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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Hundreds of Negrense couples marry in Valentine's Day rites

Hundreds of Negrense couples marry in Valentine's Day rites

Published Feb 15, 2026 09:18 pm
BACOLOD City holds a mass wedding for 202 couples on Valentine's Day at the Bacolod City College (BCC) Activity Center. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD City holds a mass wedding for 202 couples on Valentine's Day at the Bacolod City College (BCC) Activity Center. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds of couples tied the knot in a Valentine's Day mass wedding rites organized by local government units across Negros Occidental over the weekend.
In this highly urbanized city, Mayor Greg Gasataya officiated the wedding of 202 couples at Bacolod City College Activity Center, coinciding with Civil Registration Month.
Themed “Forever Begins Today: Ceremony, Love, and Celebration,” the venue was adorned in gold, white, and orange—colors symbolizing unity, prosperity, and enduring love.
"Once the ceremony is completed, under the laws of the Philippines, you are already one. We are gathered here to share in the joy and love that each of you has brought to this occasion,” Gasataya said in his message.
Each couple received a wedding cake, a bottle of wine, and special souvenirs.
Jeffrey and Suzzete Suanico of Barangay 18 received the "Love Knows No Age" award and led the ceremonial signing of marriage contract for all 202 couples.
One of the event’s most inspiring moments was the union of Rolando Toledo and Sharon Gaho, who had lived together for 21 years while facing homelessness.
According to Anjanette Servano, head of the Bacolod Anti-Mendicancy Management Division under the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the couple and their five children were rescued two weeks earlier on San Juan St. in front of Police Station 1 as part of the city’s continuing outreach to families in vulnerable situations.
The couple previously worked as barkers while their children helped by asking for alms and selling small items.
Through the city government’s intervention, the family is now temporarily staying at the Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre, where they are receiving assistance as they work toward rebuilding a stable future.
Four special awards were presented to couples who exemplified the spirit of love, with winners receiving cash prizes and gift certificates from Aida's Chicken Inasal.
Best Dressed Couple Award was given to Elton John Novilla and Messi Rebamonte, cited for their grace, confidence, and timeless style.
Couples, families, sponsors, and city officials gathered to witness the legal union of the newlyweds.
In Kabankalan City, Mayor Benjie Miranda solemnized the marriage of 132 couples at Zaycoland Resort and Hotel.
Vice Mayor Divina Gracia Miranda reminded the newlyweds to be "each other’s partner in joy, in sorrow, and in every challenge life may bring."
"Always respect one another and continue loving even during difficult times," she added.
The city government provided each couple wedding rings, a wedding cake, and half a sack of rice.
Awards were given to the Oldest Couple, Loveliest Couple, Best in Gown, couples with the most number of children and couple with the longest cohabitation.
Also on Friday, mass wedding rites were held in Moises Padilla for 50 couples; La Carlota City, 45 couples; and Murcia, 25 couples.
In Silay City, 56 couples got married while in E.B. Magalona, 29 couples also tied the knot on Feb. 12.

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