International Bagpiper heads to the Philippines for a Wedding
Only a couple of weeks ago, I was performing International Bagpiping duties in Las Vegas, working with Visit Scotland for one of the worlds largest events shows, IMEX. This time, I am flying East, back to the Philippines for the third event in eighteen months. I was lucky to perform at the 2018 Burns supper and St. Andrews night celebrations for the Manila St. Andrews Society (founded in 1879). The Scottish celebrations this time are out of the hustle and bustle of downtown Manila. After 20 hours on a plane and 5 hours in a coach we arrived, appropriately enough, in the Highlands of the Philippines. Spectacularly different in their pace of life – free from traffic jams and air pollution!
The event is a Scottish/Filipino wedding, with all the trappings of a multicultural party. I first met the parents of the Groom several years ago at Dundas Castle, and they’ve kindly invited me to the other side of the world a few times since.
I have travelled out with Aberdeenshire based Accordion player Graham Geddes who will be leading the ceilidh dancing.
In the performance of my duties as International Wedding Bagpiper, I set the scene by piping in the guests to a beautiful indoor/outdoor covered space on a hilltop. Then I piped in the wedding party, the groom, and the bride. When it came to the reception after dinner and speeches, myself and Graham began the Ceilidh music. Often I play the role of Ceilidh caller at events, however I was relieved of these duties by the mother of the Bride. She is an avid Ceilidh dancer and even runs her own Ceilidh group in the Philippines!
The wedding was great fun and I’m glad I was able to help provide a bit of Scottish tradition on the other side of the planet.
After a successful wedding, the International Bagpiping came to an end. The next day was the long journey to Manila. A brief stop before the flight leads us to a fascinating Jellyfish-themed bar.
And then back home to Bonnie, Bonnie Scotland.
