Gabriel & Rose (February 8, 2020)

_{Gabriel & Rose x Nuestra Señora delos Remedios Church, Malate, Manila, Philippines}

For the past 9 months, all events ranging from conventions, expos, sports and other activities were postponed due to the current situation. Before the pandemic, I was able to cover my friend's wedding and the only event I covered this year. Gabriel was one of my co-workers and a friend of mine. I was on my way to work when he messaged me and shared the news that he will be exchanging vows with his girlfriend for 6 years.

So he sent me the details when and where it will be held so I can prepare my gear and outfit on that special day. Most of my colleagues from the 1st company I used to work then, will also attend the wedding. (Hopefully my ex won't show up!)

February 7, 2020, I reported to work and stayed on-site to rest throughout the morning. February 8, 2020, 11:30 am. I woke up and prepare myself. Took my lunch then headed off to Nuestra Señora delos Remedios Church in Malate, Manila. Luckily, I was on time 5 minutes before 2:00 pm and my best friend was one of the groomsmen. So I took this photo (below).

One of the bride's sponsors doesn't have a partner, so I was asked to escort her. As a gentleman, who am I to refuse?

After that, I went back around to take a photo of the bride.

I previously covered a wedding, and that is my cousin's 2 years ago. This was different aside from celebrating it with your family, it became a mini reunion when I saw my other colleagues from ePerformax, the 1st company that I was affiliated with then.

The ceremony finished at 3:00 pm, so we head off to the reception near SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Until I became the victim of the wedding tradition, with a modern twist.

All the chosen men need to remove their shoes, then walk a few paces which will serve as our starting point. The groom needs to smell each shoe and whoever has the stinkiest feet will be the chosen one to hold the garter. The moment we ran back to wear our shoes, the twist there is a missing shoe. It's a trap! But I have no choice. I was requested to sit down in the middle, then my eyes were covered in blindfold and my hands were at the back. I felt like I'm in a hostage situation.

The bridesmaids need to dance to the music, and here's the catch. A rubber chicken will be wrapped between my thighs and closely to my nuggets. Once the music stops, the fastest bridesmaid will need to catch that rubber chicken. I felt the pain and even got punched on my McNuggets.

The bridesmaid was chosen, and all I need to do is place that garter on her left leg gently. Then imitate the newly weds do. Instead of a kiss, we did nose to nose.

I never did this from my cousin's wedding, and I told to Gabriel not is the time to get acquainted with someone else since I was in the process of going forward. I felt the trap, but it was good to meet her on that day. Currently, she's one of the medical frontliners during these times. This will be one of the most memorable events that I will never forget this year. Hopefully, everything will be back to normal so I can cover events from pop culture conventions, car/motor shows, and sports (specially in Football).

_{"You may now kiss the bride."}

For the full album, click or tap here to view more. Images taken from my Pentax Q7. Credits to the photographers of ©Gabriel & Rose's wedding.

_{w/ Gabriel (the Groom - Middle and his brother to the left) along with my colleagues at ePerformax.}