Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting 2 of my readers who happened to be twins. I always get surprised when I encounter young readers kasi feel ko talaga pang-mommies ang audience impact ko, lol.
They sent us GOppets gals packages by mail & introduced themselves. Syempre naman, kinilig kami ng major major! We felt so loved & special! <3
Long story short, we got close and one of the twins, Adrielle, asked me to be a ninang in her forthcoming wedding. To be honest, I was apprehensive coz I’ve never been a ninang sa kasal before. Feeling ko I’m not at “that” age yet, hehe. But how can I say NO when they have been nothing but super kind & sweet to me, especially to my girls.
Kaya binigay ko ang matamis kong Oo. It was to be my initiation to matronic-hood lolz. ;P But then, MIL passed away so suddenly. As per tradition, babang-luksa was a period of one year. Although we are modern Chinese & don’t really observe the customs of our ancestors, we wanted to protect the couple (both Chinese – whose families may also follow certain rituals & traditions) from “negative vibes” Baka naman nahiya lang sila magsabi na HUWAG KA NALANG MAG-NINANG PLS! ;)) Inunahan ko na. Ayoko namang malasin sila ng dahil sa akin, maguumpisa pa lang sa buhay.
- In many countries, it is believed that the gap between the death of a loved one and a wedding should be one year at the least. This is to prevent negative vibrations caused by karmic connections between the bride/groom and the deceased.
- Mourners engaging in entertainment and social activities such as weddings, birthday parties, festive visiting are considered being disrespectful to the deceased parent.
We Chinese have so many customs, superstitions, and traditions that I had to be super careful & exercise extra caution not to step on toes, both theirs & ours. I did became a ninang recently in a baptism, but only because the family who invited me was not Chinese & they didn’t have the same beliefs. Also, we proceeded with Jena’s debut as we know Mama would have wanted us to. She loved her grandchildren to a fault that she would never have wanted to be the cause of any disruption in our lives.
Last month, the wedding took place, I attended of course, but as a regular guest. It was a beautiful wedding, as expected. <3
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Klazz all the way. The invitations were formal, yet fun & age-appropriate for the young couple.
The giblings had school that Saturday, (I know right! make up classes for the many suspensions, kainis!) so we weren’t able to attend the wedding ceremony, sadness! Buti nalang may Same Day Edit so it was as if we were there with them.
I was able to meet the bride’s lovely parents, Ita & Bong when they went to my MIL’s wake to condole with us. Ita is so warm & funny that she & I hit it off immediately. Now I know why the twins are so charming! They take after their gracious parents. <3
After 8 long years, they got hitched! I so adore love stories that have happy endings. <3
Finally, two souls became one. And two hearts beat in unity. All the very best to the newlyweds! :-*
The reception was styled by none other than Gideon Hermosa. #Gideonized to the cool tune of.. (almost 7 figures!)
The couple had 1,000 guests between them, with sponsors ranging from the A list.
Benedict & Adrielle, keep in mind this look of love between you. So that when trials come & threaten to disrupt your marriage, you will remember why you fell in love with each other, and your vows to stay together, for richer & for poorer, in sickness & in health.
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Dressed in our finest, we attended the lavish reception at the Fiesta Pavilion of Manila Hotel last November 18, 2017.
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I received so many compliments on my dress. In case you’re wondering, ANN CHAVES of Pluma in Alabang Town Center made & hand-painted it. An original, I’m so lucky! <3 To order, do call her at (0917) 852 9614 for an appointment.
The gorgeous view from our table.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New International Version (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Manila Hotel takes pride in itself for its exemplary culinary experience, especially with the Chinese dishes. Did not disappoint.
I’m so happy that even though we didn’t get to catch them at the wedding ceremony, we were able to have a photo op with the couple at the reception and congratulate them personally. <3
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Dearest Adrielle and Benedict, I may not have walked the aisle with you, my name may no longer be in your list of godmothers, but in my heart, I am your Ninang. I will always be here for you, pray for you, and guide you as you walk your journey hand in hand as husband and wife.
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Best wishes & Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Benedict Antiporda! :-*
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Disclosure: The first half of the wedding photos above of the bride & groom, as well as the dance video after, do not belong to me. Credits to the photographer Ralph Lee. Video by The Rivera Sisters Choreography.
CLICK HERE for some wedding gifts guide from Pottery Barn Philippines.
6 Comments
Miss jane, you have a tattoo???
December 15, 2017 at 8:13 amNo Maia haha, that’s only henna from when we went to pagudpud :))
December 15, 2017 at 8:25 ambakla ka mother!! yung dress mo kinabog mo lahat!!!!! ang ganda!!!!
December 19, 2017 at 2:05 amhehe thank you. Try mo si Ann , ATC lang shop nya. :-*
December 19, 2017 at 7:26 amNice dress Ms. Jane!
January 14, 2019 at 10:44 amthank you Jessica! 🙂
January 14, 2019 at 11:29 am