A Wedding That Defied the Weather
Even knee-deep floodwaters could not stop Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar from saying their vows.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the couple married inside the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines, despite the church being partially submerged due to relentless rains intensified by Typhoon Wipha.
Couple Had Been Together for 10 Years
According to reports, the couple had been together for ten years. They pushed forward with their ceremony as guests waded through floodwaters to witness the moment.
“We just mustered enough courage,” Verdillo told the Associated Press. “We decided today because it is a sacrifice in itself. But there will be more sacrifices if we don’t push through today.”
Verdillo explained that they saw the day itself as symbolic, a kind of meaningful sacrifice, and believed delaying it would only bring more uncertainty. So they proceeded with the wedding.
Inside the flooded church, the scene was both surreal and touching. Pews were partially submerged, and Aguilar’s white gown floated lightly along the surface of the flooded aisle as she walked toward the altar.
Many guests rolled up their trousers or kicked off their shoes, standing barefoot in the water, their expressions joyful despite the situation.
Wipha Intensifies Rains Across Southeast Asia
While the storm did not make direct landfall in the Philippines, Typhoon Wipha significantly intensified the seasonal monsoon rains, affecting the country.
According to AP News, Typhoon Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025, with winds reaching 102 kilometers per hour (63 mph), before weakening to a tropical storm.
Vietnam Sees Power Outages and Flight Cancellations
In Vietnam, Typhoon Wipha caused power outages in areas east of Hanoi. Businesses were forced to close, and authorities warned residents about possible flooding and landslides.
Airports in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces were temporarily shut, with flights cancelled across the region as the storm continued inland.
Monsoon Flooding Displaces Thousands in the Philippines
In the Philippines, where the wedding took place, seasonal monsoon rains intensified by a string of tropical storms have triggered widespread floods and deadly landslides across Luzon.
According to The Sun, at least 25 people have died since last weekend due to flash floods, landslides, and electrocution, while eight others remain missing.
The situation worsened on Thursday night, July 24, when a new tropical storm, Typhoon Co-may, made landfall in the mountainous town of Agno, Pangasinan, bringing winds of up to 74 mph and unleashing further flooding.
Nearly 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate, with many seeking shelter in emergency evacuation centers or staying with relatives.
The government reported that nearly 3,000 homes have been damaged so far. More than 80 towns and cities have declared a state of calamity, most of them in Luzon.
In response, thousands of military troops, coast guards, firefighters, police, and volunteers have been deployed to assist with evacuations and rescue operations.
Additionally, the United States has pledged military aircraft to help deliver food and aid if conditions worsen.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Typhoon Yagi Devastates Vietnam, Drivers Shield Motorists with Their Vehicles
Flash Flood Hits Mount Kinabalu Trail, 155 Climbers Safely Evacuated
Pregnant Indonesian Woman Dragged to Death by Crocodile in Her Flooded House
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