150 couples say "I Do" in mass wedding

CEBU, Philippines - Some of the brides had to walk far to the church and the lechon arrived late because of the massive traffic created by the “Road Revolution”, but nothing could stop the 150 couples from saying “I do” at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday morning.

One hundred fifty grooms kissed their brides at the 6th Cebu City Mass Wedding sponsored by the Cebu City Government through the Cebu City Women’s and Family Affairs Commission.  

Msgr. Roberto Alesna officiated the wedding with Father Benjie Herrera as co-celebrant.

Twelve sets of Cebu City officials and City Hall department heads stood as principal sponsors led by Mayor Michael Rama and City Councilor Lea Ouano-Japson, who also chairs the women’s commission.

The City Government took care of the church as well as the reception which was held at Plaza Independencia. The couples’ city health requirements were also free of charge.

Ouano-Japson thanked Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who took care of the church banns.

“Sa una man gud, daghan ug interested nga couples but magproblema sila kay bisan gilibre na sa City ang ilang requirements, maglisud sad sila ug bayad sa tawag sa simbahan mao to nga nihangyo ta & thankful kaayo ang 150 couples sa tabang sa simbahan,” Japson said.

Some brides were sporting baby bumps at the altar while some tearfully said their vows after more than five years of living together without blessing from the church.

In the ceremony, DSWS head Cathy Yso stood as maid of honor while other city social workers were bridesmaids.

At the reception, the City Government provided one lechon per couple, who were also allowed to bring fifteen people as their wedding party.

Cebu City North District Representative Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar provided cakes for each couple.

Japson said all the couples had to do was to provide for their wedding outfits and bring some food and drinks to add to the lechon provided by the city.

At the reception, the mayor also serenaded all 150 couples for their first dance as he sang “When you say nothing at all”.

Tents were put up at the Plaza Independencia for the wedding reception which was complete with traditional wedding rituals like the slicing of the cake, wine toast and releasing of the doves. A band also provided entertainment.

Japson also gave one sack of rice for some couples who won including, Mr. & Mrs. Roberto Misa who won the special prize for “couple with the most children”.

Mr. & Mrs. Ernesto Ypil got a prize for being the oldest couple - the husband was 52 while his wife, 56.

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Salvador were also awarded for being the first couple who completed their requirements.

Other special prizes include the most romantic couple and the longest kiss.

      The Ypils have been together for 30 years and were thankful for the city government’s help.

Japson said in the six years of sponsoring mass weddings, this year has the most number and they look forward to even more in the next year.     - (THE FREEMAN)