During our last weekend in the Philippines my roommate and I had the incredible honor of being invited to our co-worker's wedding. The wedding was in the home province of the bride, at Lake Sebu in South Cotabato. I had heard from a friend how beautiful Lake Sebu was and I had been wanting to go the whole time I was in the Philippines. I was so excited to have the opportunity to go on this last trip to top off my time in Mindanao.
Attending this wedding was indeed a perfect end to the six months. It was a mix of indigenous and Catholic traditions, with the involvement of a priest, an Imam, and a T’boli religious officiant. To top it off, I attended with three vans full of some of the most inspiring peacebuilders in Mindanao. Numerous people noted that the wedding was a beautiful example of the efforts of peacebuilding in Mindanao -- it was a coming together of the three peoples of Mindanao to share in the love and dedication of one couple who are both dedicated peacebuilders themselves.
Lake Sebu
The wedding sponsors blessing the couple during the wedding mass
The happy and beautiful couple! Jamz and Sen!
Mindanao Peacebuilders!
Onto the reception: the "money dance"
Future Mindanao Peacebuilders
Lake Sebu again the next morning, now onto the Indigenous marriage ceremony
Jamz's entourage is gathered to follow him up the hill to meet his bride
The ceremony begins with Jamz going to meet Sen by horse.
Unfortunately, after this I dropped my camera on the cement, and don't have any more pictures. But I think you've gotten the beauty of the whole weekend nonetheless. The T'boli marriage ceremony was beautiful, with dancing and sharing of food and blessings. It truly was a perfect ending to my time in the Philippines. Much thanks to Jamz and Sen!
No comments:
Post a Comment