180 couples say 'I Do' on Hearts’ Day
-A A +AFriday, February 15, 2013
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Some 180 couples from across the third district towns of Bacolor, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Arayat and the City of San Fernando said “I Do” on Thursday in grand mass wedding rites officiated by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez at the Mini-Convention Center of Heroes Hall.
The “Kasalang Balen” is actually a part of “Kaganapan 2013” or the 12th Cityhood Anniversary of San Fernando, but was held here upon the request of Vice President Jejomar Binay, where the City Government partnered with the Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-Ibig, for the tying of the knot of the couples.
Like in the past mass civil weddings conducted by the city, the rites came complete with wedding cakes, wine, doves, a buffet reception and sponsors, all courtesy of the City Government and Pag-Ibig.
“We in the City of San Fernando, together this year with Pag-Ibig, are very happy to officiate and host your wedding. This is a very special and important moment in your lives when you say ‘I Do’ without backing out, because your relationship becomes legitimate,” Rodriguez told the couples.
He said the “Kasalang Balen 2013” becomes more meaningful as it is Valentine’s Day, marking the start of a new life for the couples and their future children.
“This is the start of your dreams to build a family. I just hope that your relationship as husband and wife will last, till death do you part,” Rodriguez advised the couples.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago, City Administrator Ferdinand Caylao and re-electionist Councilor Bernie Castro distributed orchid plants, chocolates and heart-shaped balloons to hundreds of women employees of City Hall and attached agencies before the morning mass wedding. The distribution was held in celebration of Hearts Day at the Ninoy Aquino Amphitheater of Heroes Hall.
The ladies were serenaded by the city choir and crooned by Caylao with Ray Charles’ favorite “What a Wonderful World.”
City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said the annual Valentine’s treat for women employees has become a tradition already under the Rodriguez administration.
“It has become a way of showing women employees how the city loves and cares for us, a red letter day we always look forward to,” said Pangilinan.
Published in the Sun.Star Pampanga newspaper on February 15, 2013.
Local news
Forum rules: Do not use obscenity. Some words have been banned. Stick to the topic. Do not veer away from the discussion. Be coherent and respectful. Do not shout or use CAPITAL LETTERS!
