Pamamanhikan: A Beautiful Pre-Wedding Tradition

So what usually comes after the marriage proposal?

In the Philippines, it is the customary “Pamamanhikan”. This is the event when the guy/groom’s family comes to the home of the girl/bride’s family with the purpose of “asking the girl’s parents’ permission to wed the affianced pair.” A tradition that shows respect and honor for the girl’s parents before getting married.

I’ve known this concept for the longest time, and I know that coming from a “conservative” family, this is something that my parents want. I am grateful that prior to the proposal, Warren went to see my parents to express his intention to marry me, and after the proposal, he was also the one who initiated the pamamanhikan. I just didn’t realize how nerve-wrecking this can be! I mean, what do I do? What do we say? Do I need to prepare anything aside from food? How does it go???

For a good couple of weeks, I tried to research, asked around, and even visualized how the evening would be. I met Warren’s entire family, and they’re so warm, nice and welcoming, but somehow it didn’t lessen my nervousness. I’ve been in a pamamanhikan before for my cousin Abie, but it just felt like a natural family gathering to me. I guess I’ve always been fine to just be on the sidelines when it comes to weddings, that I don’t know how to act if it will already be about ME.

By the time our set date came around, I was already a wreck. But I prayed and took comfort in the fact that Warren came from a big and happy family, and most of his siblings are already married. I’m sure they already know how this thing goes.

True enough, contrary to all of my fears, when they came, it went as smoothly as possible. Warren’s mom, brother and his entire family, and his dad even flew from Florida for the occasion. A hearty meal (and great wine) was shared by our families, and towards the end, my dad expressed his gratitude for their visit. He stated his reasons for giving Warren his blessing, and even shared a few stories on how I was growing up. Warren’s dad also gave a nice speech and we learned more about their family. Since the wedding plans are still “raw”, we just gave them updates as to where we are already, and Warren’s mom and sister-in-law, ate Peachy, gave me suggestions in finding the stuff that I need. Warren and I expressed our thanks for the blessing and support we are getting from both our parents. Of course there were embarrassing moments (like when Papa proudly played the tapes from my segments in NBN and showed my old pictures–ughhhh), but I guess it’w better for them to know sooner rather than later, and come on, we all have those, right?

It seemed like a casual evening for two families, but given all the thoughts that ran in my head two weeks prior, this is what I saw: Before, I get so scared and emotional discussing the wedding, or marriage, because I don’t want to give my parents the impression that Warren is taking me away from them, or from my sister… the same way that I don’t want Warren’s mom to think that I am taking him away from them. Seeing our families together made me realize that it was never about that… marriage is it’s about uniting two families together. Warren is now another “kuya” to Joan, another son to my parents, and I will also be an addition to their equally wonderful family.

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After that weekend, we had dinner again as a family, this time at a nice restaurant in Brooklyn. 🙂

 

Pamamanhikhan. As nerve-wrecking as it is to pronounce and go through… it is completely worth it. I would recommend this to all engaged ladies, even if you consider yourself a modern bride.

Read more on our love story here and here and here. 🙂

 



19 comments
  1. kelan po ba dapat ginagawa ang pamamanhikan? For example we decide to get married next year, anong part ng taon dapat gagawin ang pamamanhikan, the engagement happen this year (jan 2017) and we decide to get married on Feb 2018. Dapat po ba mamanhikan na sila or is it okay na hindi muna since next year pa naman ang wedding?

    Thanks!

    • Hi Melanie! Congratulations on your engagement! 🙂 I think mas okay gawin ang pamamanhikan while you’re planning the wedding. This way, mas magkakakilala na ang families ninyo and they can also be updated and even get involved sa planning process. The sooner, the better lalu na magiging busy na kayo as your wedding day draws near and dadaan pa ang Pasko, so busy lahat. I wish you and your future husband well! God bless!

  2. Hi, I’ve been courting a Filipina, and she has expressed interest in engagement. I want to be respectful to her family and customs. but I feel rather lost about how to go about it.

    • Hello James! That sounds great– very sweet of you to respect her family and customs. I suggest you mainly talk to her and ask her about how her family is– their likes & dislikes, how closely-knit they are and how often do they see each other. Courting a Filipina most likely means you’ll also have to win the entire family over. Some Filipino families are more traditional than others, but the thing we have in common is: we love family get-together/reunions and FOOD! Start from there! Lol! I wish you and your lady well! 🙂

  3. Hi Janina, Thanks for this post. I’m would like to ask for permission to use your definition of “Pamamanhikan” for my private post in Facebook. Looking forward for your positive response. Thanks!

    • Hi John! 🙂 I don’t think there’s really a timeline– it’s up to you and your partner! You can opt for a long engagement or get married in 3 months. Talk about it! Hope to hear your love story soon.

  4. Hi im searching about this thanks for posting . Ask ko lang can a pamamahincan be earlier? Like this august 2019 and the wedding is on august 2021? I have a seaman partner kasi nakaka confuse lang kung ano dapat naming gawin

    • Hi Angel! Yes for sure! Once you’ve decided to get married, you can gather your families together and make it official. 🙂 I wish you and your partner blessings on your marriage! This is such an exciting time. 🙂

  5. Sa bahay po ba ng babae dapat mamanhikan ang lalaki? Okay lang po bah if sa ibang venue maganap ang pamamanhikan? Thanks po.

    • Hi Sheen! Usually sa bahay ng babae. But pwede rin na sa ibang venue/neutral place ang pamamanhikan. Whatever works best for your families. 🙂

  6. Hi Ms. Janina, tanong ko lng po kung pwede na po ba magpakasal within 1 month or after 1 month pagkadating namin sa pinas kasi sa pagka ngayon ofw po kaming dalawa ng gf ko para makaipon sa kasal nmin pero hindi po kami pareho ng country. Thanks in advance. Godbless!

    • Hi Japs! Oo naman! 🙂 I wish you and your fiancee all the best! Message me if there’s anything I can help with! Good luck sa inyo.

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