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| ASWPC’S 1st Mass Wedding |
| | May. 15, 2009 |
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ASPWC, in cooperation with Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Montebello Vista Hotel, staged the 1st ASWPC mass wedding last April 30th. With 10 wedding coordinators, 21 participating couples and over 50 suppliers in the wedding industry, it was a mass wedding unlike any other.
The idea for a charity project started out simple enough. "We have been wanting to do a mass wedding for some time but the perfect opportunity only came very recently," Glia Benedicto, ASWPC Assistant Secretary, said. "This project is close to our hearts because it lets us give back."
 So give back is what the association did. They partnered with Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to reach out to less fortunate couples who are not yet married (or cannot afford to) but are already living together. The only things the couple had to take care of was the required documents for the church, their wedding rings and the arrhae. "We took care of everything else which made it more special," said Bong Abela, ASWPC Vice-President.
Soliciting help from friends in the wedding industry - from designers to caerers, from hotels to photographers - ASWPC set out to create an elegant and upscale mass wedding, the first of its kind. Stanz Catalan, ASWPC PRO, said, "The positive response we got from the suppliers was amazing."
 Starting off with an early morning dress-up session at the Montebello Hotel, the brides were treated to free hair and makeup by several of Cebu's leading makeup artists. Their wedding gowns - also lent to them free of charge - were from varying designers and bridal boutiques in the city. White rose bouquets, one for each blushing bride, was provided by Cebu's leadingflorist, Pink Flora.
The Cathedral was made even more beautiful with tall floral stands of calla lilies and orchids lined the aisle. These were provided by Kaye's Floral Accent. The renowned UV Choir sang songs for the entire ceremony. Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes along with ASPWC Treasurer Ms. Connie Te stood as principal sponsors. "Mayor Jonas Cortes was very generous with his time and he truly supported our cause from the beginning. For that, we are truly thankful," said Ritchie Mendoza, ASWPC Director said.
 All 21 couples walked down the aisle when the ceremony began at 10.30 in the morning. The wedding vows were said individually, lending to the solemnity of the occasion. More than a dozen photographers and videographers worked tirelessly to get every significant shot. "It truly felt like a real wedding, very much like the weddings we coordinate, only it was with 21 couples," said Ralyn Sevilla, ASWPC Director, with a smile. When the mass was finished and everyone was told to kiss, there was much thunderous applause.
The luncheon reception was held in the Celebrity Ballroom of the Montebello Hotel. The couples and their guests feasted on the generous dishes other hotels and restaurants provided. Each couple had a cake centerpiece, provided by Chedz while the floral centerpieces were by Lush Blooms. Simple Wishes provided the entrance and stage décor and Anita's gave the big wedding cake. Emcees Ken Villaflor and Ainah Asirit kept the program lively and fun.
 One of the many highlights of the event was when one of the brides, Ms.Irish Tiu, came forward in behalf of all the couples and expressed their gratitude for such a special mass wedding. "It was hard work but so rewarding in the end," Joey Alberto, ASWPC Director, said. "You can see it in all of their faces how happy they all are." The couples' joy was also reflected on the coordinators and the suppliers who were so generous with their time and effort to put this project together. "We couldn't have done
it without the help of our partners and suppliers," Boni (Almendras, ASWPC PRO, said.
The 1st ASWPC mass wedding was a big success. "This is our proudest achievement to date," Tisha Sanchez-Cue, ASWPC Secretary, said. The association plans to start a tradition by doing a mass wedding every year.
ASWPC’s success can be attributed to its partners : Barongs and Gowns ( Ade’s Fashion, Angel’s Fashion and Dress Shoppe, Beckett’s Bridal Fashion, Belly Jane Fashion and Embroidery Shop, Edwin Alba, Heavenly Weddings, Preve’, Ralyn’s Design, Roellene’s Fashion Center and Salvador Malto );Flowers ( Kaye’s Floral Accent, Lush Blooms, Pink Flora, Simple Wishes )Cakes ( Chedz, Marissa Unchuan and Anita’s Home Bakeshop, Inc. ); Make Up Artists ( Gari Son, Martha Opelentisima, Pines Borden, Ramil Solis, Romero Vergara, Roy Tizon, Vanessa Gamos and Wenwen Zaspa ); Veil and Cord ( Bernardo Flores and Rose Nacua ); Pouches ( Protacio Boutique, Ronald Enrico and Rose Nacua ); Transportation ( Mandaue City Hall ); Food and Drinks ( Abesiria, Bella Vista Hotel, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Cebu White Sands, Chateau de Busay, Creative Cuisine Catering Services, Dragon Fireworks, Gap Mobile, Ka Win Trading Wines & Liquors, Plantation Bay Resort, Red Carpet Catering Service and Shangri la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa); Photographers ( Adam Almendras, Claudio Monceda, Erwin Lim, Light Matters Photography, Marvin Lao & Co, Images Camera Club of Cebu, Rolando Pascua Photography and Mark Ladanan ) Videographers ( Dino Angelo Ojerio Video, Franz Arrogante, Digital Minds and Papicture photovideo ); LCD Projector and Screen ( Jomy and Era Pantujan ); Media ( Sunstar, The Freeman, Wedding Essentials and WeddingABCs.com );Emcee ( Ken Villaflor and Ainah Magpale Asirit ); and Choir ( University of the Visayas Choir ).
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