'Let's turn our loss & grief into something beautiful': Designers Gladi Echavarre, Vania Romoff, more volunteer for 'Kakampink' couple's wedding
As Leni Robredo's supporters grieve over her loss in the presidential race, one engaged couple received an outpour of support from the community.
"Ikakasal kami na si Leni ang presidente." This was the dream for Ariean Cristobal and Emanuelle Cruz De Guzman. These words were on their placard when they attended the Leni-Kiko rally in Pasig on March 20, a photo of which went viral.
But as election numbers show Robredo trailing far behind rival Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., they became the subject online bashing, with some users saying their pending nuptials would no longer push through because of the Vice President's defeat.
Fellow "kakampinks" came to the couple's rescue to make sure they got their dream wedding.
Among them were top-rated fashion designer Gladi Echavarre, who designed one Pia Wurtzbach's gowns during the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night.
"I will make the bride's wedding dress for free," Echavarre wrote on Facebook. "This lovely couple has been bashed and became the poor subject of ridicule. Let's turn our loss and grief into something beautiful [for] our fellow kakampink."
Her pledge began a thread of other wedding suppliers offering their services to the couple—from stylists, photographers, pre-nup shoots, accommodation, and more.
"I can dress the moms or flower girls. Anyone. what a sweet and wonderful coupls," said fashion designer Vania Romoff.
"Sagot ko na ang pa-hikaw," said accessory designer Christopher Munar.
"Pre-nuptial shoot na mami Gladi Echavarre !!!! My team can style!!!!" stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu wrote.
"Kung wala pa silang wedding singer let me know," volunteered musician Johnoy Danao.
"Allow me to send a gift," added influencer-entrepreneur Divine Lee.
In the comments section, Echaverre was amazed at the number of suppliers volunteering for the wedding. "See what radical love can do?" she wrote.
The bride-to-be extended her thanks to Echaverre as well as other pledges and expressed her awe at the spirit of volunteerism on Facebook.
"People who we did not even imagine can be part of this wedding has reached out and expressed their support and love. We are overwhelmed, in a good way, by the outpouring bayanihan spirit." Cristobal wrote.
She also encouraged other suppliers that they have politely declined to support other engaged couples "for Leni."
Cristobal and De Guzman are set to get married in December.
