91 couples tie the knot in Manila's Kasalang Bayan
Published Jun 15, 2026 09:07 am
Free wedding essentials, including cakes, invitations, rings, catering, and other items prepared by the Manila city government, are displayed during the kasalang bayan at Mehan Garden, where 91 couples were married without shouldering major expenses. (Photos courtesy of Manila PIO)
Ninety-one couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding at Mehan Garden, with the Manila city government covering major expenses to ensure accessibility, held as part of the capital’s 455th founding anniversary celebrations.
The "Kasalang Bayan" on June 13 was officiated by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who emphasized the importance of legalizing unions to ensure protection for families under the law.
Virgilio Agabao, 67, and Melina Maravidez, 64, the oldest couple in Manila’s kasalang bayan, finally tied the knot after 11 years of being together during the mass wedding held at Mehan Garden on June 13.
Among the participants, Virgilio Agabao, 67, and Melina Maravidez, 64, were recognized as the oldest couple. The two formalized their union after 11 years of being together.
“Sa hinaba haba man ng prusisyon, sa kasal din ang tuloy (No matter how long the journey, it still ends in marriage),” they said.
Their story highlighted how long-term relationships can eventually be formalized under the law, reflecting both commitment and stability.
The ceremony was marked by a festive atmosphere as couples walked down the aisle accompanied by live music from the Manila City Band.
They later exchanged vows before the mayor, officially making their unions legal.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso addresses 91 couples during the kasalang bayan at Mehan Garden on June 13, urging them to uphold their vows as they formally begin married life under the law.
“Ang gusto ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ay ang bawat pamilyang Manileño ay protektado ng batas, dahil nagpaloob kayo sa mga alituntuning ipinatutupad ng lungsod. (The city government wants every Manila family to be protected by law because you have placed yourselves under the rules implemented by the city),” Domagoso said.
He also reminded couples that no marriage is perfect, but challenges can be overcome through love, patience, and understanding.
The event was organized through the joint efforts of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila and the City Civil Registry Office (DTCAM), led by its head, Cristal Bagatsing, and civil registry director, Atty. Jaime Tejero III.
City officials expressed gratitude to the organizers and staff for the successful conduct of the program, which brought together couples from across Manila and provided them with an opportunity to formalize their unions without financial burden.
All 91 couples received free wedding services, including rings, cake, bouquet, venue, and catering, along with P5,000 in cash assistance per pair. Additional gifts were also provided by city councilors.
Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, along with several city councilors and department heads, also attended the event to witness the ceremony and celebrate with the newly married couples.
Following the rites, the couples posed for photos with city officials, marking what many described as a significant milestone in their lives.
The Kasalang Bayan is among the programs of the Manila city government aimed at strengthening families by making legal marriage more accessible, especially for couples who may not have the means to shoulder the costs of a wedding.