Back To Roman Catholic Weddings

Finish na my promise to my beloved readers on the Muslim “cell phone” wedding and that has been encoded as part of history on Philippine wedding customs and traditions.

Last December 12, your favorite food columnist was a guest to the wedding of the son of a very close friend, Dr. Romy Capa, a colleague and at the same time, a fraternity brother. That’s how I met him about 40 years ago as neophytes to a college frat in U.P. Diliman; though smaller in stature, he endured all those blows from that terrible paddle. Very tough, this guy from Cavite!

I always thought that December was the most popular month for weddings and this is followed by June. Until I read an article from the National Statistics Office that “May was the peak month for getting married… the daily average of marriage occurrences was 2,180.” This is followed by December (2,051 daily), January (2,042) and June (1,920). Because of the economic crises, many couples prefer to “live-in” na lang and there is a strong possibility that by 2012, there will be one hundred million Filipinos.

My friend eventually settled in Cebu and raised a family here. Normal events followed like invitations to baptism, reunions, birthdays and when the children grew up, weddings seem to be inevitable. Medyo matured na gyud ta, bay! The Capa- Soon nuptials was held at the St. Joseph Parish, Mandaue City (came very late, considered absent) ad the reception followed at the Sarrosa International Hotel (definitely present).

Some of the dishes that were served during the luncheon were the following: Buttered Chicken, Fish Fillet in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Cheese Macaroni Salad, Four Seasons Chopsuey and the Braised Pork Ribs a la Hoisen. Fried bananas served with the chicken did not look presentable and the excess sauce made the fish fillet appear miserable. The exception was the delicious Braised Pork Ribs that I simply had to refill my plate. And because it was a Roman Catholic wedding feast, the best lechon in the world (according to Anthony Bourdain) – Cebu lechon –was served.

Food photos were taken and for my ever loyal followers, I have included a photo of the Roman Catholic Church in Danao City; such a waste if this beautiful photo hibernates in my computer.

One of the wedding traditions observed during the event was the Money Dance or Apron Dance. It is said to have originated in Poland in the 1900s and money (only paper bills, although checks may be accepted) is pinned to the groom and the bride’s dress during their first dance. In Luzon, during the money dance, male guest pay for the privilege of dancing with the bride (and vice versa); such practice is uncommon here in Cebu City.

Congratulations and best wishes to the newly weds, Robert and Mary Joy S. Capa. And advance Happy Chinese New Year and Valentines Day; this year, both holidays will be celebrated on February 14.