#HappilyEverAfter

Can one wish for a happily ever after even if the present circumstances are of no fairy tale?

Six of the security personnel of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) dared to wish for it sans magic wands and pixie dust. On July 23, 2022, the marriage of the six with their respective partners was solemnized in a collective church wedding organized by UA&P.

Andro R. Gudani, Jhon Rhyan L. Saez, Eric J. Galeria, John Marvin T. Tuya, Jesie O. Orlina and Rey Noel S. Aban have been married under civil law from between eight and 19 years. They knew the importance of the Sacrament of Matrimony, however. They used to attend the catechism class given by UA&P Assets and Facilities Management (AFM) head Engr. Paulino Lazarte to the university service personnel composed of security guards, housekeeping staff, and technicians.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck, the catechism class was halted. Hindsight, however, proved the quarantines were providential. For the duration of the lockdowns, some UA&P personnel, foremost of whom were the security guards, were forced to stay in the University. In 2021, Fr. Dennis Yu, who lived in a residence hall beside UA&P, decided to revive the class for the 21 stay-in personnel. Several months later, when the catechism class was over, six security guards expressed their intent to bring their beloved partners to the altar.

“They thought that getting married in the Church was difficult and expensive,” narrated Fr. Yu. “But after hearing the explanations about the Sacrament of Matrimony and the related requirements, they realized that it is doable.” Hence, “Kasalang Bayan: UA&P’s Gift of #HappilyEverAfter” was born.

The UA&P community, through AFM, BIGGKAS+ (the outreach arm of UA&P employees), the Human Resource Management Office, and the Corporate Communications Office, rolled up their sleeves. Cash donations were pooled, which covered the church and reception expenses; the rest was given to the newlyweds as wedding cash gifts. Two ladies sponsored the wedding cakes; three provided the Bibles. UA&P employees also did the reception setup, coordinated with the caterer, took photos of the wedding and reception (with the help of some students), did the video editing, and provided additional transportation. One became an usherette. Another hosted the reception program. Another was the wedding singer.

UA&P alumni and friends also chipped in. The security agency where the guards belong offered to provide transportation and cash gifts to each couple. Fr. Vincent Amores, parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Kapitolyo, Pasig City and a friend of Fr. Yu, celebrated the exclusive mass wedding for the UA&P guards. Principal sponsors included UA&P’s finance head Mrs. Lydia Yuson, UA&P alumnus and Brgy. San Antonio Chairman Raymund Lising, and Engr. Lazarte’s friends Mr. and Mrs. Crisostomo U. dela Cruz and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Landicho.

When the blessed day arrived, the brides were glowing, and the grooms could not be any prouder. They were grateful for the warm rallying of the UA&P community for their church wedding. More than the festivities of the occasion, however, it was the opportunity to continue their journey to happily ever after with the grace of the sacrament that filled them with joy.

“I wish them bright and cheerful homes like the home of the Holy Family in Nazareth, where there was so much love for one another,” said Fr. Yu. “May they always have family unity so that they can surmount any problems in life.”

 

More photos from the Corporate Communications Office:

Special thanks to Ms. Juliet dela Cruz of AFM for providing information for this write-up.

Banner photo by freestocks.org.