Featuring Ralph Lendl Tanchip and Mariell Chuateco
Ting Hun, the traditional Chinese engagement ceremony, is more than just a pre-wedding formality, it’s a celebration of heritage, respect, and the merging of two families. Rooted in Chinese culture and lovingly preserved by many Filipino-Chinese couples, Ting Hun is a symbolic rite of passage where time-honored customs meet the promise of a shared future. But what happens when a couple wants to honor tradition while still expressing who they are?
Our featured bride, Mariell Chuateco shows us how to do just that—boldly, beautifully, and meaningfully.
“I’ve always been a go big or go home kind of person,” Mariell shared—and her Ting Hun was no exception. Ditching the traditional cheongsam, she walked into the room wearing a dazzling two-piece gold sequined dress she found in Bangkok. Gold still symbolized prosperity, but the glamor? That was all her.
Her Asian-Latina-inspired makeup look stood in contrast to the soft bridal aesthetics of old, signaling a confident, modern approach.
They honored the essential traditions: Ralph, the groom waited respectfully outside before being welcomed in; the bride entered walking backwards while holding a fan; and the ceremony featured the presence of a “good fortune woman.” The couple exchanged symbolic gifts like misua for long life and fruits for prosperity, and they knelt in front of their elders during the tea ceremony, offering their deepest gratitude and respect.
But they also embraced practicality. The bride replaced thick traditional bangles with sleeker ones she could wear every day. Instead of gifting fabric to parents, they chose RTW clothing they knew would be used. And for the traditional “12 dresses,” she cleverly added pajama sets and stylish everyday pieces—keeping the spirit, minus the excess.
The menu was a curated feast of symbolism and taste: dim sum for togetherness, suckling pig and jellyfish for purity and prosperity, and rock lobster to signify abundance. The crowd favorite? Misua noodles and the sweet mango-pomelo dessert—an unforgettable finale.
“Food is at the heart of Ting Hun, and each dish on our curated menu was chosen for its deep symbolism and meaning. We began with dim sum, a dish representing togetherness and the sharing of blessings, which reminds everyone that life is built on joyful, small moments. Next, we served suckling pig with jellyfish—a classic dish symbolizing purity, prosperity, and enduring love, with the jellyfish evoking the promise of longevity.”, shares Marielle.
“To emphasize unity and fidelity, we offered a nourishing double-boiled chicken soup enriched with mushrooms and bamboo pith, traditionally believed to promote long life and good health. Celebrating abundance and luxury, rock lobster was included as a dish that signifies a bountiful future and the richness of life.”, she adds.
To make the experience more personal and enjoyable for everyone, they incorporated thoughtful details while staying true to tradition. Giveaways came in modern red bags filled with apples, oranges, and their favorite snacks—a sweet gesture of gratitude. A beautifully designed staircase became a photo-worthy space for guests to capture memories.
Families took active roles in the gift exchange and tea ceremony, making each moment even more heartfelt.
By blending tradition with individuality, this couple’s Ting Hun became more than a ceremony—it became a reflection of who they are and the future they’re building. It’s proof that with a little creativity and a lot of heart, tradition can evolve into something even more meaningful.
Ralph and Marielle’s Ting Hun Dream Team: Words: Kitten Zapata | Photography: Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto | Venue and Food: Xiu | Coordination: Tinghun Tris | Video: Film By Len | Event Styling: Imagic | Hair and Makeup: Mariah Santos
