Couple exchanges vows in church submerged by floodwater in the Philippines - Couple found tending to floodwaters inside a submerged church in the Philippines
In the heart of Malolos, north of Manila, the historic Barasoain Church was submerged 30 centimeters deep due to the relentless rains brought by Tropical Storm Wipha. Amidst the flooding, the resilient Filipino couple, Jao Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar, chose to proceed with their wedding, turning the event into a memorable and inspiring spectacle.
The couple, who have been together for ten years, had booked the Barasoain Church for their wedding two years ago and had taken time off work for the occasion. On the day of their nuptials, Jao wore a traditional Barong Tagalog, while Jamaica walked down the flooded aisle in a flowing white gown, her train trailing through the water. The bridesmaids, dressed in damp blue dresses, applauded the newlyweds as they exchanged vows.
ABS-CBN, a prominent Philippine news outlet, described the wedding as "like something out of a romantic drama." Jamaica, beaming with determination, told ABS-CBN, "nothing will stop us," expressing that they had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Their courage and determination captured the attention of many, as they embraced the difficult circumstances, smiling and celebrating their wedding despite the adversity caused by Typhoon Wipha and the resulting floods affecting the region. Their choice reflected their resilience and positive spirit in the face of disruptions their big day faced.
Despite the flooding, Jao and Jamaica expressed that they take what the Lord gives them and that this is just a flood, and they will face many more challenges together. They even joked that they would have had more fun if it was dry.
The storm has resulted in 12 deaths in the Philippines and has left over 280,000 people homeless. Approximately 1.2 million people have been affected by the floods. Storm Wipha has also brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hong Kong and Vietnam, in addition to the Philippines.
Their unique wedding story serves as a testament to the couple's unwavering commitment to each other and their ability to find joy and celebration even in the face of adversity. Their story is a reminder that love can indeed conquer all, even floods.
- Understanding the community's hardships due to Typhoon Wipha, the couple, Jao Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar, decided to uphold their employment policy and proceed with their wedding at the flooded Barasoain Church, creating a memorable spectacle that mirrored their resilient lifestyle.
- Despite their big day being disrupted by the storm, Jao and Jamaica maintained a positive home-and-garden, expressing that love can indeed thrive amidst hardships, as they exchanged vows in a setting transformed by the weather.
