**Melting Hearts and Uniting Cultures: Four Filipino Couples Say ‘I Do’ Together in Newfoundland**
Love was in the Newfoundland and Labrador air as the Filipino community gathered at St. Teresa’s Parish in St. John’s to witness a rare and heartwarming spectacle – not one, not two, but four couples tying the knot simultaneously. The air was filled with the melodies of pianos and hymns, setting the tone for a day filled with love and joy.
The couples, all close friends, decided to embark on this unique journey of getting married together not only to save costs but also to honor their traditional roots from the Philippines where mass weddings are a common practice. With parents joyfully giving away their daughters to their grooms, the couples exchanged vows, rings, and sealed their love with a kiss.
For Myhra and Mario Ibabao, the celebration held an extra special meaning as they had been together for over 14 years, with three children, but felt it was essential to have their union blessed in a church. “Having the sacrament of marriage would really make your relationship or your marriage last forever,” Myhra shared with CBC News.
John Allester and Arcelli Letigio, who also had a civil marriage beforehand, emphasized the importance of receiving the church’s blessing in solidifying their relationship. And all four couples, members of a community group called Couples for Christ, banded together to make this day unforgettable.
“It’s meeting different people and hopefully that the people that you meet will turn out to have a lasting friendship and relationship with you,” emphasized Althea Henion, who traveled from Pennsylvania for the joyous occasion.
Led by the esteemed figure Hazel Ouano Alpuerto, who stepped in to walk one of the brides down the aisle in place of absent parents, the ceremony was a true reflection of unity, faith, and strength within the Filipino community. “I feel so honored to be part of this celebration,” Alpuerto expressed.
The love and cultural exchange witnessed on Saturday truly exemplified the beautiful essence of shared traditions and unity among families from different backgrounds. As Newfoundland witnessed this heartwarming mass wedding celebration, it left an indelible mark on the community, showcasing the power of love, solidarity, and faith transcending borders.
The story of these four couples serves as a powerful reminder that love knows no bounds and that when united by faith, tradition, and friendship, people can create lasting bonds that withstand the test of time
Love was in the Newfoundland and Labrador air as the Filipino community gathered at St. Teresa’s Parish in St. John’s to witness a rare and heartwarming spectacle – not one, not two, but four couples tying the knot simultaneously. The air was filled with the melodies of pianos and hymns, setting the tone for a day filled with love and joy.
The couples, all close friends, decided to embark on this unique journey of getting married together not only to save costs but also to honor their traditional roots from the Philippines where mass weddings are a common practice. With parents joyfully giving away their daughters to their grooms, the couples exchanged vows, rings, and sealed their love with a kiss.
For Myhra and Mario Ibabao, the celebration held an extra special meaning as they had been together for over 14 years, with three children, but felt it was essential to have their union blessed in a church. “Having the sacrament of marriage would really make your relationship or your marriage last forever,” Myhra shared with CBC News.
John Allester and Arcelli Letigio, who also had a civil marriage beforehand, emphasized the importance of receiving the church’s blessing in solidifying their relationship. And all four couples, members of a community group called Couples for Christ, banded together to make this day unforgettable.
“It’s meeting different people and hopefully that the people that you meet will turn out to have a lasting friendship and relationship with you,” emphasized Althea Henion, who traveled from Pennsylvania for the joyous occasion.
Led by the esteemed figure Hazel Ouano Alpuerto, who stepped in to walk one of the brides down the aisle in place of absent parents, the ceremony was a true reflection of unity, faith, and strength within the Filipino community. “I feel so honored to be part of this celebration,” Alpuerto expressed.
The love and cultural exchange witnessed on Saturday truly exemplified the beautiful essence of shared traditions and unity among families from different backgrounds. As Newfoundland witnessed this heartwarming mass wedding celebration, it left an indelible mark on the community, showcasing the power of love, solidarity, and faith transcending borders.
The story of these four couples serves as a powerful reminder that love knows no bounds and that when united by faith, tradition, and friendship, people can create lasting bonds that withstand the test of time
