Wedding Digest Philippines Weddings. More fun In the Philippines Edition | Page 190

Resources and Family Ties
When compared to other countries, you will find that weddings
are much more affordable here. Why so?
Rich Natural Resources From fertile soils for our produce,
marine resources, wood, and other raw materials, it grows
here. We do not import as much therefore shipping costs and
taxes are minimal.
Abundant Talents We have more than enough very skilled
people and dependable suppliers that makes the price very
competitive.
Multitasking People It is common here to see an emcee who
is also a wedding planner or caterers who also offer event
styling in their packages, instead of paying for two or more,
you only pay for one.
Pinoy Family Known for our close ties, it is evident in
weddings as relatives pitch in whenever they can. For
instance, a cousin who is a makeup artist would most
probably offer her services for free. Others on the other hand
pay for other key aspects like the wedding cake. In provinces
it is even normal to see relatives as cooks and helps in the
preparation of the wedding.

Photos Courtesy of Studiowork Plus by Ariel Chua

Traditions of Fun
Wedding customs are not just about superstitious beliefs that serve as a precaution, like not wearing your wedding gown
before the wedding, not wearing pearls or for siblings not to marry in the same year. Other Filipino wedding practices are
much more fun…
Ninong and Ninang Carefully chosen by the couple or their
Photo Courtesy by Ariel Chua
parents, godparents are like guardians. Don’t be surprised when
most are politicians, it adds prestige to the event.
Money Dance Most modern couples do this dance at the
reception, where guests are free to pin the groom and bride with
money. Elsewhere, this practice is done at the bisperas or eve
of the wedding.
Selling Kakanin Although not popularly practiced, in this wedding
tradition, newlyweds sell pieces of rice cake to their ninong and
ninang to raise money for their life together. Inevitably, these rice
cakes can get quite expensive!
The Chamber Pot What gift item apparently brings good luck to
newlyweds? The arinola!

Pinoy Wedding Food
Whether prepared by a caterer or a family member, Filipino food
is ALWAYS savory and many. In some regions, cooking is an
event in itself, where all the ingredients, pot, pans and utensils are
brought to the bride’s home, the designated ‘kitchen’. An early
party ensues as the cooking is done on the eve of the wedding.
A more common sight in most Filipino weddings is our favorite
dish, the Lechon, included in TIME Magazine’s Best of Asia list in
2009. Pictured here is one of the tastiest lechon, Sabroso. That
and an unlimited supply of rice will surely satisfy every Filipino
and foreign guest.
Pinoy Desserts are also very special, from our local version
of crème brulee, the leche flan, to our purple-colored sweet,
halayang ube, foreigners who got to taste these end up craving
for them just as we do.

Photo Courtesy of Sabroso Lechon