More on the Arjo-Maine ‘pamamanhikan’

By izA iGlesiAs ManilaTimes.net

ARJO Atayde and Maine Mendoza, the beloved celebrity couple, are one step closer to their wedding as their families officially gathered for the traditional “pamamanhikan” ceremony.

The pamamanhikan is a Filipino tradition where the groom’s family formally visits the bride’s family to discuss wedding plans and finalize details. It is a pre-wedding ritual that symbolizes respect and aims to strengthen the relationship between the two families.

Veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde’s mother, took to Instagram to share touching clips of this significant milestone. The intimate affair took place on Sunday, June 25 at the charming “Casa Mendoza” in Bulacan, as captured in the poignant Instagram post by Sanchez.

The event witnessed the presence of both families, creating an atmosphere brimming with love and support. Alongside Sanchez were her husband Art, their children Ria, Gela and Xavi, and Mendoza’s parents, Teodoro “Teddy” and Mary Ann.

Also present from both sides were grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, happily celebrating the union of two families. Overflowing with excitement, Sanchez shared a heartfelt caption, proclaiming, “The Ataydes and Mendozas will soon merge as one family. Excited! #family #happiness #thankULord.”

Ria, joining the celebration, reposted the photos on her Instagram story, expressing her happiness for the soon-to-be-married couple. She playfully quipped, “But I mean, would it be a proper introduction if we weren’t the entire Barangay Atayde? A first for our little barangay.”

While the exact details of the wedding date and venue remain undisclosed, fans eagerly anticipate further updates from the couple. Atayde, 32, and Mendoza, 28, confirmed their relationship on December 21, 2019, which marked their first anniversary.

The love story continued to unfold as the award-winning actor and Quezon City 1st district congressman Atayde proposed to popular noontime host and actress Mendoza on July 28, 2022, commemorating yet another milestone as a couple.

The nation now awaits the forthcoming nuptials with bated breath, expressing unwavering enthusiasm and support for Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza. Social media platforms buzz with well-wishes and heartwarming messages, solidifying the couple’s status as one of the country’s most beloved celebrity pairs, continue to pour in.

Photographs captured during the momentous pamamanhikan ceremony portray the genuine love and unity between the two families. One endearing image showcases Art, Sanchez, Atayde, Mendoza and her parents standing side by side, radiating happiness and anticipation.

Another shows the Mendoza and Atayde clans all bunched together, symbolizing the union of two households and the convergence of different generations. n an incredible honor to represent our colorful nation and bring our stories and Filipino spirit to the [Miss Supranational] stage,” she said.

Amelinckx had to compete on the national stage four times before she got to represent the Philippines in an international competition. She earned a title in the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant’s 50th anniversary edition in 2018, but the global contest she was supposed to join did not push through.

She then joined the Miss Universe Philippines pageant three times before finally getting a chance to compete abroad. She finished fourth on her first attempt in 2020, and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Charity in 2022. She finished in the Top 3 in this year’s contest, and received the Miss Supranational Philippines title in a separate program.

Amelinckx is now on her quest to score the Philippines’ second Miss Supranational victory, 10 years after Mutya Johanna Datul became the first Filipino woman to win the crown in 2013.

Reigning queen Lalela Mswane from South Africa will crown her successor at the 2023 Miss Supranational coronation show at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Nowy Sacz, Poland, on July 14 (July 15 in Manila). Sixty-eight delegates are competing this year. n