Caloocan wants record for largest mass wedding

MANILA, Philippines - Caloocan City is making a bid for a place in the Guinness World Records for holding the largest mass wedding last Sunday, officials said yesterday.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri said a total of 1,510 couples were wed at the Glorietta Park in Tala as part of the runup to the city’s 50th foundation anniversary on Thursday.

According to the city government, 19-year-old Boots Evasco and 18-year-old Leshei Valenzuela were the youngest couple at the mass wedding while Godofredo Santos, 77, and Marcelina Jumbang, 75, were the oldest pair.

Echiverri said it would be a great honor not only for Caloocan but for the entire country if and when the Guinness World Records recognizes the city for this particular feat.

Caloocan’s Civil Registry Department said the city government shouldered the wedding expenses of the couples in the mass wedding, solemnized by Echiverri. Other city officials served as the newlyweds’ sponsors.

Echiverri has been officiating mass weddings for his constituents since he became mayor in 2004.