July 23, 2025
MANILA – Undeterred by knee-deep floodwaters from days of relentless monsoon rain, newlyweds Ade and Jamaica Verdillo exchanged vows at the historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, better known as Barasoain Church, in Malolos, Bulacan, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Water pooled across the tiled floors of the centuries-old church, but the ceremony carried on. Barefoot bridesmaids, a resolute priest, and loved ones stood firm, turning what could have been a disaster into a striking display of love, faith, and resilience.
These moments, captured by Inquirer photojournalist Niño Jesus Orbeta, offer a moving glimpse into a wedding day unlike any other.
The bride prepares to walk down a submerged aisle, unfazed by the flood outside the church doors. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The bridal entourage, barefoot and smiling, lines up inside the flooded church, ready to witness the ceremony. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
Bridesmaids pray beside a statue of Santa Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz as floodwater laps at the pews. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
A church minister distributes communion as the bride and groom kneel before the altar amid rising waters. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER
The exterior of the Barásoain Church is surrounded by ankle- to knee-deep floodwaters brought by continuous monsoon rains. PHOTO: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER