Seventy-nine couples exchanged “I do” in “Araw Ko, Alay Ko! Kasalang Bayan” sponsored by the Manila city government in the redeveloped Arroceros Urban Forest Park on Monday, Feb. 14.
The mass wedding was officiated by the Spiritual Filipino Catholic Church which reminded the couples about their obligations as husbands and wives.
The event was attended by Manila City Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, Congressman Joel Chua, and other city councilors who stood as “ninongs” and “ninangs” of the newlyweds.
Councilor Terrence Alibarbar said that the mass wedding was a project of Lacuna.
He also asked the couples for their support to the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
“Sorry for being political tonight, since ninong niyo na kami puwede ba kaming humiling? Puwede ba mga inaanak? Huwag po natin pababayaan si Isko Moreno. Maraming salamat po. Congratulations! Best wishes, and Happy Valentine’s po sa inyong lahat (Sorry for being political tonight, but since we are already your godparents in this wedding, may we ask for something? Do not forget to support Isko Moreno. Thank you very much. Congratulations! Best wishes, and Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you),” Alibarbar said.
For her part, Lacuna told the couples that they can overcome the challenges in their marriage.
“Laging sinasabi ni Yorme na 'kapit lang' kayang kaya lampasan lahat ng pagsubok n’yo sa inyong pagsasama. Sana po may forever din po sa inyo (Yorme always tells us to 'hold on,' you can get through any challenges in your married life. I hope you may also have forever in your relationship),” she said. (Terence Ranis)