While your attention may have been on news stories closer to home this year, the Phillippines has been dealing with a calamity that has displaced 376,000 people.

Two weeks ago, on January 12, the Taal Volcano, south of Manila, erupted by surprise and spewed ash, steam, and rocks for miles, generating volcanic lightning to boot.

Residents have packed into more than 500 government-run shelters and they are just now hearing about the possibility of returning to their damaged towns and homes.

The people who lived around the volcano – which last erupted over 40 years ago – often make their livings off the rich land. They face the trauma of returning to nothing. So we can’t blame them for trying to lighten the mood however they can.

During times of disaster, aid pours in from around the world, but while it’s well-meaning, it isn’t always well-organized. Take, for example, some of the clothing shipped to the victims of the disaster. Some of it was…well, let’s just say “unnecessary.”

Nevertheless, it made its way to the shelters and in a moment of levity, the exhausted evacuees decided to put on a bit of a fashion show with some of the gems they found.

Did you ever think your old wedding dress would find its way to a disaster zone? Think again!

These two decided to play “bride” and groom in order to lighten the mood.

Men and women alike got their first laugh in weeks while trying on luxury garments shipped to them at the most unluxurious time of their lives.

(Now you know what happened to your old prom dress!)

The clothing, while not practical, brought some much-need smiles to the faces of people who likely hadn’t smiled in quite some time (and will probably not be smiling any time in the near future).

Most of us can’t imagine what it would be like to suddenly have to leave our homes and live, sleep, and eat in large rooms with strangers for weeks on end while we waited for a crisis to subside.

But that’s the reality for these people.

So who can blame them for trying to make the best of the situation with a little fantasy?

We only wish we knew more about how some of this clothing made its way to the shelters (but it’s safe to say that the people you buy gag gifts for don’t keep them around).

While it can be frustrating to see disaster relief be so ineffective, there was useable clothing. The shelter residents sifted through what was there to find these gems.

After all, what else do you have in such a situation other than trying to entertain one another?

In case you were wondering, it’s usually about 88 degrees this time of year in the Phillippines. But who doesn’t love faux fur?

And how could you pass up a full leopard print outfit?

Even kids of all ages got in on the fun.

We just hope these guys burst out into their own rendition of “YMCA.”

And what’s wrong with looking more professional in a casual situation?

While residents are now starting to head home (with no guarantees that the volcano won’t erupt again), at least they have a few laughs to look back on.

If you want to learn more about how “unsuitable” clothing ends up in places like this, here’s a good explanation.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: NPR, TED Ideas, Bored Panda, Nesty Jemenez via Facebook, VICE