Exploring the Pamamanhikan: An important Filipino wedding tradition.

The Philippines has a very rich culture filled with different practices. And weddings are no exception.

Filipinos often follow several wedding traditions before, during, and after the big day. One of the most well-known Filipino wedding practices that are still being done by couples and their families today is pamamanhikan.

If you're newly engaged, you might want to practice pamamanhikan as it's a great way to meet the bride and groom's families. Here's a guide on how to achieve it.

What is Pamamanhikan?

Pamamanhikan is a wedding tradition in Filipino culture that has been practiced for many years in the country since the pre-colonial era. The word pamamanhikan might have come from the Tagalog word manhikan, which means to ask for someone's hand in marriage.

However, the term can also be attributed to the word panhik, which means to take or go upstairs. This is because traditional Filipino houses were typically elevated, meaning the groom had to take the stairs to the bride's house before asking for her hand in marriage.

As time went by, pamamanhikan in the Philippines became a more formal and elaborate event for the engaged couple and their families. The affair involves the families of both the groom and bride gathering in a formal setting. It is a way the couple shows their respect to their elders and an opportunity for both sides of the family to strengthen their ties.

Pamamanhikan Today

Nowadays, couples still practice pamamanhikan to ask for their families' blessing. However, this event has evolved with modern times and has involved some changes.

Planning

The affair is planned several months before the wedding. Although pamamanhikan is traditionally planned by the groom's family, you might want to discuss the plans with your partner. Most probably, it would be the two of you who will be the busiest when it comes to the preparations.

The first thing you need to do is coordinate with both families to determine the best time and place for the event. You should also start making a list of the people you'll invite. Make sure to invite your close relatives and family friends who might be important to both families.

The groom should also start thinking about the gift to give the bride's family. Although this is not required, it could set the tone for the event and please the bride's family. When choosing a present, the groom should think about the family's interests or look for something that can be valuable to the family.

Before finalizing...