What is pamamananhikan or pamanhikan? It’s basically a Filipino pre-wedding tradition where the guy “officially” asks for the girl’s hand from her parents. It’s also when the girl and the guy’s parents meet and plan the wedding: who to invite, who would be in the entourage, etc.

I know what you’re thinking… Why the heck is Gail talking about pre-wedding traditions?!

I’ve been bursting to blog about this all week, but I just couldn’t go blabbing about it without telling certain relatives here and in the States first. I didn’t want to say anything until I’ve already told them, or at least sent them an email about it out of courtesy before they read about it here in my blog. So what am I getting at?

Marc would be taking his family to meet mine for a pamamanhikan on Monday, 30 January 2006. We’ll be treating both families to a dinner at Super Bowl of China in Eastwood City, Libis. And that’s when they’ll talk over the wedding plans.

It was really funny when I told my parents that Marc’s family would be meeting them for a pamamanhikan last Monday. My dad was in the toilet when I told my mom. Her first question was, “are you pregnant?” She still can’t talk properly because of the stroke she had last year, but her question was pretty clear even through sign language. Huh?! Marc and I are planning to get married sometime towards the end of the year (but still year 2006 so it would be the Year of the Dog in the Chinese calendar when we get married), so pregnancy is impossible. If I were getting married on December and pregnant, the wedding would probably be held at the hospital on that date! Anyway, when I told Mommy the date, the issue of pregnancy was settled.

My sister also heard my plans when I told Mommy, and I can see that Joyce is really excited. She was already telling me about the gown she wanted to wear as my Maid of Honor, and that she would have to diet for the next 10 months. Hehe. Anyway, we dropped the bomb on Dad as soon as he got out of the toilet. Damn, he asked same Are-you-pregnant question. Then he looked a bit shocked. Ahahaha. He knew that Marc and I have plans getting married, but it was never official. When the surprise wore down a little, he with my mom and my Ninang Bubut are already suggesting venues for the Reception, mass, etc. My dad was obviously excited when the shock wore down

Anyway, more stories to come! My layout may still be in Christmas mode (I so don’t have time to change it yet!), but I’ll try to give you content that’s more interesting