17 couples marry in port mass wedding

Seventeen couples from Cebu's port community tied the knot yesterday during Kasalan sa Pantalan 2025, a mass wedding organized by the Cebu United Port Stakeholders Sports Association (CUPSSA) in coordination with the Cebu Port Authority (CPA).

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Now on its fifth edition, the Kasalan sa Pantalan formally celebrates couples from the port community, including porters, laborers, shipping company employees, and residents living within the port area.

"The main purpose of this event is to strengthen relationships among port stakeholders and promote unity within the port community," said CUPSSA chairman Ernesto Boltron Jr.

"While we host various activities for stakeholders such as sports events and community programs, Kasalan sa Pantalan focuses on the spiritual side, promoting family values and formalizing relationships among couples," said CUPSSA board member Gimbi Tiongzon.

The mass wedding is completely free. The association covers the venue, food, cake, program needs, and wedding rings, while couples, most of whom have already been living together before marriage, are only responsible for preparing their documents and attire.

CUPSA, established in 2010, is active in organizing programs for the port community. While Kasalan sa Pantalan is currently planned to be held approximately every five years, organizers are still evaluating the possibility of making it an annual event.

Among those who got married, after 18 years of living together as husband and wife in everything but name, are Marcelo Barcenas, 49, and Karen Peregrino, 35.