MANILA, Philippines — Thirty couples in Taguig tied the knot last Friday in socially-distanced mass wedding officiated by Mayor Lino Cayetano.
Photos posted on Facebook on Sunday by the city government show the couples getting wed at the Kasalang Bayan program held in Mercado Del Lago, Barangay Lower Bicutan.
“The Kasalang Bayan is one of the happiest events which we await yearly, but it was cancelled several times because of the pandemic,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“Now we have a secure way to keep the tradition going and to wed couples in Taguig,” he added.
Wearing masks and face shields, the couples could be seen occupying separate huts at Mercado del Lago while they watched Cayetano officiate the wedding via television.
Taguig’s Office of the Civil Registry opened slots for only 30 couples for the mass wedding.
The solemn ceremony included wine and cake rituals for the couples as well as a kiss to conclude the ceremony.
“I am so happy that we can come together and celebrate a wondrous and inspiring occasion,” Cayetano said.
“I hope people see the deeper message in this occasion: There is a safe way to shop, dine out, do business, gather and more. Welcome to the new normal,” he added.