104-year-old man weds 74-year-old woman in Bicol—after 30-year wait

This Bicol couple proved age - and time - doesn't matter when it comes to love, as they tied the knot after waiting for more than 30 years to do so.

 

Francisco del Castillo, 104, finally exchanged vows with Lydia, 74, in Naga City on Thursday - two days before Valentine's Day.
 

Both were widowed and waited for 30 years to tie the knot, GMA Bicol's Avril Daja reported Friday.

 

Standing as witnesses were members of their families and the Naga City community.

 

"Mahal niya ako, mahal ko rin siya," said the groom.

 

"Kaming dalawa, nagmamahalan nang tunay. Nagtagal kami dahil sa hiling ko sa kanya na huwag niyang tratuhin nang masama ang mga anak ko. Ginawa naman niya," added the bride.

 

Francisco and Lydia were among the 56 couples who took part in a mass wedding of the Pag-IBIG Fund on Thursday.

 

Elsewhere in Bicol, 32 couples exhanged vows near the Cagsawa Ruins in Albay.

 

A mass wedding was also held in Cebu, where Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes officiated the union of 227 couples Thursday, GMA Cebu's Jun Veliganio reported.
 

 

One of the couples brought along their one-month-old child. They said they are thankful their union is now legitimate. They had been live-in partners for two years. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News