How Do Filipino Women Prepare Their Wedding Day

How do Filipino women prepare their wedding day is quite different, but interesting nonetheless. The preparations are grand in many respects, and meaningful in all others. Maybe it has a lot to do with their sentimental nature and the fact that they grew up in an environment where marriage is taught and regarded to be sacred.

Filipino women do take marriage very seriously. For them, marriage is more than just walking down the aisle; it is not just a twenty-hour event or something that can be undone if things don’t turn out well. So when Filipino women prepare for their wedding day, they have in mind a marriage that lasts a lifetime, and that pretty much explains why they have to go through such extent when preparing for the big day.

You’d think things would have gotten easier now with the availability of events coordinators to take the burden off would-be brides, but surprisingly, most Filipino women are still pretty much “hands-on” when it comes to preparing for their wedding day. It’s not that they cannot afford to pay for the services. For these women, doing things on their own makes everything more meaningful and imprints their personality on the event.

Before proceeding with the preparations, the bride-to-be sits with her fiancé to discuss about budget and the three basic Ws:

  • When is the actual date going to be
  • Where will it all happen
  • Who will be attending

Once these have been figured out and agreed upon, the guy usually gives the woman the upper hand in the other wedding details, such as gowns for the bride’s maids, flower girls, and other members of the entourage, and the wedding gown. The Filipina woman may ask her mom and best friends for advice where these matter. A common scenario is these women poring over stacks of magazines or scouring the World Wide Web for days on end. Narrowing the choices down can be extremely difficult, but a decision has to be made and it has to be made soon.

An appointment with the couturier is then made. The bride-to-be may choose to engage the full services of the couturier, which is deemed wise indeed. Besides making the gowns for the entourage, the couturier may spend time with the bride to be the night before the wedding until the wedding day itself to make sure that the wedding gown fits perfectly; otherwise alterations can be done immediately.

The bride-to-be gets a well-deserved massage a day or two before her big day. A full body massage is extremely great for her as it keeps her nerves relaxed and keeps her stress levels down. She may also want to enjoy a facial treatment or a hair makeover, and try on different makeup styles to find the one she will eventually wear on her wedding day.

There’s great rejoicing in the bride’s home the night before the wedding, but the bride has to turn herself in early, so the pre-wedding party is usually enjoyed by the family and friends until the wee hours of the morning.

Notwithstanding the trivialities and how do Filipino women prepare their wedding day, the bride has to prepare herself emotionally, and spiritually, as well, knowing that marriage is and always will be a roller-coaster ride.

Philippine Culture: How Does A Filipino Woman Value Her Family?

How does a Filipino woman value her family? Filipino women have been raised in a culture where family always comes first above all things. A Filipino family is known for its close-knit ties, dignity and strength through adversity. Each member of the family has been taught at a young age to regard the family as the highest priority. No matter where they are or what they do for a living, family members find ways to spend time with each other despite their busy schedule.

Filipino women feel obliged to build a family of their own once they get settled down. Even if they have a career, they always consider the needs of their family first. Filipino women are taught to obey their superiors and elders. They aren’t rebellious and they don’t question the decisions of their elders. As wives, Filipino women also obey their husbands, or so it would appear. Whilst women look to obedient wives, Filipino women are sly and smart. They know what they want and they know how to get it without being too obvious to their husbands.

Filipino women are very respectful and tactful when it comes to the members of the family, especially the elders. They don’t speak rudely towards their parents. Filipino women who were raised properly do not curse or cuss in front of their elders. They also have firm and close-knit relations with their relatives, either by blood or by affinity. They know their aunts, uncles and cousins.

How does a Filipino woman value her family ties? Majority of women even after marriage opt to stay at their parents’ house. Even if they could afford buying and owning their own house, they would still choose to live with their parents. They also help their parents and their siblings in the financial aspect. They offer their help even when it is not needed. A family does not only mean people you are related to by blood. Filipinos also lend a helping hand to their in-laws in times of trouble.

Filipino women live to please their family. They would cook for their husbands everyday if they could. They clean the house and oblige in doing the household chores. She would cook his favourite meal and be at his beck and call. That is what a Filipino wife does for her husband. She does not do anything to displease her husband because she respects their relationship and their family bond.

In the modern times, Filipino women have adapted to the needs of the family and the society. In the past, women were just housewives. Today, they juggle having a career, children and keeping a good home. However, they still do not jeopardize their family. If given a chance, some Filipino women still opt to stay at home and take care of the family than to be away at work. They value the importance of their marriage and would fight for it if they think it is at risk for a rocky path. How does a Filipino woman value her family if not with respect and loyalty?

Philippine Culture: How Does a Filipino Girl Value Education?

How does a Filipino girl value education and intelligence? Filipinos put education at such a high regard that even if they do not have the means, they put their children through school. Filipino girls have been brought up in an environment where education is a priority. Socio-economic status and health are not deemed as hindrances to get a better education. This is probably the reason why Filipino girls opt for educated guys when they choose their partners.

Education has been an indispensable part of the Philippine history. During the colonization of the Philippines, Filipinos have been taught by the Spaniards philosophy, science and math. Even in those times, Filipino women have been educated as well as their male counterparts. In the past, even though Filipino girls were educated in the field of science, math and philosophy, they still became stay-at-home wives. They didn’t find the need to establish a career for themselves.

The modern era of the century has provided a different outlook for the role of a Filipino woman. No longer are they just housewives contented with making a home, but today, they also strive to be educated and employed. Some women have even gone as far as to establish a career first before settling down and getting married.

A characteristic that a girl looks for in a probably partner is intelligence. Most of the time, the girl usually asks where the guy went to school and his major. Being educated is a big point for most women. How does a Filipino girl value education? By making sure that her boyfriend and future husband is well-educated. They need to have intelligent and interesting conversations with their partner. When girls start a family, they read to their children and teach them addition and subtraction even at an early age. They tell them bedtime stories about famous legends and fables. Filipino families really champion the cause of education.

Filipinos have the burning desire to learn about everything they can. They learn fast especially when they can benefit from what they know. Filipinos know that with the right knowledge, they can arm themselves to survive in the reality of life. That is how Filipinos succeed in life; with the knowledge they accumulate through school and the street smarts they acquire everyday. That is what Filipinos want their future children to gain; knowledge to help them out in life.

Education is the best legacy parents can leave to their children and their grandchildren. That is why women need their partners to have a high regard for education as well. They want a family where education is a priority and children appreciated learning about everything.

Filipino girls pride themselves on being book smarts and having the street smarts as well. They read books to learn and they apply it to real life. When a woman decides to have a career, she has what it takes to make it happen. There are successful women who are also great mothers. How does a Filipino girl value education: treating it as a secret to become successful.

How Does a Filipino Girl Respect the Elders: Filipino Facts

How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Respecting elders is a big part of the Philippine culture. Even as children, Filipinos are taught family values, discipline and respect, especially for elders. The first thing you would notice Filipino girls do when they are in the presence of their parents or elders is they give them a kiss. This is how they acknowledge someone older than they are is with them. A kiss is done when greeting their parents or their elderly. They also do this before they go to school or someplace else.

Mano po is another way girls respect their elders or their parents. This gesture is usually done when greeting or when saying goodbye. What they do is take the hand of their elder, the palm faced down, and they bring the hand to their foreheads. This is not just a sign of respect, but it is a way the elderly give their blessings to the younger generation. The elders then reply by saying, “God bless you”.

The words “Po,” “Opo,” and “Ho” are words that connotes respect for elders and those superior when talking to them. These words are used to end a sentence. These can also be used when answering questions that require yes or no answers. In the past, these words were very popular and were a must in a Filipino’s vocabulary. However, some ofthe younger generation today dismiss the whole tradition. They say that it’s too embarrassing and it cramps their style. Some Filipino families still want to uphold this value to teach their children the importance of respect.

How does a Filipino girl respect the elders? Filipino girls give respect to their elders and parents when they obey them. Filipino families are very conservative and some of them would ask their daughters to go directly at home after school or work. The dutiful daughters would oftentimes do as they say.

Filipino girls are modest especially when they are in the presence of their superiors and elders. They tend to be quiet and keep to themselves. This is how Filipino girls were taught to be.

The Filipino language is equipped with the necessary words to show respect for the elders. Aside from po and opo, Filipinos address older people with manang, ate, manong or kuya. Ate and manang are words used for addressing older females like cousins and sisters. Kuya and manong are used for older male cousins and brothers.

Before marrying someone or before accepting a suitor, Filipino girls ask the opinion of their elders and their parents. If the elders do not like the guy, most of the time, the girl would not go through with it. Approval of the guy furthers the relationship and serves as the blessing.

The Filipino culture and tradition highlights family values. These values are then passed down from generation to generation to ensure the continuity of the traditions. Children born into a Filipino family are taught to respect elders. Continuing family tradition is also how does a Filipino girl respect the elders.

Pre-Wedding Facts: How Does a Filipino Woman Respect Marriage Traditions

How does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions? Simply by following a few of them, that’s how! Marriage is a big deal for most Filipino families because it is a time when two families come together to celebrate a union. It is a time when the woman enjoys planning for her soon-to-be wedding. Since Filipinos are highly religious, most marriages take place in churches.Even if they don’t have enough money, they would still push through with a church wedding. This is one of the many traditions of Filipino marriages.

Filipinos regard their parents and elders with utmost respect. That is why Filipino women, before marrying, would sit down and talk to their parents. Before making any decision about getting married, the bride-to-be and her fiancé must get the blessing of the parents and elders. The tradition of “Pamamanhikan” or the time the man, together with his parents, visits the woman’s residence to make wedding arrangements. Some families still uphold the tradition of the dowry and some parents expect the guys to be of service to them.

Brides-to-be are expected to wear white during their wedding day. It’s a tradition that sprung years ago. Brides also wear long veils or short veils. Wedding jewelry must not be made of pearls or anything with a pearl. Pearls are gemstones that are shaped like tears. Brides should avoid them because wearing them on the wedding day will spell heartaches and sadness for the married life.

The question, how does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions, is easy to answer. Most Filipino women go by the rules of the book, especially when they want to have a traditional wedding. Church wedding ceremonies involve the veil and cord ceremony as well as the candle lighting. The pinning of the veil and the cord symbolize fidelity within the marriage for years to come. Lighting the candle symbolizes the unity of the man and woman during marriage.

Wedding traditions include throwing of rice over the heads of the bride and groom once the ceremony is over. This ensures a happy and prosperous married life. The bride should make it a point to assign people to throw rice at them once the ceremony is over.

The reception that comes after the wedding is also a part of the traditions. The common venue for the reception includes the hotel ballroom, the backyard of a home, a garden or by the beach. Delicious food dishes are served during the reception. Receptions in the past served home-cooked dishes. Today, dishes are catered.

The money dance performed during the reception is a part of the wedding traditions. A slow music is played, and the bride and groom dance while family, friends and guests pin money bills on their clothes. This is a fun way to gain money without asking for it! Two white doves are also released during the reception to symbolize the love and commitment between the newlyweds. These are just a few of the wedding traditions in relation to the question, how does a Filipino woman respect marriage traditions?

What Filipino Men are Like: The Inside-Scoop

Getting the inside view on what Filipino men are like is as easy as looking into the glass. Typically, most Filipino men are the same. Inwardly, they are all protective. Being males, like most animals, they make sure that their mates are well-cared for. Instinctively, men will do anything to protect their women. This is the reason why, when crossing the street, the men are always on the danger side of the women.

Filipino men are programmed to be gentlemen. Since they were kids, they were taught to respect their elders and be polite. They open doors for their dates, pull out the chairs, open the car doors, etc. When they get down from the vehicle, they hold the woman’s hand to help her down and to prevent her from tripping. These gestures may sound a bit old-world, and some feminists may disapprove, but that’s how Filipino men are. They say “po” or “opo” to address their elders. Being polite and courteous is stitched into their DNA.

They can also be conservative because that’s how they were raised. Old-fashioned Filipino men still prefer women who show less skin to those who show more skin. Sometimes, they also prefer timid and nice girls to the loud and wild ones. Case in point, some men would shun away smoking, alcoholic girls who party all night. Other guys make like these girls, but the typical nice and sweet guy would rather cuddle with the nice girls who stay at home.

Wanting to learn what Filipino men are like is the first step to getting closer to one. One thing about these men is that they are friendly and jolly. They love looking at smiling faces and would rather be with laughing with friends, having a few drinks. They are also outgoing. Even though the Philippine culture is quite conservative, it does not stop people from throwing parties and social get-togethers.

Although they are outgoing, Filipino men have a tendency to keep quiet when it comes to expressing their feelings. They don’t really know to say what they feel, and they prefer to keep silent. This is true in situations where they opt to be inoffensive.

Filipino men are known to be generous and very hard-working. When they have something to share, they do share it with friends or family. They are considered to be excellent breadwinners of their families because they always put the needs of the entire family first. This is the reason why men work hard and concentrate on their work.

Filipino men, especially those raise Christian, are God-fearing. Thus, they are loyal and faithful to their loved ones, and their wives. Once they say their vows, it’s until death do you part.

Guys with these characteristics are worth getting to know, and who knows? They may grow on you. Men who are nice, thoughtful, caring, respectful, loyal, smart, outgoing and God-fearing are scarce. They are rare and are the type to settle down and get serious. These characteristics embody what Filipino men are like once you take the time to know them better.

Laws of Attraction: What Filipino Girls like in A Man

If you are a man looking to date a Filipina, then you should know what Filipino girls like in a man. Filipino girls by nature are sweet and romantic. They like to be wooed, the traditional way, of course. The traditional way of wooing a Filipina is to come to her house, get to know her parents and hopefully, they could see your intentions. During these modern times, if you do not want to court a girl the traditional way, you can show it differently. Flowers and chocolates are still a must. Dates are part of the wooing process and this is the phase where you must be consistent and persistent.

Consistency is one of the characteristics that Filipina girls like most in a man. This is a great trait because every girl wants someone who will continue to woo them. This characteristic is also a way they know whether a man can be depended on. When a Filipino girl is looking for a man to have a serious relationship with, they want someone who’s responsible. What they mean by responsible is being careful in making decisions. Once a girl sees that you are responsible and hardworking, it shows that you are qualified for long term commitments and possibly even marriage. That is the goal, isn’t it?

Another popular saying is, “You are what you attract.” This goes without saying that you attract what you put out. If you want a girl to like you, then you must make sure you are attractive both outside and inside as well. Clean and well-groomed are what Filipino girls like in a man. They don’t want someone grubby and greasy. Make sure to fix yourself up. It won’t hurt you if you smell good as well. Intelligence is something respected and looked up to. Be smart and witty. Talk to her about things other than the weather or your favourite sports team.

A girl needs a caring man, someone not just sweet, but kind and thoughtful as well. If she’s sick, visit her and show her you care. A bowl of hot soup and a glass of orange juice will make her feel better if she’s sick with the flu. Little things like leaving sweet notes or thoughtful texts will make her feel special. Filipino girls like a nice guy, someone who knows the right thing and someone who will be there for her. While crossing the street, you should be at her danger side. When you will eat at a restaurant, hold out a chair for her.

If you want a Filipino girl to like you, then you must be yourself. Do not pretend to be someone you’re not. If you’re funny, tell her jokes, make her laugh. Do not pretend to be richer than you are. Be honest and loyal. Somehow, girls have this internal radar which buzzes them if you’re telling a lie. It’s called women’s intuition, a gut feeling. So, you better be honest, because girls tend to know when you’re not. Romantic, sweet, thoughtful, honest, loyal and intelligent; these are what Filipino girls like in a man.

The Filipino Spirit: What Filipino Festivals are Celebrated by Filipinos Worldwide

What Filipino festivals are celebrated by Filipinos worldwide? There is a very long list that will answer this question. Filipinos are known for their festive spirits and for the enthusiasm in having to celebrate even little things. For every month of the year, there is usually some sort of  celebration going on in the country. Some of the most celebrated events are the town fiestas. Town fiestas are celebrated to honor the patron saint of a particular town, and as we all know, the Philippines is largely a Catholic nation. Most residents cook and invite guests to their home for a taste of good home-cooked meals.

Another festival that Filipinos practice even if they’re somewhere else in the world is Holy Week. This is the time of the year, when Catholics pay tribute to Jesus Christ journey from life to death, and back to life again. Different cities have a different way of celebrating this event. In some cities, the people observe Holy Week rather quietly, while in other cities, there are grand celebrations going on. The Moriones festival which features the re-enactment of the passion of Christ is an example of how Filipinos celebrate the Holy Week. However Filipinos celebrate Holy Week, you can bet that there is always a good amount of fasting and praying during that entire week.

Dinagyang and Ati-Atihan are both a form of religious devotion to the Sto. Nino and a way for people to unwind and break free from their monotonous lives. Participants put black paint on their bodies, add a little bit of bold and bright colors and they wear head gears made of indigenous materials. Then, with feathers on their heads, beads and eye-catching shields, participants march down the street to the beat of drums. Bystanders feel the beat and enjoy the rest of the festivities.

Filipinos are not just known to celebrate religious devotions and events, there are also other festivals that they take pride in. Some are harvest festivals to help the town prosper and others are festivities that center around flowers. The Panagbenga festival of Bagiuo is known for beautiful and colourful parade floats that are made of blooming flowers. Aptly celebrated during the merry month of February when the flowers are in full bloom, the Panagbenga festival is definitely worth seeing.

Every year, during the 12th of June, Filipinos all over the world raise the Philippine flag in remembrance of their Independence Day. A flag is waved from the balcony of Emilio Aguinaldo’s house, the place where the flag was first raised.

Catholics are not the only ones to celebrate their religion in the Philippines. There is also an annual celebration of the Ramadan, an entire month wherein Muslims fast. Another event held in celebration of the spread of Islam is the Rajah Baguinda festival.

Christmas is a festival that is celebrated by every country, and Filipinos are no exception. During this time, Catholic Filipinos and their families go to church together and wait in anticipation for the birth of Christ. Early morning masses or the Simbang Gabi is a tradition followed by the majority of Filipinos. Hot choco and puto are the food choices after every mass. So what Filipino festivals are celebrated by Filipinos worldwide? All these and still a lot more.

Why Marry A Filipina Woman

Do you need to ask why marry a Filipina woman? You must be desiring a happily ever after, then. But quite frankly, marriage comes with no guarantees. Just because you married a Filipina does not mean that the marriage will last a lifetime. In like manner, if you married an American it does not necessarily follow that you will end up divorced after just a few years. The success of a marriage is not dependent on who you marry. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango. Both of you must do your share to make your relationship work.

But if truth be told, Filipino women are not likely to give up on their marriage easily. Filipino women are feisty within reason. They will not want to lose something without giving it a fight. You might have thought that because they appear demure on the outside, they don’t have a heart of steel because many actually do. Filipino women are very strong inside, so if you think you can simply bring them down, think again. This never-give-up attitude tells you that Filipino women will fight for their marriage and their family, and they will not stop doing so until they have exhausted all available means.

Aside from this, the fact that the Philippines is an extremely Catholic country also counts a lot. The Catholic Faith teaches that marriage is a sacrament and as such must be respected. There is no divorce law in the Philippines, mind you, a fact that may tell you that divorce is not an option when troubles set in. Anybody who wants to get out of an abusive or unhappy marriage may file for annulment or separation, but the process can be very tedious, long and costly. Maybe it is designed to be very difficult to discourage couples from going through the ordeal of separation. Initially, the couple may need to undergo counseling to determine if there really is a need to go through the process or not. In many cases, couples are able to find themselves in each other’s arms during counseling.  Well, Filipinas are very understanding and because they love from the heart, they can easily forgive and forget the faults of their erring husbands.

Needless to say, if the reasons are found justifiable, the one filing the case may be required to present concrete evidences to support his/her case.  This itself can be time-consuming and daunting.

Filipino women are generally smart, down-to-earth, and domesticated in the sense that they love to straighten up things at home and keep everything organized for you. They will cook for you and attend to your needs first before theirs. They can keep you engaged in lively conversation, too, allowing you to forget your problems.

Filipinas have a gentle spirit and great sense of humor. I can list down so many other reasons why marry a Filipina woman, but in the end, you and your Filipino wife will be the ones responsible to give your love story a happy ending. Treat her right, then, and marry her only for the right reasons, no less.

Why Marry A Filipina and Why Not?

Why marry a Filipina when you can get any girl to spend the rest of your life with? Why a Filipina of all races? Well, if what you want is someone with substance, then indeed, a Filipina makes a wise choice.

  • Filipino women value marriage. As many of them grew up under the care of both parents, they naturally expect their marriage to also last forever. So if you are a one-woman-man who believes in marriages that last a lifetime, a Filipina is the woman for you.
  • A Filipino woman is a great companion at home. Not only is she reliable when it comes to organizing things at home, but she can also be an excellent stress-reliever. She can make you feel better by whipping your favorite meal, brewing the perfect cup of coffee, massaging your stress points and entertaining you with funny stories. A Filipino woman is someone you really would like to come home to at the end of a stressful day.
  • Filipinas are known to be doting mothers. For a Filipina, children are a priority. She’s willing to go through lengths and widths to be sure that her children are safe, healthy, well-provided for and happy. She takes care of their needs from sunup to sundown. With her untiring love and support, she does deserve to be called a “superwoman”.

On the other hand, there are also reasons why you should not marry a Filipina:

  • If you think that a Filipina will be at your every beck and call, don’t marry one. Filipina women are loving people, yes, but don’t expect them to be your slave. They may want to do things out of love, but don’t abuse their generosity.
  • Don’t marry a Filipina, either, if you only intend to keep her in the house and not allow her to socialize or do anything else than taking care of you. Keep in mind, Filipino women are smart and sociable people. They may naturally want to do something productive, something that will enhance their skills and creativity, something that will develop them as a person. Don’t worry, allowing a Filipina to do what she wants and to explore the world does not mean that she will leave you. It will, in fact, only make her a better person, and as she becomes a better person, she also becomes a better wife and mother.
  • Don’t marry a Filipina for reasons other than love.

Most Filipino women grew up as Catholics who believe that marriage is a sacrament. As a sacrament, it needs to be respected and preserved. A marriage with a Filipina is bound to last forever when you marry her because of love and of course when you also do your share to make things work. It takes two to tango, as they say, and a Filipina makes a good partner when you dance the music of love.

When you begin to appreciate the desirable qualities of Filipino women, you will not wonder anymore why marry a Filipina when there are plenty of beautiful roses in the garden.

Why Not To Marry A Filipina?

I couldn’t think of any reason why not to marry a Filipina. Filipino women possess many endearing qualities that it is quite unthinkable to pass up the opportunity to marry one. Filipino women may be known for their captivating beauty and charm, but there’s a lot more to Filipinas than meets the eye.

Here are some more great qualities of Filipina women that you might wish your would-be wife to possess:

  • Refined. Filipina women may not necessarily act like royalty but their refined ways are admirable. They are not rude, especially in public; neither do they act in haste. Filipina women are generally polite and respectful. Like a typical Maria Clara, they are not the type who would be running around the streets, screaming their lungs out or shouting invectives at someone.
  • Generous. Filipina women are generous, not necessarily in terms of money, but of time and effort. Didn’t you know, Filipina can even forego their own needs and wants just to accommodate those of their loved ones? And they can always be willing to go the extra mile for the one they love. Yes, they can sacrifice a lot just for you. Isn’t this enough reason to marry a Filipina.
  • Loyal. Filipinas in general are one-man women. They may keep on sailing until they have caught the best fish, but once they do, you can be almost sure that they will not lay eyes on another fish. And once they have said “I do” before God and men, they mean it for a lifetime, for better or for worse, in richer and in poorer. Filipino women love with a pure heart, you see, and for them, loving two or several men at the same time is just unthinkable.
  • Family-oriented. Filipinas love their families more than money or anything else for that matter. To Filipino women, families take first priority. Many women even give up their day job or a career they have built for years to concentrate fully on raising their children and being there for their husbands. Marrying a Filipina gives one the assurance that the needs of the family will be taken cared of first and foremost.
  • Excellent Home-maker. Filipinas are good in keeping the house in order. As young girls, they’ve been taught and trained to keep the house clean and clutter-free, to wash the dishes after every meal and then dry them later, to water the plants, to launder the clothes, and to cook.
  • Smart and witty. Most Filipino women have access to good education. They are knowledgeable of things around them, and even the great beyond. Because of these you can expect a Filipino woman to be smart and witty, a good conversationalist, someone who is not going to bore you to death.
  • Religious. Filipino women are deeply religious. Most of them are Catholics who put God at the very center of their lives.

Filipinas make great wives, whether to foreigners or to Filipino men themselves, so there shouldn’t be any doubt in one’s mind why not to marry a Filipina at all.