Kapuso actress and TV host Shaira Diaz couldn’t hold back tears of joy as she tried on her wedding gown for the first time—only to be met by a netizen reminding her of a popular Filipino superstition that brides shouldn’t wear their gown before the big day.
“Tears fell the moment I tried the dress on,” Shaira captioned a black-and-white Instagram video posted on July 30, showing her wiping tears while wearing the upper part of her gown and veil. The emotional moment marked another milestone in her journey toward tying the knot with longtime fiancé EA Guzman, who proposed in February 2024.
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The elegant gown was crafted by South Korean designer Choi Jae Hoon, whom Shaira personally visited in Gangnam, Seoul. The ‘Unang Hirit’ host shared in a ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ interview that her deep love for Korean culture inspired her to choose a gown designed in Korea.
“Kasi sa sobrang love ko ang Korea, ang culture nila. Mahilig ako sa K-drama, K-pop, BTS. So gusto kong something very personal sa akin,” she said.
While most of her followers expressed excitement and admiration for the touching moment, one netizen commented, “Prang bawal ata ‘yan isukat,” referencing the long-held Filipino superstition that wearing the wedding gown before the wedding day could bring bad luck—or even cancel the wedding altogether.
Other netizens quickly defended Shaira: “Ako nga 5x isinukat gown ko.”
“Hindi bawal magsukat ng wedding gown. Need talaga ‘yan sukat lalo na pagtapos na ‘yung pagkatahi ng gown para makita ‘yung pagka-fit sa bride.”
“Mas bawal pag lumabas na di maganda ang fit sa bride.”
Shaira herself responded in agreement, replying, “Ayun na nga…”
Though the superstition remains prevalent in Filipino culture, especially among older generations, many modern brides—including Shaira—are choosing practicality and personal connection over traditional beliefs.
