As the government troops continue to fight against the Maute-ISIS terror group in Marawi City, a love between two lovers sparked at the Tent City in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte where 109 displaced families are situated.
Proving that true love conquers all amid crisis and conflict, Norinsa Basher, 22 and Jomar Saumay, 19, exchanged vows in a simple yet blissful wedding ceremony.
The groom worked as a tricycle driver while the bride managed a store in Marawi City.
Having known each other for years, the couple had crushes toward each other.
Their feelings was further boosted as they see each other frequently at the Tent City.
When asked about why he fell in love with Nornisa, Jomar narrated that it was because of her beauty and kindness.
Similarly, Nornisa shared that it was Jomar’s compassion that made her to fell in love with him.
"Tinutulungan niya ako sa mga ginagawa ko dito sa Tent City,” said Nornisa.
[He’s helping me in doing the household chores.]
Love waits, Love conquers
Resonating peace and bliss in the community, the cheers of their fellow evacuees and the sound of kulintang (a modern term for an ancient instrumental form of music composed on a row of small, horizontally laid gongs that function melodically, accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums) and gong reverberated at the wedding venue.
To solemnize the wedding, a marriage sermon was given by an imam and a recitation of the Qur’an was made.
While a ceremony is being conducted with the groom and bride’s parent, the bride wearing a long-sleeved white-laced gown, patiently awaits for her groom to fetch her inside her tent.
Nornisa shared that her siblings did not agree at first that she would be wedded with Jomar. However, as she fought for their love, her siblings eventually agreed.
Their love story proves that the ongoing crisis in Marawi cannot hinder their love toward each other as they both conquered the odds.
Initiatives for Love
The wedding of the couple will not be possible without the help of some generous people.
It was Acmad Amer, barangay chairman of Campong, Pantar, who began the initiatives for the wedding to be pursued.
“Nakita ko sa kanila ang sobra nilang pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa. Kaya gumawa ako ng paraan para sila ay makasal,” said Amer.
[I witnessed how they love each other. That is why I made initiatives for them to be wedded with each other.]
Amer also shared that some evacuees who were beneficiaries of cash for work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD), also lend a small contribution.
The Task Force Bangon Marawi, spearheaded by Undersecretary Cesar Yano of the Department of National Defense (DND), also sent their support to conduct the modest and joyful wedding ceremony.
“Nakakatuwa kasi kahit sa gitna ng kahirapan, na-develop pa rin ang pagmamahalan sa mga evacuees,” said Usec. Yano.
[It is great to hear that despite of difficulty and suffering, love has been developed between two evacuees.]
Usec. Yano also shared the essence of the wedding ceremony as it symbolizes that love is the center of all things. (LEAntonio/PIA))
