Weddings. More fun in the Philippines.
Big budget or small budget. Your choices are endless. Indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines!
Sampaguita – the perfect flower for any Pinoy wedding!
There is no bloom more appropriate for a Filipiniana themed wedding than the Sampaguita, our very own National Flower. But oftentimes, the only sampaguita we see during weddings are the garlands sold by vendors outside the church.
Serge Igonia of Loi Floral Sense sent us some pictures how he uses our national flower in weddings. Check these out!
as a bridal bouquet…
as floral scallops by the aisle…
as accents in a chandelier…
as a cocktails/reception centerpiece…
… and as a dramatic bridal backdrop.
Mabuhay ang Sampaguita!
“We believe getting married should not be beyond the reach of the poor…”
That’s the line that struck me in the email inviting us to witness first-hand a mass wedding organized by a Christ-centered development organization. KMBI (Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc.) helps in transforming lives in poor communities and develop its human resources by providing sustainable micro-finance, training, and demand-driven non-financial services.
Although we couldn’t come due to a previous commitment, we asked them to tell us how the day went by sending us their story and some images after the event.
Wedding was set last June 25 (Saturday), the day Typhoon Falcon stormed Metro Manila. The flooding around the venue made up for some very interesting wedding pictures.
Here’s their story…
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Rain and floodwater did not stop them! 563 couples in 66 branches nationwide exchanged vows and tied the knot despite of Falcon’s raging winds and rain as KMBI spearheaded its annual mass wedding.
“Malaki ang tulong nito. Una, spiritually blessed ka ng God, blessed ka ng minister, blessed kang society… so malaki ang benefit nito,” says Mr. Joel Clavecilla, branch manager of Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
It was an emotional, spiritual and fun-filled event as the couples made a covenant before men and God in the sanctity of marriage. Couples from Valenzuela branch even had to ride on a truck and pedicab, with the brides’ wedding gowns safely kept in a plastic bag, just to make it to the venue.
For some, it was a dream come true as some couples had concerns as to what kind of wedding and church they would attend because of difference in religious beliefs.
Ronalyn Marino, a program member from Tandang Sora and a Catholic, who got married to Radia Solaiman Disomimba, a Muslim, said that she’s grateful because KMBI has prepared an ecumenical wedding for couples like them aside from the financial support it gave for the wedding.
“Maraming problem – sa religion, sa family. Ngayon, binigay sa amin ng KMBI ang pagsasama na tiyak para sa Kanya. Para maging legal ang pamilya namin, maging legal yung pagsasama namin.” Ronalyn and Radia already have a child.
The ecumenical mass wedding was joined by couples of different spiritual background and orientation who have been living together and most already have children. This is one of the organization’s major activities that are being taken care of by the Transformation Department. It aims to reach one of the components of its SEES (Spiritual, Economic, Environmental, Social) program, which is to draw people near to God and have a deeper relationship with Him.
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MABUHAY ANG BAGONG KASAL! 🙂
from Pinoy wedding superstitions, to the President’s lovelife: W@W got it covered! ;)
Ninoy & Cory’s wedding | 11Oct1954
When a dove landed on the bride’s head, the old folks believed it was an omen that she would be president someday.
People Power 25th Anniversary | 25Feb2011
Now when a dove landed on the bachelor President’s head, does that mean he would be a groom someday?
Katipunan-inspired wedding for activist couple
(story via bulatlat.com) On January 15, 2011, human-rights worker Deejay Acierto married Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) organizer Neil Legaspi had a Katipunan-inspired wedding at the Chapel of St. Andrew’s Seminary. For this couple, the revolution and the Katipunan were the most meaningful inspirations.
Deejay and Neil were faithful to their Katipunan theme. Costumes rented out from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) served as their wedding attire — kimona and saya (skirt) for Deejay and camisa de chino for Neil.
Instead of the traditional lineup in the entourage, Deejay and Neil marched together with their parents to the music of Bonifacio’s “Aling Pag-ibig Pa” sung by Walkie Mirana with Bayan’s Renato Reyes Jr. on the guitar.
“Neil said he didn’t like the image of ‘giving away the bride’ so to speak so we decided to march together with our parents who have been supportive of our relationship and of our cause,” Deejay said.
The couple was barefoot when they marched to the altar. “That is a symbol of our solidarity with the peasants and the toiling masses,” said Deejay.
Two priests of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, also a couple, wed them: Fr. Diony Cabillas, secretary general of Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Para sa Amnestiya (Selda) was joined by his wife Rev. Ehravilla.
The ceremony was replete with symbolisms. The wedding rings and coins were covered by a cloth used by mujahidin Moro fighters. The veil used is made of t’nalak, a special type of cloth woven by T’boli women and the cord that tied the couple was made of the abaca hemp.
Most of the ninongs and ninangs are progressive individuals that the two admire. They include National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Javier Colmenares, Bibeth Orteza, Hustisya’s Evangeline Hernandez, Karen Empeno’s parents Concepcion and Oscar, Arkibongbayan’s Ramon Ramirez, among others.
Neil’s friends at the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music provided most of the music at the Church. Roselle Pineda sang “Awit ni Canuplin” during the Eucharist and Deejay said those who knew the song were teary-eyed.
“Our wedding is a consolidation of our families, relatives, friends and comrades,” said Deejay. “We wanted everything to be easy,” she added, saying that the dress code for guests was casual.
The souvenirs were key chains and pendants made by political prisoners.
JL Burgos, brother of missing activist Jonas, volunteered for the video coverage. Roneo Clamor, acting secretary general of Karapatan, and several others took photographs.
People’s Chorale offered songs for the couple. The couple danced to the tune of “Moon River.”
Collective Effort
Deejay and Neil said they were deeply touched by the support of fellow activists. The food served at the reception were contributed by different people. “It was like a feast,” said Deejay.
As Deejay puts it: “We wanted our wedding to be simple but it became extraordinary because of the overwhelming support of comrades.”
Robin Padilla weds Mariel Rodriguez in tribal wedding at Baguio City
(via abs-cbnnews.com) Actor Robin Padilla, 42 and TV host Mariel Rodriguez, 26, tied the knot in Baguio City in a simple and very private ceremony officiated by a native priest, locally known as mambunong, from the Ibaloi tribe.
The Ibaloi people live mostly in the southern part of Benguet.
Jimmy Ong, who performed the one-and-a-half-hour ceremony, confirmed to ABS-CBN News in an exclusive interview that the ceremony took place on Monday (September 13) , at around 3 p.m. in a compound owned by Padilla’s relatives in Barangay Camp 7.
The bride wore a woven ethnic clothing while the groom wore bahag during the native ceremony. Robin’s youngest son Ali was present to witness the event.
Ong said he initially thought he was just attending a shooting, but was caught by surprise when he found the couple wearing traditional clothes of the Ibaloi.
“Tinanong ko si Robin kung kasal talaga ito. Sabi niya, ‘Oo, kasal talaga.’ Kaya sinimulan ko na,” he said.
During the ceremony, he said the couple drank tapuy (rice wine) to symbolize their love for each other.
They also danced Tayao, a native dance, to show that they are officially married, he said.
According to him, Padilla, a Muslim and whose mother is an Igorot, and Rodriguez, included the requisite native pig sacrifice, after which the animal’s blood was brushed on the couple’s cheeks to seal the bond. This sacred ritual known as cañao which means “the whole world testifies that a person has wed.”
“Ang kasal na ito ay legal sa kultura ng mga Igorot… binasbasan ko sila na hanggang kamatayan magsasama sila,” he said.
After the traditional ceremony, the celebrity couple again got married in a ceremony officiated by a pastor and was held in a private home.
It was a whirlwind romance for Padilla and Rodriguez.
The 2 met on the set of the now defunct ABS-CBN noontime show “Wowowee” when Padilla subbed for Willie Revillame early this year.
Rodriguez was one of the female hosts of “Wowowee.”
Many people began to tease them, but they denied having a relationship. Weeks later, they finally admitted that they were dating.
On August 7, Padilla gave Rodriguez a diamond ring on “Entertainment Live” after declaring his love for her.
Ten days after the interview, Rodriguez took an “indefinite leave” from her new game-variety show, “Pilipinas, Win na Win!” to be with her new sweetheart.
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related links:
- Robin Padilla issues statement on “back-to-back wedding” with Mariel Rodriguez (PEP.ph)
- For real? Robin weds Mariel in Ibaloi rites (Inquirer)
- Robin on Wedding to Mariel: ‘Walang Kasal na Naganap!’ (Manila Bulletin)
- Ibaloi ‘mambunong’ dismayed over Robin Padilla’s denial (ABS-CBNnews.com)
- Celebrating Life: Courtship and Marriage Customs of the Ibaloi (Cordillera Online)
P-Noy prefers being ‘abay’ than ‘ninong’ in Ogie-Regine wedding
Here’s an excerpt from an article which appeared in Ricky Lo’s FUNFARE column in The Phil. Star:
Three weeks ago, the new set of officers of the OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit) of which Ogie Alcasid is president, took their oath of office before Pres. Noynoy for whom Ogie wrote two songs, one for the campaign plug and another (in collaboration with Noel Cabangon) for P-Noy’s inauguration as the 15th President of the Philippines last June 30 at the Quirino Grandstand. That was when Ogie invited P-Noy to be a member of the wedding entourage.
“I asked P-Noy to be one of our ninongs but he said mas bagay kung isa na lang siya sa mga abay.”
Reminded about a Filipino superstition (pamahiin) that an unmarried man or a woman who acts as principal sponsor runs the risk of delaying his/her own marriage or not marrying at all, Ogie was surprised. “I didn’t know that.”
The singer/songwriter cannot be entirely faulted for the faux pas. Afterall, our country’s first bachelor President, back when he was still a presidential candidate, stood as a Principal Sponsor (replacing his mother Cory who was the original choice before she passed away) during the wedding of his running-mate Mar Roxas to broadcaster Korina Sanchez. Noynoy reportedly felt awkward for the role, being single and younger than Roxas.[1] Prior to his inauguration, the President-elect (partnered with his sister, Pinky Aquino-Abellada) served as wedding sponsor to an LP partymate’s wedding.[2]
To avoid such sticky situations, Filipinos should be aware of the various superstitions we have to avoid offending the sensibilities of the people who may still believe them. We have listed some Pinoy wedding superstitions so that soon-to-weds will have a general idea.
Going back to the above quoted article: Ricky Lo further asked if the soon-to-weds would also invite P-Noy’s girlfriend, Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad, to be P-Noy’s partner. Ogie said, “We haven’t decided yet. It’s up to Regine to choose the lady secondary sponsors.” [read full article]
Although a Malacañang wedding is not a part of P-Noy’s priorities[3], he definitely doesn’t want to jinx it either.
In his keynote speech at the oathtaking, P-Noy’s took the chance to respond to Ogie’s wedding invitation, “Sa Disyembre, ako ang magiging abay nyo. Pagdating naman ng panahon, kayo ang magiging ninong at ninang ko.” [4]
December 22, 2010 is the rumored altar date for Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez. The couple has not officially confirmed it.
Jose ‘Pitoy’ Moreno named National Artist
The Order of National Artists (Orden ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts; namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts. The order is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both institutions.
President Arroyo has recently signed the proclamation honoring seven individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of Philippine art. The 2009 National Artists, as announced by the Office of the President, are as follows: Manuel P. Urbano (aka Manuel Conde) for his great contribution in the field of film and broadcast arts (posthumous); Lazaro A. Franscisco for literature (posthumous); Federico Aguilar Alcuaz for visual arts, paintings sculpture and mixed media; Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez for theater; Magno Jose ‘Carlo’ Caparas for visual arts and films; Francisco Bobby Manosa for architecture; and Jose ‘Pitoy’ Moreno for fashion design.
Pitoy Moreno is only the second artist to be recognized in field fashion design, the first being Ramon Valera who was conferred National Artist posthumously in 2006.
Dubbed as the fashion czar of Asia, Pitoy is renowned for his beadwork, embroidery and hand painting embellish the gowns of international celebrities, politicians and royalty in his career spanning 50 years. He introduced jusi, piña, hablon, and accessories like tambourine to the world on international fashion pages of the Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Holiday and Le Figaro.
He was one of the earliest exponents of the Maria Clara. He re-fashioned the Barong Tagalog and made it wearable by women. As a matter of course, the First Ladies of the Philippines have always been dressed by Pitoy, in his trademark ternos. He also did the bridal gown of former president Cory Aquino when she married Ninoy.
“The Filipina bride in a Pitoy Moreno wedding ensemble became the centerspread in the pictorial history of Philippine fashion.”
To this day, Pitoy works the full week, attending to his clients with untiring dedication. He makes it a point to be there for his brides at their weddings so he could supervise every little detail, from putting on the gown and shoes to the cutting of the cake.
“I like doing it, I like to coordinate from day one,” says Pitoy. “Sometimes, I have two weddings in a day so I hop from one place to another.”
Pitoy’s love for Filipino weddings transcends his being a fashion designer having also authored the coffee table book called “Kasalan”. Here’s his take on Filipino weddings and the book:
“A wedding is, for me, the greatest love story ever told. And this book is an attempt to tell that story in words and images.There is romance, folklore, nostalgia, and fashion on these pages of impressions.
Above all, there is magic. That dimension which preserves the wedding in the realm of dreams and drama, myth and memory. That mystique which gives a wedding it’s past, present, and future fascination for us all.
The book is your invitation to the Filipino Wedding. And all the magic it brings.”
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sources:
- The National Artists of the Philippines (www.ncca.gov.ph)
- PGMA names seven new National Artists (op.gov.ph)
- Pitoy Moreno (wikipilipinas.org)
- Jose Pitoy Moreno: The Fashon Czar Of Asia (thenewstoday.info)
- Truly Pinoy, Truly Pitoy (newsflash.org)
- All Hail the Fashion Czar (businessmirror.com.ph)
- J. Moreno: The Designer as Author (showcase.eyp.ph)