ORANI, Bataan – Forty-seven couples exchanged “I do’s” in a pre-Valentine free mass wedding Friday before sunset here.
The beautiful town plaza that sits between the town hall and the old Catholic church was transformed into a colorful but simple wedding venue and reception area. A dome-like small building in the middle of the plaza served as place for the official wedding ritual.
Gonzalo, 63, and Lily Pitogo, 61, who remained unmarried for 33 years were among those who were finally declared as “man and wife” in simple wedding ceremony officiated by Mayor Benjie Serrano.
The Pitogo couple begot five children and 10 grandchildren before deciding to go into the marriage plunge.
“Her husband just died so we just got married now,” the old man said.
Not only the wedding process was free but the newly-weds were also given free gift and free meal, one ninong and one ninang with some chosen members of the family included in the early supper.
Dining tables were set along the plaza. A short burst of fireworks display concluded the ceremony.
Dr. Bong Galicia, Orani vice-mayor, Geraldine Roman and some town councilors acted as principal sponsors for all the 47 couple.
