Like a long journey on a motorcycle, relationships also require endurance, balance, and commitment, and these bonds were further strengthened and made official after Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro officiated the wedding of 10 rider couples a few days before Valentine’s Day.

The special ceremony was held at the historic Kapitan Moy Plaza in Barangay Sta. Elena on Thursday, Feb. 12.

The local government organized the event that brought together couples, from delivery riders to motorcycle enthusiasts, who formally sealed their commitment in front of family, friends, and city officials.

In her message, Teodoro likened marriage to a long motorcycle journey, filled with both smooth roads and inevitable challenges.

“Ang pag-aasawa ay parang isang mahabang biyahe sa motorsiklo. Hindi araw-araw ay patag ang daan. May mga araw na smooth ang takbo, masaya at magaan. Pero may mga araw din na may lubak, may traffic, may ulan, at minsan, may kailangan kayong ayusin sa gitna ng biyahe (Marriage is like a long motorcycle journey. The road is not always smooth. Some days are easy, full of joy and lightness. But there are also days with potholes, traffic, rain, and sometimes you have to fix things in the middle of the ride),” she said.

She also emphasized that a lasting marriage requires a partnership built on trust and patience.

“Sa ganitong paglalakbay, hindi sapat na marunong lang magmaneho ang isa. Kailangan ninyong magtiwala sa isa’t isa. Kapag may hamon, huwag agad bibitaw. Huwag mag-uunahan o mag-iiwanan—magkasama dapat kayo (On this kind of journey, it is not enough for one person to know how to ride. You need to trust each other. When challenges arise, do not let go too quickly. Do not race ahead or leave each other behind—you should stay together),” the mayor added.

And just like facing challenges on a long journey, Teodoro encouraged them not to leave each other by the roadside, not to let go of each other’s hands, and to stay together until the wounds heal.

“Hindi ang bilis ng takbo ang magdadala sa inyo sa ‘forever,’ kundi ang pagtitiyaga, ang pagpapatawad, at ang pagpili sa isa’t isa araw-araw (It is not speed that will take you to ‘forever,’ but patience, forgiveness, and choosing each other every day),” the mayor continued.

Beyond the exchange of vows, the local government said that the ceremony highlighted the city’s continuing efforts to strengthen families and promote a culture that values love, responsibility, and community solidarity.

Meanwhile, as part of the celebration, the couples were also given monetary gifts to help them begin their married life together.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, city mayors are authorized to solemnize marriages within their jurisdiction as part of their official functions.

Through initiatives such as mass weddings, the city government continues to support couples who may face financial constraints while fostering a community grounded in strong families, shared commitment, and enduring love.