Pamamanhikan : Climbing of Love

"Pamamanhikan" or Climbing of Love is a Philippine tradition. The word Pamamanhikan was derived from the word "panik " meaning to climb a house's flight of stairs. It's a formal seeking of blessing and approval before getting married. The guy's family goes to the house of the woman he loves to meet up with her family for a formal proposal of marriage. The guy with his family ask for the blessing of the woman's parents to marry their daughter. Normally the guy's family bring some food or gifts. This is also the time where both family discussed all the wedding details.

I've experienced this culture just recently. My boyfriend then (now my fiance) went on a "Pamamanhikan" in our house in Bulacan. It was exactly 2 weeks after he proposed. We don't have any idea how this tradition go, since I'm the first one to have this "Pamamanhikan" thing in our family and same with my fiance since he's the eldest guy. Anyways , there was some kind of awkardness at first but I think it's just normal but it didn't last for long, because my fiance's father is a natural comedian so things goes smoothly, afterwards we had dinner together and picture taking.

Here are some of our Pamamanhikan pics:

Marriage : Things to consider in getting married

Are you sure you're ready to get married?


WILLING

Are you willing to give up your fun, free and exciting single life?
* Single life is really fun, you can do anything that you want to do and nobody can stop you, you're free as an eagle. Are you sure you can give up this?

Are you willing to do things with your soon to be wife/husband?
* If you are single you often go out with your friends, enjoying a movie chilling out in a coffee shop or just hanging out in one of your friends house. Are y ou willing to give up this?

Are you willing to prioritize your family not thinking only about yourself like when you are single?

* You are going to have a major lifestyle change. Are you sure you can give up you precious lifestyle?

STABLE

Of course nobody wants to depend to your immediate family or even closest friends in times of trouble especially when it comes to “money matter” So the couple should talk about financial issues to know if you both are ready to get married.

*Are you stable enough to build a family of your own?

*Do you have a stable job and income to have a family?

Responsible

Marriage is not only about you and your spouse. Sooner or later your going to have children. It's your responsibility to give your family shelter, clothing, education, discipline and also love. Are you responsible enough?

Parenting

Are you ready to be a parent? Sure you love kids and everything , but parenting is different. For first time parents, you'll be needing a lot of adjustments (especially for women).

* Are you ready to breastfeed you baby every 4 hours?

* Are you ready to change diaper every now and then? (Do you even know how to?)

* Are ready to hear a crying baby all the time?

*Are you ready to wake up in the middle of the night to make your baby go back to sleep.

Exhausting!!!!!

Plan

Are you ready to plan for your future? Or you're still stuck in your own little world enjoying your single life?
Planning Involves:

* Preparing for the wedding.

* House for your family to live in.

* Finances

* Sharing of household chores

* Number of kids to have.

Love

Let's say that you are Willing, Stable , Responsible, Ready to have children and you have a plan, but are you sure you're in love with the person you want to get married with?
Ask yourself:

* Are you in love with your partner?

*Will you accept your partner not only for the good things that he/she have but also for his/her shortcomings?

* Would you like your partner to be the first person to see everyday?

* Will you still love your partner whether he/she get fatter and older?

* Can you see your future with your partner and share the rest of your life with each other?

If you think that you have all what it takes to have a family of your own, don't waste time and ask you partner to get married.

"As long as God is the center of your relationship everything will be alright."