Mayor Aida Macalinao officiates in the mass wedding. Photo by Ernie Esconde
SAMAL, Bataan – Forty-five couples exchanged “I do’s” in a post–Valentine’s Day mass wedding at a covered court here Tuesday, minus the customary kiss-the-bride as precaution against the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Mayor Aida Macalinao officiated in the “Kasalang Bayan” that coincided with her 58th birthday.
She patiently guided the couples from the exchange of marriage vows, wearing of rings, blessing by the godparents, to the signing of the marriage contract.
The oldest joining the marriage bandwagon were a 70-year–old groom and his 50-year–old bride. The youngest were a 23-year–old man tying the knot with a 21-year–old girl.
Some have been living-in together for years and have already children.
Macalinao told them to love one another without condition and face any problem as one.
“Ito ay kasinghalaga rin ng mga kasalan noong nakaraang taon kahit wala na ang cake, alak, tugtugan, at mga palamuti dahil sa gitna ng pagdiriwang na ito ay ang pagmamahalan. At napatunayan nating lahat kahit na nagdaan ang napakalaking unos sa ating bansa ay patuloy ang buhay at patuloy ang pagmamahalan natin sa isa’t isa,” Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman said, standing as sponsor to all the 45 couples.
“Sana ay matutunan ninyo ang mahahalagang leksyon na ibinigay ng pandemyang ito sa buhay nating mga Pilipino na sa gitna ng pagsubok at paghihirap ay titibay lalo kayo sa pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa,” she continued.
Roman said that challenges in life are expected to come but much depended on couple “if they will succumb to it or fight for their love.”
“Make the choice of love kagaya ng ginawa nating mga Pilipino sa labanang pandemya. We chose to face the challenges, hinarap natin ito, nagmalasakit tayo, nagtulungan at nagmahalan,” the solon said.
Macalinao and Roman, aside from giving gifts to the couples, serenaded them with the song “Pangako ko sa ‘yo.”
