14 couples exchange vows in Tayud, Consolacion

FOURTEEN couples tied the knot at the St. Joseph Husband of Mary Parish in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion town in northern Cebu on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

The activity, dubbed "Kasalan sa Barangay Tayud," was organized by the officials of Barangay Tayud in line with Valentine's month celebration. It was the barangay's first-ever mas wedding activity.

Blesilda Villo, Tayud's chief, said they came up with the activity to help those who are in a relationship for at least five years and who planned to get married but do not have enough financial means.

Villo said the couple's needs, from bridal gowns, groom suites, and reception, among others, were given for free, except for their wedding rings and aras (earnest money).

Text mates

Among the couples who took advantage of the opportunity were Mario Umpad, 36, and Leona Mae Panggo, 34, from Sitio Baha-Baha who have been in a relationship for 16 years.

Leona said they started as text mates, then they decided to meet up and fell in love with each other since then.

The couple, who already have two kids, said they had planned to get married but did not have enough money to finance it.

"Pasalamat gyud mi sa Ginoo nga gihimo ning mao'ng activity kay nakasal na gyud mi. Maghinaut mi nga kami gyung duha hangtud sa hangtud," the couple said.

(We are really thankful to the Lord that this activity was done because we are now married. We hope that we will be together forever.)

Ball game

Another couple, Lilian Nonongan and Ronrick Codoy, both 27 years old, from Sitio Bangkerohan, said they first met through a basketball league in 2016.

Lilian said it was love at first sight when she saw Ronrick playing basketball.

Lilian and Ronrick planned to get married in 2020, but it was delayed due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Our relationship is finally sacred. We already have the lord God's blessing," said Ronrick.

The couple now has a three-year-old child.

Handkerchief

Ronald Lines and Charlene Geromo, both 29 years old, also from Sitio Baha-Baha, have a love story that started because of a handkerchief.

Ronald said it was in 2010 when they both attended the Sinulog Festival. Charlene was among the dancers while he was one of the propsmen.

"She had a cold that time. So, she borrowed a handkerchief from me, and that's when we started to develop with each other," said Ronald.

Ronald and Charlene have two kids.

Rev. Fr. Romeo Desuyo, who presided over the wedding mass, reminded the couples not to sleep over their problems and always love each other.

Representative Daphne Lagon of Cebu's Sixth District, one of the guests who sponsored the event, advised couples to be there for each other through ups and downs and understand each other.

"Atong gyung barugan ang atong gi himugso nga panaghigumaay sa matag usa ug panagsinabtanay kanunay sa atung pamilya," said Lagon.

(We should stand with the love we birthed with each other and let the essence of understanding reign within our families.)

Villo said they plan to conduct mass weddings at least twice a year to help more couples legalize their relationships through marriage.

“It's beautiful that they live with blessings from God” she added. (HIC)