Ang Pamanhikan

It was actually not a formal 'pamanhikan'. Since I only had 4-day vacation in Philippines and my home province is an 8-hour travel from Manila, we decided to go beyond the tradition. Instead, we had it done at Malolos Club Royale in Bulacan (Btw I consider Malolos, Bulacan my second home town because I lived there for more than 7 years and most of my friends are Bulakenyos).

From Quirino province, together with my mom, my dear Lolo Seldong (Papa's dad), Mommy Mercy, Daddy Joven, Auntie Baby, Kuya Ryan and the kids (Cj and Dothy) came. From Malolos were Tita Tere (she prepared a delish barbecue and inihaw na bangus and tilapia!), Ae-ae and MV while Uncle Leo, Auntie Josie and their 2 kids (Edsel and Godwin) have traveled all the way from Baguio City only to attend the pamanhikan - their support was just so overwhelming, I was so touched.. ^^

From Jay's side were his parents, ate Raechelle, tita Bless and her husband, tita Naty and kuya Buboy. I think it was just 15 - 30 minutes conversation since almost everything was already settled (caterer, venue, p/v, etc).

Jay did all the talking while all I did was to laugh..nyahahaha! Tita Naty was also laughing the whole time because Jay was obviously nervous and his voice was shaking until the end! But I am so proud of him, he managed to carry it out without me helping him..hahaha! Kudos Jay! **kiss** 

But seriously I really want to thank God for being so good to us. We never had any issues and our families had easily got along.

The kids especially enjoyed the pool while we took pleasure from the foods!

Thank you friends for all the prayers!

"If you abide in me and I abide in you, you shall ask what you desire and it shall be done unto you ... "

~John 15:7

Jay and Tita Naty

Jay and Ate Chelle

Right after the 'meeting' we distributed the WYB cards to our titos and titas.

The kids

Me and my tita (mommy Mercy)

Kuya Ryan was the official photographer of Balagbagan clan =D

Hindi ako makaligo ang lamig ng panahon!

God Gave Me a Happy Face ☺

Mama was actually telling me to get married about 3 years ago (LOL!) because she wanted to baby-sit her own grandchild already. Most of my cousins are already married that's why she felt she's kinda left out whenever she see my aunts looking after my nieces and nephews. So I wasn't really expecting a sad face upon telling her about our engagement. My only worry is that she might not want to have our wedding done in Manila. First, because it's an 8-hour travel from our home province. Second, because I am her eldest child, her only daughter and I'll be her first kid to get married and she might want to host the wedding in our area as per Filipino tradition (the wedding should be done at/near the bride's place)

But prayer really works!

It wasn't a formal convo actually. Jay just casually told mama about his marriage proposal to me while she prepares our lunch on the 24th of December. Then I started telling her our plans. I am so thankful that mama is a cool mom, we got her approval without any difficulty. :)

After my mom, I also needed to acquire consent from Mommy Mercy (Papa's eldest sibling and my guardian) and Uncle Leo (Papa's youngest sibling, my mentor and who stood as my father when papa died). I was so blessed that I have these guys in my life, they're full of Godly wisdom and they're just so supportive to me. I'm glad that they were also okay with the arrangement.

Indeed when you commit everything to the Lord, He will perform all things for you.

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

~Proverbs 16:9

Thank you Father for the happy face! ☺☺☺

Jay's Announcement =)

We've been preparing for our wedding for few weeks already and we wanted it to be as discreet as possible - at least until the formal announcement to our families, which we intended to reveal when I get back in December.

But Jay took the wind out of my sail when he asked me to go downstairs because we'll be announcing to his family that we're getting married. I was busy packing my things for my 4 o'clock departure when he entered the room. I actually didn't have time to inhale and exhale, at least to calm myself, nor ask him 'ha, are you sure?!'

When we went down I saw them (except for Ate Chelle) already waiting for us. I was really nervous and I almost wanted to push myself to having a forced heart attack! But I tried to suppress the panic/nervous/wanting-to-pee feeling. I wanted to scold Jay for just grabbing me out and never giving me chance to prepare. Nakakakaba pala talaga!

We waited for Ate Raechelle for few minutes. When everybody was already seated Jay started to talk by stating 'Ahm magpapakasal na kami..'

And tete-a-tete went smoothly.

I was just relieved from being uneasy when I heard his parents giving their blessing to us. I am thankful that the conversation went well and they were okay with our plans.

God is good!