Last Sunday, Nov. 28, I attended the wedding of my good friend and 'thesis-mate', Allan Tan. The wedding ceremony was held at the Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, a catholic church beside SM Mall of Asia. SM Mall of Asia is the biggest mall in the Philippines. Third in the world according to Forbes.com.

In the Philippines, a predominantly catholic nation, the groom and the groom's men wear 'Barong', the national costume but sometimes, suits or tuxedos are also worn depending on their preference.

A sitting Jesus icon.

Here comes the bride all dressed in white.

Filipino weddings are also steeped in tradition. If the African-Americans have the broom hop and the Jews have the glass breaking, Filipinos have the cord, candle, and veil ceremonies. I wonder how 'weddings' started as a ceremony for exchanging vows. How did our ancestors marry?

The Bridal Car

Just Got Married

The outdoor parking area.

After the church ceremony, my friends and I still had time for chit chat over coffee since the wedding reception was going to start at 6:00pm. So we headed to Gloria Jeans Cafe.

Well-wishers:

Here we are with the newly weds

Lastly, I found this beautiful lady alone, seems to be waiting for somebody. So I mustered all my courage and came up to her.