OVER THE GREAT WALL (MIKHAIAH)

Prologue

Mikha's POV

Life has been great so far in our family. 

And today, andito kami to attend our beloved cousin Edward or táng gē Edward Lim's wedding banquet. 

Chinese weddings, like western weddings, are all unique in their own ways. Well, di ako nakaabot sa mismong wedding since I had to run some errands pero reception's fine naman even though kunot na ang foreheads ng parents ko, especially Mom to see me coming late again in such important occasions. Fashionably late. 

But for starters, the most common question asked is kung anong susuutin? Well, it's safe to say don't wear red kung ayaw mo lang naman masapawan ang bride. You don't want to come off as impolite to the bride, right?

'Wag ka rin magsusuot ng black or white kung ayaw mo ring magmukhang aattend ng funeral. 

Wearing purples, pinks, and warm colors could be or is a good idea because they symbolize the new life the couple is starting together. It's also a good plan to ask the couple beforehand on how fancy or formal their wedding will be before you buy your outfit so you could somehow blend it.

And of course, di pwedeng wala akong gift no.

Usually, giving gold jewelry or accessories is a good gift for a newlywed couple. But if you want to be extra careful, it's better to give them money instead of other gifts. People often give money in red envelopes as presents. You can give an amount that you're comfortable with or what you'd like to receive if it were your special day. It's considered lucky to give an amount that ends with the number eight, but avoid amounts with the number four because it's considered unlucky.

Make sure to write your name on the red envelope so the couple knows who the gift is from. It's believed that the couple will remember this when it's your turn to get married, if you aren't already.

Be ready to see a lot of the color red at the wedding because it's one of the luckiest colors in traditional Chinese culture. Red symbolizes happiness, joy, and prosperity, so that's why it's so popular on this special day!

Chinese weddings usually have two main parts: the tea ceremony and the banquet.

We were just eating when a-hia Enzo returned to his seat beside me. 

"Sorry about that, the investors called in a very wrong time. But don't worry Mom, Dad everything is under control. In fact, we secured a business deal with Linghao Builders Co., Ltd." Sabi niya.

"Why, that's impressive son. As usual, maaasahan ka talaga." Dad proudly said. 

"Unlike your sister here, late na nga--" Open naman ni Mommy.

"Hon, hayaan mo na. Nagsorry naman na eh. Naku Princess, don't listen to your Mom. By the way, you look great. Sabi sayo eh, babagay sayo ang pink." Sabi ni Daddy.

"Ayan, kinakampihan mo na naman yang magaling mong anak. Kaya lumalaking spoiled eh. And come on Mikhaela, don't slouch." Sabi ni Mommy. 

"You know what, parang kanina ka pang hinahanap ng mga amigas mo. Come, sasamahan kita." Sabi ni Dad as he winked at A-hia/Kuya Enzo and I.

At nakahinga narin kami at last. 

"I got you your new jordans. It's in my car." A-hia Enzo said with a smile.

"Really A-hia? Gosh, the best ka talaga." Sabi ko, excited.

"And of course, dating gawi. It will be in my room, ikaw na bahalang kumuha. Well, come to think of it bagay nga sayo." Sabi niya tila nang-aasar. 

"What? Nooo. Ew."

He knew so damn well na ayaw ko talagang nagsusuot ng girly clothes. Especially these heels, I'm practically living a nightmare. I mean our parents raised us to be traditional, wearing traditional clothes based on our gender and so on.