Hiii!

We are Sweenee and Martin,
and we’re getting married this December <3


Welcome to our wedding info website.
If you made it here, you can make it anywhere (in Zamboanga)!


You are one of the witnesses to our journey from Zamboanga to Manila and back, and for that, we are inviting you to our wedding ceremonies in the city of flowers this coming December.

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Sweenee and Martin


Wedding Details
Dates & Venues
Entourage
Attires and Motif
Gift Options
Hotels & Accommodations
Transportation
Timetable

Frequently Asked Questions


Zamboanga Guide
Restaurants
Churches
Mosques
Leisure Spots
Hospitals

Sample Itinerary


Watch The Proposal


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The couple met in Zamboanga on October 3, 2018, Sweenee's Birthday. Martin was on a research trip, while Sweenee was tagging along a friend when they first met.

Their advocacies and interests intersect, and naturally a bond was formed.

And now we're here <3



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We are having two ceremonies.
The first is a traditional Tausug wedding,
and the second is a civil wedding on the following day.



THE TAUSUG WEDDING

The Fortress Mansion
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
December 28, 2024



THE CIVIL WEDDING

Zamboanga Golf Club and Beach Resort
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
December 29, 2024













THE TAUSUG WEDDING

Sajili, Raihanne
Sajili, Sharyzma
Sajili, Nica
Sajili, Diane

Reynante, Rafael
Ong, Lewy Rajibal
Ong, Chris
Sajili, Khaleed



THE CIVIL WEDDING

Sajili, Raihanne
Sajili, Sharyzma
Sajili, Nica
Alvarez, Kathryn
Ponce, Jamaica
Eruela, Jocelle
Hupida, Angelika
Delos Reyes, Charliza
Sajili, Bren Jane
Laughton, Stephanie
Mohammad, Amier


Reynante, Rafael
Ong, Lewy Rajibal
Ong, Chris
Cancio, Juric
Prudon, Kevin
Sajili, Kenhal
Sajili, Kheir
Sajili, Khaleed
Sajili, Ram
Cabuhat, Julie Anne
Colis, John Francis





THE TAUSUG WEDDING

Guests attire details will be finalized shortly. Stay tuned.

For the entourage, kindly coordinate with Sweenee and Martin for your measurements.



THE CIVIL WEDDING

Guests attire details will be finalized shortly. Stay tuned.

For the entourage, kindly coordinate with Sweenee and Martin for your measurements.



For both ceremonies, kindly make sure that your attire has no plunging necklines and slits. Go for elbow-length sleeves, and ankle-length pants and dresses.

Both venues are outdoors and open air.





Zamboanga City proper is relatively small compared to Metro Manila, almost everything is within 15 minutes from the airport. However, the Fortress Mansion and the Zamboanga Golf Club and Beach Resort are situated in opposite directions from one another.

For ease of coordination, we recommend staying at those listed close to the airport below, and Residencia Suites Hotel.

We will be staying at the Marcian Garden Hotel.

A service van will be arranged for both days.



Hotels closest to the airport:

L’ Meridian Suites

Marcian Garden Hotel

Garden Orchid Hotel

Hamilton Business Inn

La Terraza Lodge and Restaurant



Hotels and accommodations closer to the Fortress Mansion:

Residencia Suites Hotel

Hacienda De Palmeras

La Casa Maria Hotel



Accommodation close to Zamboanga Golf:

Vista Del Mar Resort



Budget options:

Two Seasons Hotel

Krishatel Leisure Inn







Zamboanga is a microcosm of Manila, by that we mean its public transportation is unreliable. For visitors, the most accessible mode of transportation in the city are the three-wheeler Bajaj and Piaggio tricycles. Air-conditioned taxis are available but quite rarer than the three-wheelers.

There are no app-hailed vehicles available in Zamboanga, like Grab and Angkas.







Friday - December 27
7:00 pm - Welcome Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden

Saturday - December 28
10:00 am - Start of Tausug Wedding
4:30 pm - End of first batch of guests
6:00 pm - Second batch of guests
9:00 pm - End of Program

Sunday - December 29
3:00 pm - Civil Wedding Call Time
4:00 pm - Civil Wedding Start
5:00 pm - Photo shoot
6:00 pm - Dinner
9:00 pm - End of Program





Your presence already means the world to us. Should you still want to extend your blessings for our married life, we would love it to be in the form of a monetary gift.

We wouldn't say no to gifts in kind. Should these be big in size, we would love to receive them in Manila.

You may wire transfer monetary gifts to Martin's BPI account below.







Who are the Tausug?

The Tausugs comprise one of the largest Moro tribes in Mindanao. Known as fierce warriors originating from Sulu, the Tausugs now calls much of Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi home.

Their identity and political structures have existed way before Magellan arrived (and died) in the Philippines.

The Tausugs have successfully fended off colonizers, so much of their traditions are still alive to this day.

Similar with the other Moro tribes, Islam is deeply intertwined with the Tausug culture.



What is a Tausug Wedding?

A Tausug wedding is a blend of cultural and Islamic practices that have been followed by the Tausugs for hundreds of years. It also has hints of traditional Chinese weddings.

The main event, called the 'Pagkawin' will happen in a private room. There, the couple will be asked to perform a series of rituals before seeing each other. One of the final steps will have the groom rest his thumb on the bride's forehead.

According to a research paper, "some believed that if the couple do this kind of kawin, their relationship as husband and wife will last forever 'til the hereafter."

Afterwards, the newly-married couple will be introduced to the crowd.

We will setup a viewing stream so guests outside the room can still see the Pagkawin proper.



Do we have to stay for the entirety of the Tausug wedding?

Not at all! We plan to have the guests for the Tausug Wedding split into two batches throughout the day to accommodate for the anticipated 400 or more (yikes) guests.



Why do you still have a Civil Wedding?

This is for you, our dearest friends and family. We plan to have a maximum of 80 guests for the Civil Wedding rites.

It will be a straightforward intimate ceremony in the Zamboanga Golf Club.



What else do we have to know about Zamboanga in general?

Zamboanga is totally safe.

The population is a mix of Catholic and Muslim, people won't know you're a tourist (unless maybe you wear a floral polo).

Kindly wear modest clothing throughout your stay. No plunging necklines and skimpy shorts. Go for elbow-length sleeves, and ankle-length pants.

Climate is a little bit drier and hotter than Manila. Dress for summer in mind (but modest).



Can we bring plus ones (or more?)

Yes! Just let us know who it is ;)



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Zamboanga City is a crossroads of history and heritage. It is home to the Chavacano, Tausug, Bisaya, Yakan, Sama, Chinese, and many more. Take your time in exploring its culinary and historical diversity.

The city's culture and cuisine is a beautiful blend of Tausug, Yakan, Malaysian, and Indonesian flavors. We highly recommend trying out the Satti, a breakfast staple in the ZAMBASULTA region, and the Tiyula Itum, a delicious beef soup made with burnt coconut.

The white beaches in Grande Santa Cruz Island and Malamawi in Basilan are just one boat ride away.

If you're lucky, you might just see authentic Vintas of the Sama people docked along the shores near RT Lim Boulevard.




Dennis Coffee Garden

Alavar Seafood Restaurant

La Gran by Mano Mano

Taza Coffee Company

Coffee Hour

Soul Bake

Andy’s Satti

Morning Sun Satti




Yakan Village

Zamboanga City Hall

Fort Pilar & National Museum

Plaza Pershing




Fort Pilar Shrine

Immaculate Conception Cathedral




Rainbow Mosque

Sadik Grand Mosque




RT Lim Boulevard

Grande Santa Cruz Island

Paseo Del Mar

La Cresta

Muruk

Abong-abong Park

Pasonanca Park

Sinunuc Esplanade

Once Islas

D La Vie Beach Resort

Azzura Beach Resort

Malamawi Beach (Basilan)




Yakan Village

Canelar Barter Trade

Yakan Village

Myrna’s Bake House




Universidad de Zamboanga Medical Center

West Metro Medical Center

Zamboanga Doctor’s Hospital

Zamboanga City Medical Center



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Thursday - December 26
12:00 pm - Arrive in Zamboanga
1:00 pm - Check-in and rest
2:30 pm - Fort Pilar and National Museum
5:00 pm - Sunset along RT Lim Boulevard
7:00 pm - Dinner at Alavar Seafood Restaurant

Friday - December 27
5:30 am - Jog at La Cresta in Pasonanca
9:00 am - Brunch at Morning Sun Satti
10:30 am - Visit Yakan Village
1:00 pm - Lunch and Coffee at Taza
3:00 pm - See Zamboanga City Hall
5:00 pm - Sunset at Paseo Del Mar
7:00 pm - Welcome Dinner at Dennis Coffee Garden

Saturday - December 28
8:00 am - Preps
10:00 am - Attend Tausug Wedding
4:00 pm - Shopping at Canelar Barter

Sunday - December 29
6:00 am - Hear mass at Fort Pilar Shrine
8:00 am - Brunch at Andy's Satti
1:00 pm - Prepare for Civil Wedding
3:00 pm - Attend Civil Wedding

Monday - December 30
Fly out

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This video is only for private viewing for the meantime. We will share it to the world in January.

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See you in Zamboanga!