the paule-dela cruz showdown

Pamamanhikan (a.k.a. pamamalae) - a Filipino tradition wherein the groom (with his whole family) goes to the home of the bride to formally ask the latter's hand in marriage. Customarily, the groom brings everything with him (food, utensils, etc.). All the bride (and her family) has to do is to receive the groom's party in their abode. This event makes the upcoming wedding official. After the day the "pamamanhikan" is held, the couple's preparation for their upcoming union, (which were previously done discreetly ) may now be discussed openly.
Truth be told, Jon and I were more afraid of this than the wedding itself. We have been delaying it for the longest time. But since we know for a fact that we can only move on with our preparations once we get this done & over with, we have decided to hold it last Sunday, May 1, 2005 - seven months before the most awaited date! Actually, there was really nothing to fear about. In fact, both our families knew of our intention to marry as early as November 2004 when we got engaged. But still, there was something about this meeting that sends shivers down our spine. In fact, Jon & I, believing that "strategy (and timing) is everything" even went to the extent of bringing our pamangkins to Enchanted Kingdom last April so that the kids will get to know each other better, thus providing the much needed ice breaker. There were even nights when we would actually practice our speeches when this day comes. We would even joke about possible outcomes of this mementous occassion.Here is one of the many: My Dad: Jonathan, ano ba ang pakay ng pagpunta ninyo ngayon? Jon: Eh, gusto ko po sanang hingin ang kamay ng inyong kaisa- isang anak na babae. Maari pu ba? My Dad: HA? Nakakabigla ang iyong sinabi! Hindi ko akalain na kaya ka pala nagdala ng isang katerbang pagkain eh may hihingiin ka palang lapalit? O Sige, pag-iisipan ko muna. Bumalik na lang kayo next week ganito ding oras. Bwahahaha!!! So, wondrin' how the Paule-Dela Cruz Meet turned out? View the ff. pics & u b the judge!
the dela cruz clan