Wed 'er or not

I was home yesterday, Malen came by the house right after she got off the van from Lepanto, Mankayan for coffee and talk.

After the local news and grapevine update she asked me if I knew anyone who can conduct the marriage rites, civil, for her friends who wanted and were scheduled to get married today. It was supposed to be officiated by Baguio City Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas since Mayor Peter Ray Bautista was out of the country. Problem was, Farinas cannot officiate because his "authority" as Acting Mayor has lapsed and Bautista was on his way but there was no advise if he would make it on time to be the one to carry out the ceremony.

So we searched our cellphone directories for "authorized" people. I suggested the Mayor of La Trinidad Artemio Galwan we both knew his residence but we didn't have his contact number. Never mind.

The judges, of course.

I called up JSM and asked if he could do it. He said he could but he left his robe in QC where he held office. We learned, they cannot officiate without their vestments outside of their office and a written request is needed etc. etc. After thanking him, I said we'd keep him posted.

Turning to Malen, I asked why her friends were such in a hurry. She herself did not know the reason. Then she asked me, as if I knew a lot of correct answers, if a couple were to be wed by an Imam will they be considered Moslems? "I think not", I replied. Question is, will it be recognized by the religion the couple were affiliated with? Will their contract be considered legal and binding? Who knows?

Then she said, "It's quite complicated actually. They wanted to get legally hitched in civil rites because they are confused with their religion. One is a catholic and the other is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. A conflict from the onset. Uh-oh.

While intently and quietly continuing the search I quipped, "Maybe this is a sign that they should not be getting married...yet. Stop them before it's too late. You are their only hope," I added exaggeratedly.

We nearly fell off our seats laughing at the irony of the situation.

Recovering from the funny episode she said she had to leave for an appointment in town.

Til now, I have not heard if the wedding pushed through or not.

Well...best wishes!