In the midst of crisis, love finds a way: Couple’s “Pasagad Wedding” in Santa Marcela, Apayao inspires many

‘…uray kasdiay nga simple lang ket adu ti naragsakan ken naka-appreciate idiay pinamay-an ti kasar mi… naka-save kami pay ti gas’ – groom Giovanni Zuñiga

Santa Marcela, Apayao – Amid the ongoing fuel crisis, a couple in Apayao chose a more practical yet deeply meaningful approach to their wedding transportation—riding a pasagad (a wooden or bamboo sled-like stand) instead of a conventional vehicle—turning what could have been a limitation into a powerful symbol of simplicity and love.

What began as a cost-saving decision soon became a memorable and widely praised moment, capturing the hearts of both locals and online viewers who admired the couple’s humility, creativity, and authenticity.

In the town of Santa Marcela, Apayao, groom Giovanni Zuñiga, a native of the municipality, and bride Melody Baquiran of Iguig, Cagayan, tied the knot on April 8. Both are 26 years old and are degree holders of Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, respectively.

In a video posted by a relative, the newlyweds were seen riding the pasagad, simply decorated with flowers and fitted with a bench at the center, as they made their way to the wedding reception—an image that reflected not extravagance, but sincerity and joy.

The video has since circulated online, garnering over 450,000 views and drawing admiration from viewers. “Kakaiba, saludo ako sa newlyweds kasi pinili nilang sakyan ang pasagad sa very important event ng buhay nila—hindi sila maarte,” one commenter expressed.

More than just a practical choice, the decision became a heartfelt statement—embracing cultural tradition, simplicity, and genuine happiness—making their wedding not only memorable but deeply meaningful to those who witnessed it.

The Couple and Their Unique Wedding Transport

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera via phone call, the couple shared that the idea came from the groom’s parents and members of the community.

Giovanni added that the ceremony went well, and since most of their guests came from Iguig, the event became a meaningful way to showcase a unique local tradition to visitors—while also helping them save on gasoline expenses.

“Mayat met from the start to finish, naragsakan piman ti kapamilya nga nangbuya—uray kasdiay nga simple lang ket adu ti naragsakan ken naka-appreciate iti pinamay-an ti kasar mi. Kaadwan metlang nga bisita mi ket from Iguig, isu nga mayat nga naipakita mi met ti kasdiay nga unique nga pasamak kanyada. Ken uray kasdiay nga simple lang ket na-enjoy mi met—na-enjoy met ti pamilya, ken naka-save kami pay ti gasolina,” he said.

Meanwhile, the bride shared that growing up in Iguig shaped her simple outlook in life, including her dream of a modest yet meaningful wedding. She expressed deep gratitude to her in-laws for making that dream come true—beyond what she had imagined.

“Simple laeng ti biyag mi idiay Iguig, isu nga dimmakelak a simple nga babae. Isu nga ti dream wedding ko ket simple met laeng. To my in-laws, dakkel nga panagyaman ko, especially to my husband, ta kasdiay ti inparanas da kanyak nga kasar—nangyari met ti dream wedding ko,” she said.

For Giovanni and Melody, the moment became more than just a wedding—it became a celebration of love grounded in tradition, strengthened by community, and defined not by luxury, but by meaning—proving that even in difficult times, the simplest choices can create the most unforgettable stories.