*[I am copying below VERBATIM, the message of Tom Killip for Andy (Abeya) and Kristina (Craig) on their wedding in Bali, Indonesia on May 3, 2019.]
Message of TK:
Where we come from in the Cordillera mountain region of Northern Luzon in the Philippines where societies are very tribal in character and social order, and kinship relations are very clannish, weddings are not just the marriage of two individuals. Marriage becomes a wedding of two families and clans. Traditionally this is to ensure the survival of the clan and the tribe. Thus, coming to Bali, in this heaven on earth is not only coming to witness our children being joined in matrimony but also to be woven into that beautiful social tapestry that comprises a family or community of people, in our instance, the families of Andy Killip Abeya and Kristina. Thus had you chose to celebrate in Andy’s hometown of Sagada which is also another heaven on earth you would surely be greeted by elders with wishes and prayers of, “Maganaganak kayo!” which means, “May you have many, many children” or in broader figurative terms, “May your tribe increase!”
Perhaps one day you might also want to consider celebrating your marriage in Sagada which is a custom among our people. In other words you can exchange your marriage vows any place on earth and whenever you come home to your community you can also share your marriage joys with your families, your clans, and the community at large, and they in turn can give you their blessings. That is the custom from where we come from.
Kristina and Andy, we did not come to council you about marriage and married life. Firstly, I would be the last to ever do that because I am forbidden by custom to say so much about weddings and marriages. [Note: Tom was to explain this further in the delivery.]
Secondly, Kristina and Andy have proven themselves ready, mature, and responsible for married life. Their achievements and success in their professions would speak better. On the contrary they should be the ones to share with us the secrets of their success.
In our ethnic community of Sagada and other Igorot communities beyond, there is a saying among bachelors like myself whenever a younger nephew or kin gets married we say, “Osto tapno wada’y mang-isagot ken dakami!” Figuratively, it means in joyful approval, “Go on and continue the task of increasing our tribe from where we stopped!” But of course I am very happy like all the rest that you decided to exchange vows here in Bali which is a dream fulfilled not only for the two of you Kristina and Andy but for everyone of us because it gave us that rare opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth. I likewise believe that your choice of Bali as a place to exchange your vows is well-deserved for the two of you. You deserve to get married in any of the beautiful spots on earth of your choice. You have worked hard for it. And if you chose Bali as your wedding venue then you would not have been mistaken. And so, if you chose a beautiful place like Bali to be the site of the most significant day in your life then make your married life as beautiful and successful as well. I know you can with God’s grace.
Uncle Tom (Killip)
AandKwedding 