25-year-old Anthony Coronado wanted nothing more than to marry his fiancee Jona Reforma in front of their friends and family and recite the wedding vows he prepared for the ceremony.
But sadly, life had other plans. Just before New Year's eve, his beloved fiancee succumbed to cancer.
They were planning to wed in January.
Friends before they became sweethearts
It was in their 2nd year of College when the two met. Jona was asking Anthony's brother to make a video for her. She was also best friends with the girlfriend of Anthony's brother so they naturally gravitated around the same social circles.
It all began with friendship. Although Anthony already saw her as more than a friend, he chose not to make the first move.
He finally gathered up the courage to court her and eventually, they became a couple.
Different paths
In 2013, Anthony had to leave Jona to work abroad as a seaman. They mostly communicated online through instant messaging, according to GMA News.
It was while he was abroad that Jona fell ill. Due to intense stomach pains, she went to her doctor for a check-up. This is how she found out that she had cysts in her ovaries.
It had increased to such a size that it warranted immediate surgery. Anthony was still aboard the ship when he heard the sad news.
Due to the limitations of his contract, Anthony could not come home to be with her even if he wanted to. So he tried his best to focus on his work so he can provide for her medical bills and other needs.
Their beginning became a goodbye
Even before Jona passed on, Anthony wanted more than anything to marry her and recite his wedding vows.
He came home to surprise her and would take care of her. After the operation, she had to undergo chemotherapy which caused her to lose her hair.
But despite all medical efforts, Jona's condition wasn't getting any better.
So on December 30, 2015 they decided to bring her home.
She passed away the next day. Their chance to be a married couple never came but Anthony's heartwarming act has inspired many netizens to appreciate each moment they have with the ones they love.
You can read his wedding vows in their entirety below.
“Tabs, mahal na mahal kita! Huwag mo akong isipin, pero alam ko lagi mo akong inaalala. ‘Yung mga bilin mo sa akin, pipilitin kong tuparin. Magpapakabuti akong tao. Pipilitin kong maabot ang pangarap ko, makatulong sa kapwa, magkaroon nang maayos na buhay. Araw-araw kitang dadalawin at mamahalin pa rin kita habambuhay. Hinding-hindi ka mawawala sa puso ko."
Their love story has also been featured on the GMA-7 show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
READ: Man distributes 100 Love Notes to remember his late wife
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