened. However I am grateful to our God for giving me the strength to endure. Its Monday once again!!! No time for Monday blues!!! I am so excited to share on how my 5 days short escape in the Philippines became extremely remarkable!!! Indeed, all comes down to one thing: I am getting married on December 20, 2013!!! No reason to hold back and I have 7months left!!!
The most significant event for the month of May: PAMAMANHIKAN. Before I tell you the rest of the story. Let me share to you a short background of what Pamamanhikan as part of Filipino tradition.
Pamamanhikan is when the guy together with his family (parents and siblings) visits the home of the girl, to formally announce his intention to marry the girl in front of his family. Sometimes, the pamamanhikan affair may also be done outside like in a reserved venue or restaurant. The guy would invite the rest of the important family members and make the announcement there. Once the family accepts, the wedding’s important details are settled at this point and become a family decision instead of the couple’s alone. These are common situations seen in Filipino weddings or any other important events in one’s life: any preparation and decision always becomes a family affair. (Excerpt from an article of myweddingph.com)
I am very grateful that my Nurse Manager allowed me a 5 days out of duty including holiday off. I am praying for it to come home since my dad justcame back from Bangladesh and he will stay 3weeks in the Philippines. When I received the good news I informed my parents I am coming back home and to my surprised my dad's leave was also extended. I also talked to my future father-in-law, Pastor Balista. We want to surprise Steve because we want to celebrate the day of his graduation but things does not work out according to the plan because he found out that I am going back home.
Moving on! ^_^
Setting the date for pamamanhikan was not that easy. A lot of things need to considered. It was delayed for 2 days and finally a suitable date and time was scheduled.
May 28, 2013(Tuesday):
We woke up early to go wet market. As requested by yours truly, I wanted a crispy pata and kilawin na tanigue for the pamamanhikan dinner. I am so blessed to have a very supportive parents. They bought more than what I expected. Being away from home, I miss Filipino foods so much!!! The dinner was set at 6PM but eventuallyy it was moved to 8PM because of the transportation coding system.
I had a lot of plans for that night. I wanted to wear a nice dress and pair it with a comfortable sandals. I just want to look pleasant in the eyes of my family, to my future in-laws and to my future husband. Ayieeee!!! But then again!!! Epic fail!!! My youngest brother, Jay-R, suddenly exclaimed "Ate! Ate! Ate! Andito na sila Kuya Steve!!!" That's it!!! Nawala na ako sa sarili. Pabalik balik ako simula sa sala hanggang kusina. Just to check if everything is in good condition. Nakakanerbiyos!!! To the highest level!!! Magkakilala naman na ang mga magulang namin pero iba pa rin kapag ang pinag-uusapan ay pagpapakasal. Its good to see my future in-laws to have dinner with us. They brought pansit palabok, ginisang hipon(sarap nito!) at ang napakasarap na caldereta!!! Before the dinner, Steve invited the whole family and Pastor Balista started the night with a prayer. Here comes the groom, Steve. I am so proud of him that night. Sobrang blessed ako sa lalaking binigay ng Panginoon sa akin. He leads us that night. Very unusual. I am so happy to see him leading us. Before he ask my parents for approval of our marriage, he testifies on how the Lord blessed him before the year of 2012 ends. It was a remarkable December 2012 for us. Steve finished his studies last October 2012. He got the job last December 12, 2012. (Trivia: 12-12-12- supposed to be our dream date wedding but God has another plans for that day!) December 15, 2012 - we got engaged. It was very heartwarming to hear it from Steve. Then he cried. And I cried. It was tears of joy. God has been faithful to us. Even though there are times that we want to quit in this wedding preparation but still God keep on reminding us that He already prepared December 20, 2013 as our special day.
Hindi lang iyakan ang meron nung araw na yun. Nung nagtanong na si Steve kung papayag sila Papa at Mama sa kasal namin, the ice breaks.
Steve: Tito, I would like to ask your daughter's hand for marriage?
Daddy Peter: (Giggling) Kamay lang? Walang problema? Hahaha!
Steve: (Smiling) Syempre po buong buo ko po siya hinihingi.
Daddy Peter: Approved! No problem!
My Mom Rosie Marie also shared her insights and I am thankful she never stop supporting us. She is always there for us in good times and bad times. I am also touched by the words given by Tita Lolita, thank you for raising such a wonderful son. I admired Pastor Balista that night. He expressed his thoughts about how Steve consulted to him about marrying me. As a father, he wants his children to have the best in life. He was grateful that my parents welcomed Steve in our family. My heart was moved that night. I am overwhelmed on what is happening.
We talked about our brief wedding plans. From venue to catering, theme and motif, guests and entourage. It was such a nice time to see two families joined together. Our ring bearer, Shadrock, prayed for the food!!! Yun ang pinakahihintay ng lahat ang kainan!!! Aside from deliciously food, the night was so special because having the Balista in our place is like a home. It feels like home. We end the day with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessings led by Pastor Balista.
It was a great day. God showed me how beautiful my wedding will be like. He give me a glimpse on how a wedding should be. Its about a celebration of love and thanksgiving. I am so grateful that everything fall into places as what God promised to us.
What's next: Official wedding planning and preparation!!! Excited much!!!
