Roomie + Patatas exchanged their vows yesterday, April 27 2002, after being together for seven years.

parallel to the set-up at Mantis and BloodyMary's wedding, Ina and Ama were sponsors, and I was the one who "lit their path."

they came form the same town in Batangas, and their houses are a few blocks apart. This is one of the cities where traditions are well kept and practiced. The night before the wedding, a party was held at the bride's place. since majority of their relatives are living on their area, the bride's home was full of visitors and guests a day before the wedding.

I was expecting that the newly weds would do a Prosperity Dance at the reception, since this is one of their traditions - the couple would dance and well wishers would pin bills on the couple's gown/Barong, but was surprised and amused at what they did in place of the dance. A table was set up in the middle of the area, and on top of the table were boxes of suman. The couple took their seats on the table, and a 'secretary' sat with them. the announcer then opened the traditional 'Pabenta.' he said the suman can be 'bought' from the couple at p100/bundle. Well, of course, this is very pricey for a bundle of suman, but what's important here is to give the couple cash. The emcee calls out the names of everybody who makes a 'purchase' and how much they gave while the Pabenta took place, and the secretary takes them down, so that the couple would remember the poeple who helped them.

Well, i know that getting cash as a gift would be better than getting 6 dozens of plates or 2 rice dispensers, but is there really a need to announce how much you gave? It's a bit embarassing for the relative/visitor..

On another somewhat related note, Patatas would be staying at the semiHome when they get back from their honeymoon! yayy! finally, there's someone at the semiHome i can talk to! *huge smile*

oh, and btw, there's a chance that roomie will bring the computer to the semiHome. i was hoping i had saved enough money to buy the missing computer parts of my baby before they get married.. but there were too many events these past few weeks that 'required' me to spend.. and one of them is their wedding. nu ni nu ni nu..