Couples tie knot in mass wedding

CEBU, Philippines - At least 227 couples exchanged vows in a civil mass wedding sponsored by the Pag-IBIG Fund yesterday at the J Centre Mall Convention Center.

One of the principal sponsors, Vice President Jejomar Binay came to grace the event dubbed as “I Do, I Do! Araw ng Pag-IBIG.” It was presided by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

“We witness a very special celebration of life and love, the meeting of these beautiful couples, who have molded together in love and understanding, now here to venture into an infinite road in being husbands and wives. I know that all of you wanted to know more of  love nga mao’y hinungdan nga naa ta rong adlawa,” Cortes said in his message.

In his speech, Binay told the sea of couples they should keep their marital vows intact.

“Huwag niyong kalimutan ang pagmamahal sa inyong asawa. Alagaan po ninyo ito at hayaang palaging nangingibabaw ang pagtitiwala at respeto sa isat- isa (Never forget to love your partner. Take care of him/her and let trust and respect for each other rule always)," Binay said.

One of the brides, Wendell Alburo, 19, was one of the youngest yesterday.

Alburo, a machine operator in company inside Mactan Export Processing Zone, married Nicolas Bahio, 24, who works as a cashier at a gas station in Lapu-Lapu City. Both have lived together for five years with two boys, ages 1 and 3 as children.

“We are both members of PYCC (Parish Youth Coordinating Council),” Bahio said. The couple have experienced challenges in their early years of living together—Alburo was very young and Bahio did not have enough earnings to suffice their daily needs.

They said the mass wedding allowed them to save a lot. Joining the mass wedding was another way for Alburo and Bahio to save up and be able to get a church wedding soon.

Meanwhile, an 11-year age gap did not prevent Daniel Camus, 40, and Milagros Condor, 51, of Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City to tie the knot.

Condor wished the love of her husband will still remain through the years.

“Maayo unta dili ko niya biyaan kay tiguwang naman ko,” Condor said.  (FREEMAN)