SUBIC BAY FREEPORT– Five LGBTQIA+ couples took part in a commitment ceremony in the 2024 Pride Celebration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority – Gender and Development held at the Subic Park Hotel in Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday, June 27.
The wedding-like event was celebrated by Reverend Cresencio Agbayani Jr. and Pastor Macario Sangcap both from the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. It was is the second iteration of the commitment ceremony held at the same venue last year where five other couples with different sexual orientation, gender identity and expression participated in a solemn rite of “sealing their love as life partners.”
It was attended by nearly a hundred guests, mostly of LGBTQIA+ community members, advocacy groups, local officials and some invited witnesses.
The five couples were: Allen Dampil and Katherine Morales; Mavel Pascual and Maria Ana Liza Cruz; Nigelle Pedrosa and Clyde Canlas; Angel Villanueva and Kert Baugan; and Cristina Karen Cruz and Danna Marie Bautista.
The said activity is in cooperation with the SBMA Employees Association, the Olongapo City-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Association, and Barangay Gordon Heights led by Chairperson Priscilla Ponge, who is a member of the LGBTQ community herself.
The ceremony also simulated traditional wedding rituals such as exchanging of vows, placement of ring, bible, cord, veil and wedding tokens, as well as cake cutting, and wine toasting.
Despite its intention, the commitment ceremony is still not binding, especially since the Philippine government does not recognize same-sex marriage. The community and a large number of Filipino queers have been pushing to legalize same-sex marriage.
Some of the sponsors of the ceremony are GEvents PH, SBMA, LGBTS Christian Church, Subic Park Hotels and Event Centre, Gols Lights and Sounds and Autumn Leaf Films.
Ang Pahayagan 
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