Between the Lines

We have a helper who comes to our home and cleans and cooks twice each week.  Seems odd to call Rhea our helper as she has become much more than that.  We adore her, she is gentle and quiet, one of those people you just like from the start.

Communication is difficult with most Filipinos on this island.  Because of the tourism and the lure of financial gain many Filipinos come from other islands to live in the slum area and find work here... Boracay attracts the poorest of the poor.  English is spoken better on many of the other islands, not so much here.  

So when Rhea invited us to her wedding where she and her husband were to be married after 10+ years together, we were excited to be guests.  The government and some of the Catholic churches sponsor mass weddings for free to encourage couples to officially get married.  On Rhea's wedding day there were about 70 couples getting married in the big Catholic Church on Boracay.  Man and I were unsure how to dress for the occasion, not wanting to outdo or whatever our Western hangups brought to mind.  So we 'dressed down', even wearing flip flops.

Arriving at the church we realized that beautiful dresses had been brought in for all the brides, each one different.  The grooms all wore traditional Filipino clothing.  Ring pillows were provided as well as rings, veils were provided, candles, etc.  The church was beautiful.

We asked if we should go in and get seats.  Imagine our surprise when in a round about way Rhea explained that we were to walk the bride and groom down the isle: we were to be matron of honor and the best man!  Wow did we feel uncomfortable! 

The whole service was in Tagalog so we copied what everyone else was doing.  We walked them down the isle, found the pew with their names on it, tied them together (not sure if that's a Catholic thing or Filipino deal), put on Rhea's veil, made a donation to the church (another surprise).  It was a full service with Holy water sprinkled everywhere, communion, mea culpa and amens and peace be with you..... I think, it was in Tagalog so I'm guessing at this. 

We were very honored to be given such a place in their wedding.  After the ceremony we went to the beach where one of the big resorts had tables set up in the sand and provided a free buffet.  Then we went to Rhea and Pepin's home for more celebrating.  Their home was the humblest home we've been into here, and we've been to some really poor places.  Again it was very nice, really good people.  What an honor.   Our level of living feels so extravagant.