How do you plan a wedding in a few weeks during a pandemic? Consider too that the bride is a recent COVID-19 survivor. Filmmaker Arjanmar Rebeta pulled that off, giving his wife, Khaye Medina, the wedding of her dreams that also went viral on Monday.
The Rebetas got married at UP Diliman's dome-shaped Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, chosen because of its open space. What got Facebook buzzing was the reception — a classic Diliman spread of isaw (intestines) and tokneneng (quail eggs), hot off the charcoal grill.
What inspired the isaw reception?
The feast cost some P10,000, cheaper than a barkada restaurant meal, Rebeta told reportr. The isaw reception was conceptualized by accident; the couple had just finished securing the UP Church for their wedding. On their way out, they stopped by an isaw place for snacks.
It was then that the couple realized that the open-air church and the open air reception was perfect. They could invite more guests compared to a closed venue. Invites were sent for a drive-thru reception to ensure physical distancing, Rebeta said.
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Virality is a bonus, Rebeta said. "Medyo overwhelmed, hindi namin siya expected. Nung pinaplano namin siya, alam namin pwede mapansin pero hindi namin ginawa para mapansin, gusto lang namin kakaiba."
Rebeta's parents joined them via Zoom since they are based in Camarines Sur.
What was the proposal like?
Arjanmar proposed to Khaye as she stepped out of a Quezon City isolation facility. It was surprise. The couple had dated for 8.5 years.
Khaye had gotten down the steps on her way to their car and when she turned around, the frontliners in full hazmat suits help up a sign: "PAKAKASALAN MO BA AKO?" When she turned to her boyfriend, he was already down on one knee and offering her an engagement ring.
"Ang regalo ko sa kanya, yung experience. Hindi naman kasi ako yung sweet na tao," he said.
To those who are planning their weddings at this time, Arjanmar advised couples to be practical and be creative.
