A Filipino Baptismal Celebration

The baptistry of historic Barasoain Church in Malolos

I am currently planning for Guijo's baptism, and this prompted me to look back at his older sister Narra's baptism held two years ago on August 8, 2009.  What we had then, was a distinctly Filipino baptismal celebration.

Above: Group photo at the inner courtyard leading to the baptistry.
Below: A solemn ceremony with godparents. The rite was administered in beautiful Tagalog.

VENUE: BARASOAIN CHURCH

The church we chose was the historic national treasure: Barasoain church in Malolos, Bulacan - hometown of my husband Oliver's Carsi Cruz side of the family.  Barasoain's baptistry is located deep inside the church, all the way to the back, in a concealed chamber behind the altar, and getting to it is like traveling back to the Spanish colonial era. One has to pass through thick adobe arches, and walk on sturdy adobe paths, through silent courtyards populated by wise old plants.  Most of our guests came from Manila and the church offered charming attractions - its architectural features, a museum with historic artifacts, and a baptismal ceremony officiated in beautiful Tagalog with Bulakenyo flair.   Like most other Filipino couples, we asked a good number of our friends and family to be ninongs and ninangs. Narra had 8 pairs of godparents.

(from left to right) Oliver, Myself, and Narra's Ninong Thunder.
Narra is in her piña gown.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTENING GOWN
Narra's christening gown was made of piña fiber which was elaborately embroidered. It was done in the romantic old style of puffed sleeves, and extra long length, and came with matching booties and cap.  It came from the Tesoro's line of Filipiniana formal  wear, and we were fortunate to get it as a gift from our generous Ninang Alice Tesoro Guerrero. 

With my mother-in-law and Narra's lola, my Mama Rubi Socorro Carsi Cruz who started the family restaurant business.Behind us is the the original Bahay na Tisa.

RECEPTION VENUE: BAHAY NA TISA RESTAURANT

Oliver's mother, my mom-in-law Mama Rubi Socorro Carsi Cruz started the family restaurant called Taberna Maloleña in the first floor of the Carsi Cruz summer home in Malolos, just a block away from Barasoain church. That summer house was made of bricks and had a tiled roof, and locals referred to it as Bahay na Tisa. From its humble beginnings in the 1980's, Taberna Maloleña expanded into a well established catering business - the restaurant itself was renamed Bahay na Tisa, a new building across the street now houses the new restaurant, and they have other operations providing food and beverage services in a hotel, as well as a casino, and most recently another branch of the restaurant was opened in another part of Malolos.  The food offerings during the reception included signature family recipes, including my all time favorite Kare-Kare and my sis-in-law's award winning shrimp lumpia, as well as my favorite deserts of mini turon with langka and sesame seeds topped with a dollop of cream - yummy!

Oliver and Narra inside the new Bahay Na Tisa main dining hall. 

Narra and her Mama.

The entrance to the new Bahay na Tisa Restaurant. The new building retains some traditional architectural features.
With me in the photo are Narra's Ninang Ana, Ninong Tristan, and his fiancee Nona.

Looking back, I found that baptismal celebration simply enjoyable. I did not stress out with the preparations at all - no invitations were needed (we just sent text messages by phone) - we didn't spend on decorations anymore - and not even a cake or souvenirs. We didn't really go for a theme party, but we ended up with a Filipiniana feel because of the location, the food, the architecture, and I think even the lack of party planning - this lent the event an old school sense of celebrating sans the newer party fads. What we did have were all the essentials: a solemn ceremony in a picturesque church, a lot of great tasting heritage dishes from the family's culinary treasure box, and a good many hours of spending time with family and friends chatting the afternoon and evening away in a quiet corner of Malolos. I have fond memories of that day, August 8 2009 (which also marked our first wedding anniversary - Oliver and I were married on 08-08-08). 

I am hoping to have another stress-free and enjoyable baptismal celebration for Guijo.

For those who are considering having their child's baptism in Malolos, I'd highly recommend Bahay na Tisa as a reception venue (shameless plugging - I know!)

Bahay na Tisa Restaurant

79 Independente St., San Gabriel, Malolos

(044) 791-1199