LDS Wedding Reception

Today we have a special treat... the wedding reception of our dear friend, Juvy and her new husband, Mat. They were sealed in the Manila Temple this week and have returned for a big wedding reception at her home in Mapandan. We arrived on time, but that was a little early, so we had time to talk with family and the couple before the event started. The wedding reception tradition here is that you open your yard to family, friends and all your neighbors and you serve dinner to everyone that comes. Kids from all over the neighborhood dropped their play and lined up for the food.(Sorry we didn't get a picture of the line-up of children.)

These bananas have been growing outside our front door for six months, but they are starting to ripen and will be cut down to eat. We passed them for the last time as we left for the wedding reception.

We arrived and went into the house to greet the new couple and a few minutes later we went out to see the yard filling up with guests.

Videokee is a big attraction at receptions and other family gatherings. They always have to have the volume turned up so you can hear it for 100 Kilometers. It wouldn't be so bad if people could carry a tune, but they haven't invented a bucket for them to successfully carry a tune in yet. Very painful!

The men always gathered together to talk with each other, while the women and children gather in the front yard and talk. The men found a shed in the backyard and enjoyed a friendly chat together.

The women and children gathered in the front yard, in the main eating and entertainment area. There was a short program before the food was served. Mom and I were invited to talk to the group. Most of the friends and family that attended were not LDS, so we were asked to introduce a temple sealing to them. It was a great opportunity to speak and everyone listened. There were additional remarks by family members and a slide show of the temple wedding followed. The slideshow continued through the rest of the dinner. As daylight faded and the dark began to fall people began to leave for their homes. These people are mostly rice farmers and they arise with the sun and sleep when it sets.

There is always plenty of food. These trays were filled with fresh warm food many times over by the catering staff. They served rice, pansit noodles, chicken, shrimp, fish, pork, vegetables, and a roll.

The happy couple... Juvy and Mat... sealed together forever.

Juvy's family that hosted the reception. Mat is from Mangaldan, a neighboring town.