1. The women does indeed wear the typical white dress (usually rented, rather than bought), but the groom and the men in the wedding party wear the traditional Filipino barong, a sheer dress shirt made from thinly woven pineapple fibers or other materials.
2. There are bridesmaids and groomsmen, but perhaps more significant in the wedding ceremony are the godparents, selected older friends and family members who help sponsor the wedding. These ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother) play a big role in the ceremony and in the lives of the newlyweds after the wedding. At least fifteen minutes was devoted to the couple and the ninongs/ninangs signing the marriage certificate.
3. The ceremony itself is similar to any church wedding, with the cord and veil, placed over the couple as they kneel, to symbolize the two individuals becoming one in marriage.
4. A Filipino event wouldn’t be complete without “picture taking.” Although this is not necessarily different from American weddings, it is key to mention that pictures must highlight every possible combination of guests (family, family and friends, male friends, female friends, tall family members, babies, female with long hair, females with short hair, you get the exaggeration).
5. Oftentimes the reception takes place at the couples’ house, as did the wedding this past Thursday. The grounds of the brides’ house were set up with plastic chairs for regular guests and tables for the ninongs, ninangs, and of course the newlyweds. A tarp with a printed picture of the happy couple detailed the backdrop behind the newlyweds table, very Filipino style.
6. While only a small church-load of guests attended the ceremony, once arriving at the house hoards of neighbors and friends showed up for a lunch of pancit (Filipino noodles), a variety of meat dishes, and buko (young coconut) fruit salad prepared by my supervisor’s brother.
7. After lunch it is then time for the first dance as man and wife. A traditional Illocano-language song was played, and while the couple danced guests taped pesos by the hundred to the bride and groom. The couple continued dancing until they were tired, or perhaps until everyone who desired to had given money. Over 15,000 pesos were collected by the couple, enough to start a life together and maybe begin building a house.
8. The throwing of the bouquet, it does occur. By Filipino peer pressure, I joined a small handful of dalaga (unmarried ladies) for the catching of the bouquet. And by golly, since I was the only one reaching for those flowers while the other ladies shrunk away and hid their hands, I caught it. They take the catching of the bouquet pretty seriously, so I think I am pretty much fated to be married within a week or so. The best part of the throwing is when the groom throws the garter to his young men, and then they call me back to sit while the young catcher places the garter on my leg. Thankfully, he was too shy to do so and instead picture-taking occurred while I sat in shock at a tradition (American as well as Filipino) that I was entirely unprepared for. I understood afterwards why those other ladies were hiding their hands when the bouquet was thrown.
9. After a few short speeches, a bite of cake and sip of wine, just like that the wedding was nearly over! The long hours of drinking and dancing into the nighttime (my vision of American weddings) would not occur here. A short and sweet party with more than enough food, as usual.
10. And so a van load of 16 guests including myself left Zambales province that afternoon on a 5 hour ride home, full and sleepy.
My congratulations to Jeff and Angie! Best wishes as you begin your life together.
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