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Yes, that’s him holding a samurai sword. Just like the one Hiro Nakamura has in Heroes.

Jeff was one of my buddies back in high school. We kinda went our separate ways after we graduated and we didn’t see much of each other after that. It doesn’t help that he is working in Pahang as a researcher for the Forestry Department. So I was glad to be able to catch up with him at his wedding banquet last month.

The attendance for the banquet was pretty impressive. Droves of friends, relatives and colleagues showed up. There were even a few politicians invited to do what they do best, to give boring speeches that nobody listens to.

Jeff belongs to the native tribe of Bisayak. As such, they have their unique wedding custom that I had the chance to witness during the banquet. One of the custom involved having the bride and groom step on the blade of a sword barefooted. I don’t remember what the act signified but it sure looked cool.

I bet you won’t find any swords or knifes at a Chinese wedding ceremony. With our myriads of age-old taboos and superstitions, there must be one that prohibits the presence of sharp objects during weddings. For the fear of ‘cutting’ the marriage short I suppose.

Anyway, congratulations to Jeff on opening the next chapter of his life. May his offspring come swiftly and numerously. Cheerio.