77 couples tie knot in mass wedding

CEBU, Philippines - Seventy-seven couples exchanged vows yesterday morning during a Mandaue City government-sponsored mass wedding ceremony at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

Samson Alvez, who was at the helm of whole the affair, said only 77 of the original 100 couples were wed because the rest failed to meet requirements.

After the church wedding, the couples proceeded to the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Center for a reception, still sponsored by the city government.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the city government sponsors a mass wedding annually.

“The sacrament of matrimony is the foundation of the family,” the mayor said.

One of those who joined the mass wedding yesterday was couple Gregorio Perez, 58, and Julia Perez, 28.

Between them is 28 years but according to Julia age doesn’t matter.

Before the wedding, Julia and Gregorio lived together in barangay Pagsabungan for seven years. They have a 2-year-old daughter.

Gregorio said it was always financial constraints that prevented them from getting married. They thank the city government for spending for their wedding.

Yesterday’s mass wedding was officiated by Monsignor Arthur Navales. - THE FREEMAN