114 COUPLES AT MASS WEDDING

One hundred and fourteen (114) couples chanted “I do” in unison at the mass wedding ceremonies officiated by Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Mayor Bong Gordon also stood as godfather while Olongapo City First Lady and Zambales Vice Gov. Anne Marie Gordon was godmother to the newlyweds. Also there for the ceremonies as sponsors were City Councilors Gina Perez, Ellen Dabu, Rodel Cerezo, Nathan Manalo and Jhong Cortez with City Consultants Bugy delos Reyes, Tet Marzan, Ed Piano, Romy Guerrero and Edna Elane.

“Sa panahon ngayon na mahirap ang buhay ay kinakailangan na ang mag-asawa ay nagtutulungan, kaya naman patuloy ang pamahalaang lokal sa iba’t-ibang programang may kaugnayan sa pagbibigay ng ikabubuhay ng isang pamilya katulad ng trabaho o kaya’y livelihood,” Mayor Bong Gordon said.

Communication between husband and wife is what First Lady Anne Gordon specifically pointed out, “Ang lahat ng problema ng mag-asawa ay kailangang pag-usapan at narito kaming inyong mga ninong at ninang na handang makinig at magbigay ng solusyon sa inyong problema basta lapitan nyo lamang kami sa Mayor’s Office at sa aking tanggapan.”

Meanwhile, the oldest couple in the group Avelino Magante, 72 years old and wife Leonora, 53 years old was chosen to lead the ceremonial cutting of the cake. On the other hand, the youngest couple Carlo Silverio, 23 years old and wife Eleonarda, 18 years old led the ceremonial wine toast.

First Lady Anne at Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo handed each couple their gift, envelop bid, grocery bag and food packs that the couples shared together with their guests.

The City Civil Registry headed by Keren Cajudo facilitated the processing of documents with the other city govt. departments concerned.

Since 2004, when Mayor Bong Gordon and First Lady Anne’s mass wedding started, over a thousand couples were united in matrimony through the project.

Mayor Bong Gordon and First Lady Anne Gordon with Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo witness the ‘ceremonial cutting of the cake’ by the oldest couple Avelino (72 years old) and Leonora Magante (53 years old) at the ‘’Mass Wedding Ceremony’’ on February 14, 2010 at the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC).

Pao/Jordan