The Pamanhikan is a popular pre-wedding tradition among Filipinos. It probably dated back from the Spanish era (I really wouldn’t know), but regardless of which, it’s still being practiced today albeit sometimes informally. When I say “informally,” I meant that there are quite a number of variations done on the Pamanhikan of today—it has somehow already adapted to the modern times, and modern day of living.

Back then, Pamanhikan is the Filipino pre-wedding tradition where the families of the bride and the groom meet and plan the wedding. The romantic representation of this tradition would be the groom and his family formally asking the bride’s family for her hand in marriage. On a practical note, the wedding budget, the guestlist, and all other sorts of important details are discussed during this meet-up. The bride’s family hosts this event, and traditionally the groom’s family brings a gift for their hosts. Read more »