[UPDATED as of September 24, 2021]
A video of a bride weeping outside her supposed wedding reception is currently going viral online.
What was supposed to be a special day turned out to be a stressful occasion for her and her groom after being allegedly scammed by their wedding coordinator.
According to wedding photographer Tonskie Elsisura—who posted the video on Facebook—the newlywed couple was shocked after finding out that their supposed wedding reception venue was not booked.
"Nagpakita pa ang coordinator during [the] wedding preparation at the couple's residence," wrote Tonskie. By lunchtime, the photographer said that the couple could no longer contact the wedding coordinator. "We assumed maybe busy ['yong coordinator sa pag-aayos ng decor] sa venue."
"I felt really sorry for the couple, especially the bride na umiiyak talaga," Tonskie told Female Network. He also said that the couple has already paid for the wedding coordinator.
"Always do a background check," the photographer advised couples. He added, "Even if you got a wedding package, you should still check on your suppliers from time to time."
Thousands of netizens sympathized with the newlyweds, including actress-turned-entrepreneur Neri Miranda.
In an Instagram post, she offered to help the couple by arranging a wedding reception for them. All expenses will be shouldered by the entrepreneur, including the food, cake, and venue.
She wrote: "Bilang naging bride din ako, ang pinaka ayaw natin ay mastress sa mismong kasal natin. Kahit lahat ng tao sa paligid natin, di tayo dapat binibigyan ng stress. Kung sino po ang nakakakilala sa bride, pakisabi po, message po ako or my partner @jonahcbautista. Kami na bahala sa reception niya."
Neri, who owns a Korean restaurant in Cebu City, added: "Malapit lang naman ang @jejusamgyupsal sa lugar nila. Dun na natin ganapin ang reception nyo. Since mahigpit po ang dine in pa rin, mga 20 pax po ang kakasya sa Jeju Samgyupsal Resto po namin sa Cebu.
"Sagot na rin po namin ang cake, may emcee ka na rin po para may program po ang reception nyo. May pabaon kaming @terra.ph accessories @_veryneri_ beddings @veryneri_sleepwear gift from @saturdaydress para sa bride.
"Wala kayong gagastusin mag-asawa. Kami na bahala. May pa-pocket money kami sa inyo kahit papaano. Wag ka nang umiyak. Kami na bahala sa inyo."
