A newly constructed/bought home, a newly bought car, and a newly established business are considered a blessing. In the Filipino context, the word “blessing” takes another meaning as it often gets blessed by a priest or a pastor. This kind of ritual is more than just a routine for someone’s ownership as it is also a way to lead its prosperous journey.
In Philippine culture with most of the population identified as Roman Catholic, it is believed that a house blessing imbues love, harmony, health, happiness, and prosperity in a dwelling that’s also considered an extension of your body and soul. Having a ritual of thanksgiving is then only fitting. There are a few reminders and things to prepare when holding a house blessing. Things to prepare for your visitors and relatives, and things to prepare for the house blessing ceremony proper.
In getting ready for the house blessing ceremony, here’s a list of things to prepare and to set up before the priest or the pastor’s visit:
Things to Prepare Before House Blessing
Candles
On your dining table or altar, place a lighted candle and a wide bowl to hold the holy water. Choose long candles as they symbolize long life. Colored ones are so much nicer than white. Some believe that pink brings the energy of love and kindness. Make sure to provide candle drip catchers as your guests will be walking around the house with the candles lit. Who wants their newly constructed/bought house to be covered with wax spots all over, right?
Coins
Coins for Abundance. Any amount will do, or just how much you’d want your guests to get when they participate in the coin and candy tossing. The homeowner performs this to bring luck, showering blessings, and the spirit of sharing luck.
Rice and salt
Ever wonder what to bring to a Filipino house blessing? Enter with rice and salt. The tradition of bringing a container full of rice before anything else into a new home represents that the occupant will never experience hunger throughout their stay in their home. This practice also symbolizes good fortune and wealth for the occupants.
Food
Since house blessings can also be a sort of a reunion among friends and relatives, make sure to prepare some food to celebrate the occasion. Most house blessings normally occur in the morning, or during lunchtime.
Photographer
You wouldn’t want to miss the priceless photos of you, your family, and your guests on this special occasion, right? House blessings are a very quick ceremony so hiring a professional photographer isn’t necessary. Having someone to take pictures of the event is enough just to be able to have photos to remember it by.
For those with a different faith, the ritual isn’t too different. Candles and holy water are still needed for a minister to use during the ritual itself. Philippine customs run deep, in fact, this tradition also includes other important milestones in one’s life, like having a new job or owning a new car.
Aside from preparing the necessary things that are needed for the house blessing ceremony – candles, food, tables, and chairs. It is necessary that the home is ready itself. There should be furniture to seat the guests and other house blessing decorations to make the house more comfortable and welcoming.
The ongoing pandemic has forced many Filipinos to move to a new dwelling. Some moved to the province for fresher air and more peaceful life, while some transitioned to bigger homes after living in smaller residences. There are also a lot of Filipinos who became more interested in condo living as it offers them the prime location in the center of business districts, near to hospitals, universities, work, malls, and other establishments that are quite essential in their daily lives.
If you’re looking for ready for occupancy units are near major community anchors such as commercial establishments like malls, an institution such as schools, and other available spaces for the public such as parks, Vista Residences, one of the leading condominium property developers here in the Philippines, has been providing a sense of security, comfort, and accessibility to its unit owners. All the units being offered by Vista Residences can accommodate a wide range of primary users ranging from young professionals, students, small families, and even extended families.
The company has a lot more to give to the Filipinos looking for their home as it is now anticipated to bring more mid-rise to high-rise condominium properties to other developing districts in different locations. Units are currently placed in the National Capital Region, namely, Manila, Mandaluyong, Ortigas, Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City. Vista Residences also has units in the Luzon area - in Baguio, in Visayas - in Cebu, and in Mindanao - Cagayan De Oro. All the units in these locations are designed to suit every type of condo living for its users.
Baguio City is known for its ube and strawberry jams and as well as fresh vegetables. Condo unit owners can purchase a fruit and vegetable basket to organize their greens. They can showcase their vegetables to their guests on the day of the house blessing. Kitchen utensils are also a good addition as you can prepare the food before your guests while enjoying the scenic view.
Big plates and bowls can benefit unit owners in Cagayan De Oro City as they can place one of the location’s famous delicacies – roasted peanuts. Have your guests enjoy this while they are conversing in our living room and reception area. Roasted peanuts might just be the key to getting a lot of friends in this City of Golden Friendship! Fine wood furniture, known in Cebu City, is great for unit owners here. Enjoy lounging and your nightcaps with your guests while enjoying rosquillos biscuits and dried mangoes in your own home. Anything instagrammable and minimalistic if great for unit owners in Metro Manila. As it is the trend nowadays, it is best to keep it simple yet stylish for your guests to see.
Vista Residences creates great quality units for its users and potential clients. They also give their users the freedom to shape it however they want. Users can try different condo designs for each space as Vista Residences will not hold you back! It is a company that values its users’ way of living as it offers state-of-the-art amenities, 24/7 security, and the presence of leisure and recreational spaces.
Filipinos have always started their journey with a blessing as it is part of the culture and tradition. It is also passed from generation to generation. It is about time that you, a future homeowner, pass something you own for your future generations to see. It is time you get your dream home and start your journey with Vista Residences.
If you are thinking of moving into a new condominium, check out Vista Residences!
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
