Love Triumphs: Filipino Lesbian Wedding Defies Floods in Bulacan
On a stormy July 22, 2025, as Typhoon Wipha’s rains swelled rivers and brought floods to Bulacan, two courageous women, Jade Rick Verdillo and Jamaica Aguilar, stood hand in hand at the historic Barasoain church. Their wedding day, a milestone a decade in the making, could have easily been postponed. Instead, the couple braved knee-deep waters to show that love not only endures but shines all the brighter during adversity. Read more here.
Against all odds: The wedding goes on
As monsoon rains intensified, many in Malolos, Bulacan, thought the ceremony would be cancelled. Yet Jade and Jamaica, both accountants and partners for ten years, proved that their bond was stronger than any storm. Guests, some arriving in rain boots and carrying umbrellas, joined the pair inside the Barasoain church, undeterred by the flooded aisles. Viral images from that day captured the couple walking serenely through water, bouquets held high, laughter and tears blending in the air. See the memorable photos.
Heart to Heart: Choosing love, choosing courage
“We have been through so much in ten years,” Jade shared after the ceremony. “This is just one more thing we’ve overcome together.” Their story is a powerful reminder: for many Filipina lesbians, public displays of love are complicated by fear of prejudice. Yet, Jade and Jamaica’s joyful defiance in the face of nature’s chaos sent a loud message: queer love is resilient, beautiful, and worthy of celebration, rain or shine. More on their inspiring words here.
Reflecting on acceptance and support
For queer couples, especially in traditional provinces, visibility is activism. By honoring their commitment at a beloved local church, Jade and Jamaica opened doors for others. Their families, once uncertain, shared in their happiness, with mothers and titas wiping tears and shouting, “Mabuhay ang bagong kasal!” Through courage and compassion, the newlyweds built not just a union, but a bridge towards understanding.
Nurturing hope for the community
Flooded floors aside, this wedding has sparked a stream of supportive messages from LGBT+ groups across the Philippines. The couple’s story is a sign to the power of chosen families, love in action, and hearts unafraid to wade into the unknown.
“Think about the ways you can meet your own storms with hope and connection. Who stands beside you when the waters rise?”
If today’s story moved you, reach out, whether to an old friend or a rainbow group in your city. Love, after all, is most triumphant when shared.
