The whole Valenzuela City Astrodome was filled by blushing brides and love struck grooms as they exchanged vows at the “Kasalang Bayan” held last Saturday, June 29, which was the last to be officiated by the outgoing city mayor, now Cong. Sherwin T. Gatchalian.

 

The wedding made the relationships of diversed 139 couples official and lawful. One of which was Mr. Amadeo and Mrs. Selma Baroña's who have been together for more than 30 years.  Despite their long-term relationship, they have only decided to get married at that fateful day.

 

“Hindi nga rin namin alam kung bakit ngayon lang. Siguro dahil mahalaga na sa amin noon na magkasama na kami. Pero ngayon nga na libre naman itong handog ni Mayor Win, inaya ko na rin siyang magpakasal. Buti kamo hindi tumutol!” (We also do not know why we never got married until now. Maybe being together was more important to us back in the days.  When we found out that Mayor WIN was offering this for free, I ask her hand in marriage.  Good thing she did not decline.)” Mr. Baroña beamingly said.

 

Cong. WIN gave unsolicited advice to the couples.  “Alam kong wala ako sa sa posisyon para magbigay ng plano dahil wala pa naman akong asawa.  Pero ang natutunan ko sa mga kakilala ko na matibay ang pagsasama, ang sikreto sa matagal na pagsasama bilang mag-asawa ay ang huwag palilipasin sa gabi ang hindi pagkakaunawaan.  Kailangang resolbahin ano man ang problema bago matulog.  (I know I am not in the position to give advice as I am not married yet but according to some strong married couples I know, the secret of a long lasting marriage is never to sleep on an argument.  You should settle it before going to bed.)” He said.

 

Witnessing the romantic moment of the newly-weds were Mayor REX T. Gatchalian, Alay-Buhay Partylist Representative, Cong. WES Gatchalian, second district Councilor Lorie Natividad-Borja, and first district Councilors Cora Cortez and Rovin Feliciano.