Why Filipinos keep getting married in flooded churches

In the Philippines, weddings are very important events, and many couples dream of getting married in beautiful, old churches. However, the country often faces heavy rains and strong storms, which can cause serious flooding. Recently, a couple named Jamaica Aguilar and Jade Rick Verdillo got married in the famous Barasoain Church, just north of Manila. On their wedding day, the church was flooded because of a typhoon and the seasonal monsoon. Despite the water reaching almost to their knees, Jamaica walked down the aisle with her father, wearing a white dress and a long veil. All the guests were also standing in the water, but everyone was smiling and happy. The couple said it was a difficult decision to go ahead with the wedding, but they decided to focus on their love and the people who supported them.

This is not the first time a wedding has taken place in a flooded church in the Philippines. Two years ago, another couple got married in the same church during a flood, and in 2018, a different couple had a similar experience in a nearby church. These stories have become popular on social media, showing the resilience and determination of Filipinos. However, they also highlight a serious problem. Flooding is a common issue in the Philippines, especially in large cities like Manila. The main reasons for the floods are old and damaged sewage systems, poor city planning, and the increasing strength of storms due to climate change. The pipes and drains that are supposed to carry water away from the city are very old and often blocked by trash and dirt. This makes it easy for water to build up and flood streets and buildings, including churches.

After their wedding, Jamaica and Jade had to take antibiotics to protect themselves from diseases that can be spread by floodwater. Floods can carry dangerous bacteria, so it is important to take medicine to stay healthy. Right after their wedding, the same church hosted a funeral, and the casket had to be placed on stilts because of the water. The Philippines experiences about 20 tropical storms every year, and many people are forced to leave their homes because of the flooding. The government is working on solutions, such as fixing water pumps and creating new plans to prevent floods. Some people believe the government should do more to solve the problem. Jade, the groom, hopes that one day, couples will not have to walk through water to get married. He believes that with hard work and cooperation, the flooding problem can be solved, and people can enjoy their special days without worry.