32 Couples Say ‘I Do’ in Felicidad T. Sy Foundation’s 11th Kasalan sa SM
A sweet milestone made official: Newlyweds share a memorable moment during the reception at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
Thirty-two couples, many having already shared years of partnership, parenthood, and homebuilding, exchanged sacred vows on October 12 at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life. The group wedding marked the 11th Kasalan sa SM, a flagship advocacy of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation.
Designed for couples where at least one partner serves within the SM group, the Kasalan sa SM takes care of all administrative, logistical, and ceremonial costs associated with a Catholic church wedding. Following the liturgical rites, the newlyweds and their families gathered for a celebratory reception at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
The 32 couples raise a toast with their loved ones, marking a new chapter of faith, family, and shared dreams.
For most of the couples, the altar was a destination long deferred. Life's immediate priorities such as childcare, medical expenses, and daily living costs had continually postponed their plans for a formal church blessing, despite years of living as dedicated families.
A dream deferred no more. Kimberly Lazaga and Willmar Maynite express their heartfelt gratitude as they celebrate their long-awaited church blessing.
Kimberly Lazaga, an operations assistant at Sunshine Place, and her husband Willmar Maynite had initially planned to marry in 2024. However, when Lazaga experienced a delicate pregnancy, health and family became the immediate priority. “Nag focus po muna kami sa pagbubuntis ko dahil medyo naging maselan ito,” Lazaga shared. Their dream was reignited when her HR Officer informed them about the Kasalan sa SM program, encouraging them to apply.
Marichu Jabel and Jeffrey Moninio met as college classmates and have been together twelve years, both now working the Department Store at SM Fairview, Moninio for nine years, Jabel for three.
They tried a simple wedding once before; it never pushed through. Then came a child, and with the child, a list of costs that kept pushing the church wedding they both wanted further down. “Hindi po namin na-priority yung pagpapakasal mainly because of financial problems,” Jabel said. She kept it in her prayers anyway. “Sabi ko, ‘Lord, sana makapagpakasal kami sa simbahan,” she said.
A co-worker told her the program had reopened for a new batch, and within months, she said, that prayer had an answer.
“This is an answered prayer,” Marichu Jabel and Jeffrey Moninio shared in their message of appreciation during the ceremony.
For both couples, receiving the sacrament carried deep personal meaning. “Importante po talaga siya sa amin kasi blessing din po yun ng Panginoon,” Lazaga reflected. Jabel expressed heartfelt gratitude to Felicidad T. Sy Foundation for turning a long-held hope into reality.
As they look ahead, the newlyweds share simple, enduring aspirations centered on family health, community support, and lasting happiness as they begin this new chapter together.
The couples gather on the church steps after exchanging sacred vows during the 11th Kasalan sa SM.
The Kasalan sa SM mass wedding is one of the key programs of the foundation. It is inspired by SM Group matriarch Felicidad "Nanang" Sy, whose guiding belief is that faith is at the heart of every family.
