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 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.