Bacolod Celebrates Love with Grand Mass Wedding for 202 Couples on Valentine's Day
A total of 202 couples tied the knot in a spectacular mass wedding ceremony held at the Bacolod City College Activity Center on February 14, 2026. The event, organized by the Bacolod City Government, brought together hundreds of newlyweds and their families for a day filled with love, celebration, and legal commitment.
Official Ceremony Led by City Officials
The mass wedding was officiated by Mayor Greg Gasataya, with First Lady Maita Gasataya in attendance. Several city councilors also participated, including Homer Bais, Em Ang, Jason Villarosa, Israel Salanga, and Jude Thaddeus Sayson. Hermilo Pauyon, head of the Civil Registrar's Office, and Barangay Mansilingan Chieftain Franz Tiokno were present to witness the historic occasion.
The ceremony, themed "Forever Begins Today: Ceremony, Love, and Celebration," featured an elegant gold, white, and orange motif. These colors were carefully chosen to symbolize unity, prosperity, and enduring love, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the couples' special day.
Mayor's Message on Marriage Commitment
In his address to the newlyweds, Mayor Gasataya emphasized the serious legal and lifelong significance of marriage under Philippine law. "This is not something to be taken lightly. Once the ceremony is completed, under the laws of the Philippines, you are already one," Gasataya stated. He added, "We are gathered here today to share in the joy and love that each of you has brought to this occasion."
Symbolic Rituals and Meaningful Traditions
The ceremony included several symbolic rituals performed by city officials. Franz Tiokno and Jason Villarosa led the Unity Candle ceremony, representing the merging of two lives into one. Israel Salanga and Em Ang conducted the Unity Sand ceremony, symbolizing the inseparable bond and enduring partnership of the couples.
Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Homer Bais led the Ceremonial Toast, offering words of encouragement and inspiration to the newlyweds. Councilor Bais shared a particularly memorable reminder about marriage permanence, quoting his mother-in-law: "Once married, there is 'no return, no exchange.'" To this, he added his own twist: "no retreat, no surrender," encouraging couples to remain steadfast in their commitment through all circumstances.
Special Awards Recognizing Exceptional Couples
The City Government presented four special awards to couples who embodied the spirit of love in unique ways:
- The Forever Young at Heart Award went to Kyle and Vanjie Loriezo
- The Love Knows No Age Award was presented to Jeffrey and Suzzete Suanico of Barangay 18
- The Best Dressed Couple Award was given to Elton John Novilla and Messi Rebamonte
- The Sweetest Love Award was awarded to Ronnie Panohinog and Camille Anne Panohinog
Winners received cash prizes and gift certificates from Aida's Chicken Inasal, adding to the celebration's festive atmosphere.
Stories of Hope and Transformation
The mass wedding became a powerful symbol of hope for couples who had faced significant challenges. Among them were Rolando Toledo and Sharon Gaho, who had lived together for 21 years while struggling with homelessness. Anjanette Servano, head of the Bacolod Anti-Mendicancy Management Division under the Department of Social Services and Development, explained that the couple and their five children were rescued two weeks earlier along San Juan Street, in front of Police Station 1.
This rescue formed part of the city's ongoing efforts to assist families in vulnerable situations. Rolando and Sharon had worked as barkers, while their children helped by asking for alms and selling small items. Through the City Government's intervention, the family is now temporarily sheltered at the Arao Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre, where they are receiving assistance while preparing for a more stable future.
Importance of Civil Registration and Accessible Services
The mass wedding highlighted the crucial importance of civil registration in securing legal identity and protecting the rights of families. The event formed part of the city's broader efforts to make essential government services more accessible and meaningful to Bacolodnons. Held in celebration of Civil Registration Month, the ceremony demonstrated how government initiatives can directly impact citizens' lives in positive, transformative ways.
The successful event showcased Bacolod City's commitment to supporting families, promoting legal marriage, and creating memorable community celebrations that strengthen social bonds while fulfilling important civic functions.
