The Public Auditorium transformed into a romantic setting in the late afternoon of Valentine’s Day, as nearly 70 couples participated in this year’s mass civil wedding sponsored by the LGU through the Local Civil Registrar.

As their names were called out one by one, the 65 couples marched down the red-carpeted aisle in matching white barong and wedding dress followed by their parents and sponsors.

As the solemnizing officer, Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao advised the couples about married life and what marriage means for them.

The LGU, through the LCR team, also took care of the dinner, ceremonial cake, wedding gifts, video, and photobooth, with Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan and Sangguniang Bayan members standing as principal sponsors.

During the portion where the groom had to be kiss the bride, MCTQ challenged the newlyweds to an impromptu kissing contest. Nine winners emerged after clocking in 6 minutes of kissing nonstop. They each received P2,000 in cash.

In place of white doves (which were hard to procure, said LCR’s Ismael Malicdem Jr.), love balloons were released in the air.

The LGU Band’s stable of talented singers treated the new husbands-and-wives to a serenade until darkness fell.

(Bayambang PIO/Media Affairs)