The Pamanhikan

Tweet

Pin It

Yesterday we were able to cross out another item off our list. It's nothing else but the nerve-wrecking Pamanhikan. It is a Filipino tradition where in the groom together with his family pays a visit to the bride’s family to formally seek for the girl’s hand in marriage. In this occasion, plans for the upcoming wedding are discussed over a sumptuous meal.

With a little over a year to go before our wedding, Adrin and I already arranged for the Pamanhikan this December. It’s the best timing as most of our folks are in holiday mode (and we hope that the cheery atmosphere of Christmas would ease some awkwardness. =P). We planned out for the time, date, and food they’ll bring, but we can never seem to grasp on what will actually happen on that day.

Adrin and his family arrived at our house half past 11, and we immediately set the table with dishes they brought and the ones we prepared. Soon, the two families had lunch altogether at our yard since we wouldn’t fit inside our tiny house.

Food brought by Adrin and his family: Hamonado, Chili Prawns, Caldereta,
Amber's Pancit Malabon, and Amber's Pichi-Pichi Cheese

Food prepared by my family: Barbecue, Embutido, Chocolate Lazy Cake,
Rice, and Buko Salad (no picture of the salad)

Our lunch

With happy tummies, and dishes already stowed, all of us took our spot in the yard, engaging in casual small talk. Adrin and I were already exchanging meaningful looks by this time, with me prodding him to open the much awaited discussion. Before we can even get things started, we were interrupted by the very fickle weather, so we had to move our tables in towards the roofed area. Several minutes passed and there’s still no sign of “the program”. I knew that my family is waiting for it already so with my impatience, I discreetly messaged Adrin “Huy! Ano na?”. I know it’s not really nice to pressure him but I think it’s what he exactly needed. Haha.

Small talk after lunch

His speech went something like this, “Nagpunta po kami dito ng family ko para kunin yung blessing ng family niyo sa pagpapakasal namin ni Tine”, and it was followed by fits of laughter from my mom because Adrin was talking in such a hurry maybe because of his nervousness. Haha. My mom answered him like this, “Alam na naman ng lahat na magpapakasal kayo e. Formality na lang naman ‘to.”, to which his father seconded with “No objection”. After that his grandmother also stated “Naayos niyo na naman lahat, kaya makikikain lang naman tayo dito. Para na rin magkakila-kilala tayo”. :)

During the "program"

Adrin initiated to share the details that we’ve already ironed out like church and venue, as well as the suppliers we’ve secured. They asked about the principal sponsor line up as well as the entourage. We shared our initial list and they in turn provided some suggestions to it. After the wedding details, Adrin also brought up our planned residence. We let them know that we’ve already reserved for a house near the area and that we plan to move there right after the wedding.

Since his folks came all the way from Marikina and Makati, somebody suggested visiting the place so they can see even just the model units. And so with Adrin’s family and my mom in tow, we visited the subdivision of our eventual home. It’s like we’re going on a field trip. Hihi.

Returning to our house after being gone for an hour or two, we’re delighted to find that snacks are ready for everyone. Having an afternoon’s fill, their family prepared to leave and head home.

Whew! Finally, it’s over. We believe it hasn’t been a very awkward gathering. Adrin and I just winged it! :)

Cheers!