Mamanhikan
"The formal tradition of asking for a woman's hand in marriage, involving a meeting between the two families."
What is Mamanhikan?
Mamanhikan (from the root word panhik, meaning ‘to go up the stairs’ of the house) is the formal act of a man and his family visiting the woman’s family to ask for her hand in marriage. It is the official engagement ceremony in Filipino culture.
The Process
Traditionally, the man brings his parents (and sometimes elders/spokespeople) to the woman’s house.
- Bringing Food: The man’s family brings food for a salu-salo (feast). This is a vital form of offering and respect.
- Formal Proposal: The man asks the parents for permission to marry their daughter.
- Discussion: If approved, the families discuss wedding plans, dates, budget, and guest lists instantly.
Why It Matters
In the Philippines, you don’t just marry the person; you marry the family. Mamanhikan solidifies the bond between the two clans.
- Respect: It shows the highest level of respect for her parents.
- Blessing: A marriage without the parents’ blessing is often considered unlucky or difficult.
The Insider
Founder & Lead Editor
The lead strategist behind Filipina Dating Insider. With over a decade of firsthand experience navigating the complex dating culture of the Philippines, from the traditional "ligaw" to the modern digital landscape.