Of Weddings and Traditions

The months May and June are dubbed to be the most popular time for weddings. And most of the time, it is true. For this year, the months of July and August covers the season for weddings (for my case, that is.)

During this period, two significant people in my life have decided to enter the world of marital bliss. My father's cousin, who is technically my Tita, but I fondly call Ate due to the 2-year age gap and my very good friend both tied the knot only three weeks apart. My Ate's wedding was an occasion filled with a happy and joyous atmosphere. Besides, I could not really remember when was the last time the family have come together for a wedding. Further, no one knows whom and when will the next marriage ceremony be for any of the family members. And judging from the funny and strange looks that I got when this matter was discussed, it was very obvious that everyone in the family are thinking that I am the next in line.

But the wedding ceremony has become more memorable for me for the simple reason that I caught the wedding bouquet. Yeah, first time. After the numerous number of times that I attended weddings, I was already entertaining the thought that even rituals such as this no longer favors me. At last it came, not that I've been waiting for it to happen but there was this exhilarating feeling, that perhaps, me getting married is a possibility after all. So it is true, that there's always the first time. I admit, I was a little shocked and amazed at the same time, but still I could not ignore the cheers from most of the people, especially the claps and smiles from my Mama. I think, she was even more elated than I was. (Mothers.) Most of them said, "Finally." It was rather good timing, for Papa was not there to witness all the "rituals" that come with the tradition of "bouquet and garter." It was really funny, as if it was an assurance that I am the next to marry, or should I say, that I'm to get married at all.

Three weeks after, I became one of the bridesmaid (for the nth time) for my "barkada's" wedding. I was really pleased when she asked me to be one. We have come a long way from being elementary classmates to roommates in college. How time really fly. It was nice to know that finally, someone from my exclusive circle of friends would enter into life's another journey.

Again, I was the "lucky" lady whom the bouquet chose to land. Whew, two bouquets in a row in a span of 3 weeks. Now that is some kind of a record. Could it be true when they say that when it rains, it pours? Hilarious. Amidst all the cheers, I could still hear and see that "wide-up-to-the-ear" grin from my Mama. She's very excited about all of this. You see, she told me before I enter college that even after the very next day I graduate, I can marry anyone, anywhere, anytime. And being the obedient, only child that I was, I followed her to the letter, and where did it got me now. Not that I'm blaming her or anything, instead, I'm so glad she told me that for I have achieved what I really wanted at that time. Now she's been telling me that I've already have my MBA, and still I am single, and no hint of me, getting married anytime soon. Funny.

Well going back, Mama was indeed very happy for the 'bouquet thing."And so I was again subjected to the whole bouquet and garter fiasco but this time with a twist. Whatever the couple do, we (the other pair) have to emulate. Upon noticing that I am again the "lucky unlucky girl", my Papi (my pet name for my father) came rushing into the scene, not just to witness the whole thing but as if to remind everybody of his presence. Even from afar, I could notice the way he stares, not at me, but to my "partner". Whoa, if looks could really kill, that man was long dead. Poor guy.

Officemates have been teasing me about it, even family and friends. Though not, explicitly, I have felt pressure even before this events have happened. More so now that it has come to this. But too bad for them, I don't easily succumb to any kind of pressure, not before and certainly not now. I am still wondering what this event is trying to indicate? What does it want to reveal? No one really knows. So whether "this" is a blessing or a curse, no one could give me an exact answer. All I know is that, I will only submit to whatever God has planned for me, be it marriage or single-blessedness, only He knows for sure. As of today, I think the latter has more of the edge, but I'm still rooting for the former to compete. (Laughs.) For now, I will let time and fate take its course.