Manese Grand Reunion 2012
mddphotography takes its first overseas assignment in the Philippines! Last summer, my father reunited with his first cousins after 40 years (can you believe that?!), as these relatives decided to visit Toronto. This meeting was just the tip of the iceberg. One of these cousins, Cora, had been starting a family tree, which apparently was a collaboration commenced with my late grandmother. With determination to complete the tree, she had been dreaming to reunite other family members and what a better location to do that than in the “Motherland”! With the assistance of my father, my godmother (Verna) and my own cousin (Lyndon), February 25, 2012 was the target date to rake in as many relatives as they could muster. With a whopping 120 people in attendance, everyone enjoyed their luncheon at Lyndon’s restaurant, Shuttle Pro (Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines).
As the family tree shows, my great grandfather had married twice. After his first wife passed away, he remarried and I am a product of that second marriage. All those who attended the reunion are a mixture of my great-grandfather’s first and second wives. Unbelievable, eh?
All in all, it was a great trip and to know that more of my family members are somewhere out there, is reassuring that…I won’t get sold ’cause I don’t speak the language (Tagalog)…haha!
Tita (Aunt) Cora standing next to the family tree.
In the Filipino tradition, it is customary to “make ‘men’ ” to any of those who are older than you, as a sign of respect. The gesture involves taking an individual’s hand and bringing it to touch your forehead.
Adding the “missing” links.
What’s a Filipino get-together without food?!
These are all first cousins.
Of course, lots of joking around!
Who wouldn’t capture these moments? Who knows when we’ll see each other again?
Tita Agnes (centre) must have said something really funny to make Tita Jenny (left) crack up!
Music is always part of a Filipino get-together. Ronamie Anne serenades us acapella!
Can’t forget to capture the next generation!
And yes, this is practically all who attended!
Video recording our other talented cousins, Carla and Chi, sisters singing in harmony.
I don’t blame you kids…it was so much fun!
