ILOILO City – Fire literally tested the love of a couple. Right down to the wire, as a popular love song goes.
Twenty-one-year-old Rosalie Jamolin of Barangay Simon Ledesma, Jaro district and 37-year-old Arniel Capulot of Barangay Loboc, Lapuz district are scheduled to wed in a civil ceremony today at city hall. But over two weeks ago, fire threatened to postpone the couple’s wedding.
Fire struck Arniel’s neighborhood in Lapuz on Jan. 29 and his house was one of several that were totally gutted.
Among the items which perished with the house was Rosalie’s wedding gown that the groom’s mother Lydia, a dressmaker, had sewn.
“I was devastated. I was looking forward to wearing it on my wedding day. I thought my wedding would not push through,” said Rosalie.
The wedding gown was special, according to the bride. It was her would-be mother-in-law’s wedding present for her.
“It was beautiful and Mamang herself made it for me,” said Rosalie, her eyes welling with tears as she recalled what happened.
It took Arniel’s mother three weeks to finish the gown, revealed Rosalie.
Aside from the gown, also lost to the fire were pans, plates and sound system among several items that the Capulot family bought for the wedding day.
“I was shattered. I thought my wedding won’t push through again,” said Rosalie who revealed having attempted with Arniel to wed a few years back but her mother refused to give her consent.
She was 18 when she had her son with Arniel and thus her mother’s consent was needed for the wedding to take place.
“Thankfully this time there’s no problem with my mother,” said Rosalie.
On Feb. 1, Rosalie and Arniel got a pleasant surprise at the daycare center of Barangay Loboc, Lapuz where they temporarily moved after the fire. Councilor Plaridel Nava who had heard about their plight bought her a new wedding town.
“We didn’t ask for a wedding gown but we are very grateful. Our wedding will finally push through,” said Rosalie.
The story of Rosalie and Arniel also moved other people who offered help. The couple said they are very appreciative of the gestures.
“Bisan amo na to ang natabo pero madamo gihapon ang nagbulig bala,” said Rosalie.
How did love blossom between Rosalie and Arniel?
Arniel is a driver and embalmer at Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes in Barangay Balabago, Jaro district.
Rosalie works as “runner” of the funeral homes in Barangay Simon Ledesma. She would alert her office whenever the funeral homes’ services are needed by anyone in the village and her go-to person is Arniel./PN
