To give every couple a chance to fulfill their #RelationshipGoals even in the midst of a pandemic, the municipality of Rosario in Cavite has offered a free traditional beach wedding to almost 200 couples. From February 4 until the end of the month, ten pairs will get married each day at the La Isla Bonita de Salinas Resort.
Aside from giving them a beachfront-style nuptial rites, the municipal government will also cover the costs of obtaining the necessary legal documents as well as the fee for their marriage counseling.
One of the first batch of couples who said “I do” are Jheanmae and Mark Anthony, who have been together for 12 years now.
In an interview with The Cavite Rising, Jheanmae shared their love story before she became Mrs. Diesta.
“Mag-schoolmates kami sa Rosario National High School. Tapos sa CAT [Citizen Army Training] namin, kadete siya noon tapos ako part ng platoon,” Jheanmae said.
After two months of courtship, Jheanmae finally agreed to become Mark Anthony’s girlfriend.
“Naging kami November 10, 2008. After one year na magkarelasyon, nagsama na kami. Although sobrang aga at bata pa, 16 lang ako noon at 19 lang siya, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako kasi hanggang ngayon kami pa rin at binigyan kami ng anak,” said Jheanmae.
Just like any other couple, the newlyweds shared that they also encountered several challenges in their relationship. Nonetheless, they were able to surpass them all because of their love for each other and for their children.
“Parehas po kaming factory worker at nagtatrabaho ngayon. Syempre kailangan namin magtrabaho para na rin sa aming mga anak dahil lumalaki na rin po sila,” she said.
Since they have been together for over a decade already, they wanted to get married to officially recognize their love.
“Plano na talaga namin magpakasal dati sa judge pero siguro hindi pa iyon ‘yung right time talaga,” Jheanmae said.
They then saw a Facebook announcement of the Rosario local government offering a free beach wedding this February.
“Napasama po kami sa first batch ng kinasal tapos noong nandoon na kami, umiyak kami pareho. Parang wala akong naririnig, wala akong nakikita, kaming dalawa lang,” Jheanmae shared.
For her, it was one of the best gifts she has ever received.
“Sabi ko sa kanya noong nag-vow kami, ‘Patuloy kitang tatanggapin at tatanggapin pa habang ako’y nabubuhay.’ Kasi kahit anumang kasalanan o pagkukulang ang magawa niya, nandito pa rin ako handa ko siya tanggapin dahil ako ang asawa niya,” she said.
