As a part of Filipino tradition, Gelo have to go through the stage of pamamanhikan before we get married. He needs to climb for love first. :)
Pamamanhikan have been established by the Philippine pre-colonial Malayan forebears.
It is from the word panik (which means to ascend or to climb a house’s flight of stairs). The groom-to-be will ask for the girl’s parents’ permission to marry their princess. The custom symbolizes honor and respect for the parents, seeking their blessing and approval as you start down the path towards matrimony.
December 07, 2015 ~The Pamamanhikan
Gelo and his family went to our house for a formal proposal of our marriage. He officially asked my father for my hand and he clearly expressed his intentions. :) *Bravery*
 | ||||
| Happy eating with my dad and Gelo's family <3 |
The wedding arrangements and other plans can be discussed during the pamamanhikan.
 |
| Tatay giving his words of wisdom plus kwentuhan with my future in-laws. |
The side of the groom will bring foods and drinks for the occasion as form of celebration.
 | ||||||
| Salo-salo :) |
 |
| Nomnomnom :3 |
 |
| Family friend, relatives and my siblings :) |
 |
| Happy us! :) |
After getting my dad's permission to get married, we immediately went to my grandma to introduce my future in-laws to her and formally ask for her blessing. I will never forget that emotional moment when she asked them to take good care of me because my mom is not there anymore to look after me. I can't help the tears in my eyes as she cried while saying "kayo na bahala sa apo ko :'). Sadly, she passed away last January 1, 2015 :-(
 |
| Asking for my grandma's blessing. |
I don't wanna sound emotional because this is actually one of the best moments in my life. But honestly, there's a bit sadness knowing that mom should be here witnessing everything, cooking and preparing delicious meals for Gelo's family, sharing her thoughts regarding the upcoming wedding- but she was not there :(
In preparing for the happiest day of my life, I had to face what made it so sad. But realizing that if only she's alive, she will be happy for us- it give me so much comfort. She was not physically present, I know she's guiding me and Gelo with our journey to forever. *positive spirit*
 |
| Visiting Mom |
 |
| We love you mom! ~so much. |
That day ended up with a prayer.
All went well. :)
I would like to say thank you to our immediate family and relatives for being so supportive with all our decisions in life.
