The blueprints of wedding plans are drawn or made known during this occasion. The pamanhikan is often hosted by the bride's family as the groom and his folks visit them to formally ask their daughter’s hand in marriage and discuss plans for the upcoming wedding over lunch or dinner. This can be an uneasy situation if it's the first time for both parties to meet. The soon-to-weds may feel a little awkward (nervous even) seeing and listening to their parents consult each other on matters like their wedding budget, guest list and the like.

It is customary that the visiting family bring a gift (often, the best home-cooked specialty of the groom's mom) for the hosts. Others may opt to hold the meeting on neutral grounds (a restaurant is a likely choice) or invite a mutual acquaintance to the gathering and help ease the awkwardness of the first meeting. Why do Pinoys bother with all the trouble? We all seek our parents' blessings for a happy and trouble-free marriage. Afterall, pamanhikan is a treasured Filipino heritage which, first and foremost, avoids the embarrassing situation of having the parents see each other as strangers come wedding day.

AILEEN says:
Our pamamanhikan happened in a very unconventional way.... it happened without me! haha. our families knew from the very start of our relationship that we already had the intention of getting married. so... we've had a lot of wedding dates, changed wedding dates, cancelled wedding dates... hahaha. for the nth time... u name it! and so, finally last april 2009, Doc and i decided to formally present our intentions to our families. kahit nandito ako abroad, we decided to make it happen na. by hook or by crook... we felt kasi that it will be a good time to bring our families together and at the same time receive their blessings so we can go ahead with our plans and the works.

So on mama's bday (april 2009)... Doc (Alex) and his family went to our house and did the pamamanhikan. para naman may participation ako, i was on the phone with them most of the time esp during the time na usapan na about the planning... hahaha. funny but it was a memorable one...this was step one and i'm happy everything turned out great. what a great start! God is so good... truly when we honor our parents, God is being honored the same way too...then everyday just comes as a surprise... doors open making way to His abundant blessings... thank you Lord!

so, that's my story... now, i'm even more excited about the BIG day... and most especially, the life after that. :-) :-) :-)yoohoooooo!