Kumusta! (How are you?) Are you curious about what the Tagalog words for marriage proposal are? Worry no more, for we got you covered! Whether you are a curious linguistic fellow learning the Tagalog language or an inspired person wanting to propose to your Filipino partner, this article will cover everything you need!
Proposing to your partner is not only a romantic act but a sincere expression of a lifetime commitment. While it seems quite straightforward in some proposal clips, in the country’s culture there is much more than that; there are preparations leading up to that moment. That is why we’ll explore marriage proposal customs in the Philippines, their proposal words, and their meaning. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Marriage Proposal In The Philippines: Customs
The Philippines is never a foreigner when it comes to modernization and advancement of not only technology and trends but also practices; for instance, the proposal of Filipino women is now observed. Nevertheless, there are those customs and traditions that proved to be enduring. The customs of family blessing, pangliligaw, pamamanhikan, and ring exchange are practiced and appreciated by most Filipinos. Let us look more into them below.
Family Blessing
The social aspect of a marriage proposal is a huge deal with Filipinos. In other words, proposing in the Philippines affects not only both people in a relationship but also their families.
This is where you ask for your family’s and your partner’s family’s permission, or blessing, for your intent of proposing. This places a huge regard on your family and your soon-to-be family-in-law. It is like an act of respect that makes both families feel reassured that you value them and their say. So, you are not only proposing to your partner but to their parents, too!
Pangliligaw
In English, this means “courtship.” While courting is kind of like a prerequisite before becoming an official couple, this type of courting is also directed to your partner’s family. Yep, Filipinos are family people. They have huge respect and admiration for their families! Just try and visit a Filipino celebration, and you’ll get what I mean. You will see people ranging from grandchildren to in-laws! Depending on the size of the family, you will usually see 10+ people in a single celebration.
Going back, courting is a very important part of winning not only your partner’s heart but also their family. This is where you should do favors, assist, and bring gifts to your partner’s family. In other words, you will likely spend a hefty amount of time showing your admiration.
Fun fact: way back, in the Philippines, a manliligaw (a person who is courting) was also asked to do tasks such as carrying buckets of water from a well or poso (a water pump) to their partner’s home, chopping wood, and more! This is like a stage where aside from courting, the family is testing if the manliligaw is capable and competent enough for their daughter and their soon-to-be family.
Pamamanhikan
Pamamanhikan has no equivalent translation in English. But don’t worry, I got you! This is when the groom’s family visits the bride’s family, bringing gifts and formally requesting their permission for marriage. Today, this is seen as a really top-notch traditional and respectful way of asking for marriage. Think of it like this: the groom, his father, and his mother will ask the bride’s parents for their consent to marriage.
While this is not usually practiced by most today, it is still widely appreciated and nodded upon. Pamamanhikan tradition is still going on and making marriage proposals stronger, like writing on a stone!
Ring Exchange
Exchanging rings is a symbol of marriage. Just as it is in the Western culture, so it is in the Philippines. Asking for marriage with a ring as a custom was instilled by the Spaniards when they colonized the Philippines in the 16th century. So, wherever you are, a ring is always a must-have in a marriage proposal.
Tagalog Words For Marriage Proposal
With all of those customs well kept in mind, let us proceed to the marriage proposal words themselves! Shall we?
Will You Marry Me? – Pakakasalan Mo Ba Ako?
The words “Will you marry me?” are what we can always hear at a marriage proposal because they carry straightforward yet profound meaning. Simply say, “Papakasalan mo ba ako?” to your partner, and surely, a straightforward answer will be given.
Can You Marry Me? – Maaari Mo Ba Akong Pakasalan?
This sentence, while almost identical to the first one, sounds more like a question in Tagalog. That is because of the word, ‘maaari’ (can)—it emphasizes the person’s autonomy. This sentence not only asks whether your partner wants to marry you, but if it is possible.
Can I Be With You Forever? – Maaari Ba Kitang Makasama Sa Habangbuhay?
As poetic as this is, this is another way of saying, “Will you marry me?” So, if you want to play with words and use your creativity to express your very great commitment and affection, simply say, “Maaari ba kitang makasama sa habangbuhay?”
Though the Philippines is also an English-speaking country, which means Google Translate will only be used rarely, speaking the native tongue brings a whole new connection and intimacy. In other words, it would feel more “real.” So, if you are planning to propose, always keep in mind the country’s customs and get ready to speak your marriage proposal words in Tagalog, along with “mahal kita” (I love you).
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