A TOTAL of 31 couples got married in two mass weddings held at Penthouse 1 of Iloilo City Hall and Barangay Concepcion, City Proper on Valentine’s Day.

“The celebration of Valentine’s Day is much sweeter for couples who got married today. I join you in this chapter of your lives and may you always be patient with one another and find so many reasons to stay as one despite encountering many difficulties in your married life,” Mayor Jose Espinosa III said.

“Always remember that marriage is no joke, and you must consider the feelings and thoughts of your other half to make your marriage successful,” he added.

City Councilors Candice Magdalane Tupas and R Leone Gerochi, and Executive Assistant Perla Zulueta stood as witnesses.

Espinosa said the mass wedding aimed to help engaged couples realize their dream wedding by not spending too much.

Filipino-American Calvin Tysinger, 52, who married Ilongga Razel Samontanes, 28, said being able to get married on Valentine’s Day was nothing but perfect.

Tysinger, whose grandfather was a Filipino, said he wanted to live in the metropolis.

“Love made me stay here and this is a beautiful place,” said Tysinger.

“My wife and I met because I had a friend who recommended her as we are in the same Christian community. I got the chance to talk to her and I came here. We have been doing things for the community, we worked together, prayed together and she is an outstanding woman that is why we developed a relationship,” Tysinger said.

“Seek God first because for Him, all things and blessings show. And if you know who you are and what God has given you, then you can love to the fullest,” he added.

Samontanes said she “loves Tysinger because he is a man of God and has a great personality.” (PR)