A total of 105 couples in Malabon City exchanged "I dos" during a mass wedding ceremony, dubbed as “Kasalang Bayan 2023,” initiated by the city government despite the heavy rains in the city caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat on Saturday, July 29.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, who was also celebrating her wedding anniversary with former City Representative Ricky Sandoval on the same day, officiated the ceremony held at around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Malabon Sports Complex.
“I have always been a romantic and I wanted to give a wedding ceremony that is truly memorable for our couples. I share the hopes of the couples here today. Their dreams and hopes for their family are what my administration will strive to achieve for Malabon,” the mayor shared.
During the event, the couples exchanged rings, drank wine, and ate slices of cake which symbolize love, trust, understanding and loyalty to each other. A buffet dinner was also prepared for the couples.
(Photo by Aaron Homer Dioquino/ MANILA BULLETIN)
They also got free prenuptial and wedding photos and videos.
The event was led by the local government to provide couples who are in the marginalized sectors to have a proper, decent, and memorable wedding ceremony.
The mayor reminded the newlyweds to always choose and trust their partners as they face different challenges,
“Sabi nga nila, ang kasal ay isang seremonya na sumisimbolo ng pagiging isa ng dalawang puso. Ito ay isang sagrado at seryosong panata ng pagmamahalan at pagtitiwala sa isa’t isa. Ito ay isang kasunduan na magdamayan hindi lamang sa masasayang sandali, kundi pati na rin sa mga hamon at pagsubok na maaaring dumating (They say that marriage is a ceremony that symbolizes the union of two hearts. It is a sacred and serious vow of mutual love and trust. It is a bond that binds couples not only during happy times but most importantly during the times of challenges and trials),” the mayor said as she congratulated the couples.
Sandoval and the city government also gave P3,000 each as a gift to the couples.
Present during the event were City Administrator Alexander Rosete, city councilors and department heads, parents, godfathers and godmothers of the newly married couples.