The “kasunduan” or shotgun marriage is unusual way when both parents are the one arranging the future wedding of their child where both the bride and groom to be had no choice but to comply. However, this classical way of wedding is no longer existed on this modern era.

Traditionally though, even at this day and age, “ligawan” (courtship) still exists. “Harana” or simply called suitor’s serenade is use to form part of this ritual but nowadays, it’s usually love letters or even emails, flowers, chocolates, or dating are practice by modern lovers.

When the “magkasintahan” or lovers keep their long-term relationship and want to crossover from being single and get married, the following are some things to consider:

Although, the marriage proposal has been practiced by almost all countries, Filipinos are also adopting this way before pursuing to marriage. “Will you marry me” is the very common word use by men to ask women if she will accept the offer which could be the possible way to begin of a much-awaited grand celebration.

Normally, the average Filipino men are wary on giving a ring as gift on ordinary occasions for he’s concerned that his girlfriend might get the wrong impression because the ring tends to speak of a deeper commitment. It really says a lot even without saying a word. The engagement ring is not a requisite to marriage but more of an option.

But before celebrating the wedding, “pamanhikan” plays a very important role where the groom parents ask the women parents’ permission to have their go signal for the said celebration. The “paninilbihan” is a service rendered by the groom to woo the bride family’s approval. It is an original tradition where the marrying man attends to some daunting chores for the family of the bride to show his worth, fortitude and, responsibility.

In Philippine wedding, the groom is obliged to pay all the wedding expenses by his family, unlike in some western cultures. But more and more couples contribute their share from their hard-earned savings. Some couples even shoulder the entire wedding expense themselves.

Cebuanos call the takers as ang nagpatara lang (people who do not budge to lift a helping hand). Like Juan Tamad, they just wait for the guavas to fall into their laps. There are many of us are like that. They are sometimes called parasites, friends who do not respect boundaries of friends who abuse their friendship.

The givers are generous souls, the concerned and compassionate Disciples of Christ who think nothing of sharing their food or their shirt. They go out their way to help even a stranger. Actually, a cemetery visit can be a place where we can be awakened to the temporary time we live on earth. In such a case, it is temporary, or maybe we can try to make life better for the living, too. The living also needs flowers, food, and our immediate loving care.