Hosted by: Mr. Julius Neil Piala
Co-hosted by: Hannah Zafra
Love, when strong, is resilient. Love can survive wars, distance, and pandemic. As highlighted in talk by Mr. Julius Neil Piala, “kapag inlove ka, tumitigil ang mundo mo.” (When you are in love, your world stops turning.)
As manifested, nothing stopped the couple Ronna Jen Uy-Cañete and Anthony B. Cañete had their intimate wedding on May 15, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their grandmothers Lola Nena Oquias and Lola Estrella Uy served as “flower lolas.” Both Lola Nena and Lola Estrella glowed and look dashing as they walked down the aisle in their floral wedding attire. The story of a pandemic wedding and the journey of love of the couple Ronna and Anthony, with their “flower lolas,” went viral online.
Getting married are always a cause for celebration—pandemic or no pandemic. “[N]othing is worth it or not worth it,” says the bride, Ronna. “It was your decision, so it is definitely worth it.” Filipino weddings are always celebrated in grandeur. With grandeur comes with a cost. The bride highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of getting married during the height of COVID-19 pandemic. “You will realize the essence of intimate weddings,” she stated. “Although intimate, for the family circle, it was already a grand celebration and it was cost-efficient as suppliers were giving discounts.” However, due to the strict social and health protocols, disadvantages include not being able to invite all the family members. The guestlist needed to be downsized.
Although getting married during the pandemic eventually became commonplace, the wedding ceremony for Ronna and Anthony stood out among the rest. Replacing the usual flower girls for “flower lolas” had their benefits, like how unique their backstory was.
In time of romance and pandemic, we wonder what backstories and journeys other couples had while they held their weddings during the pandemic. After all, love can survive the most trying of trials, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, even while in the midst of a pandemic.