Sarah: Before I met Angel, I had a boyfriend for eight years who was working on a cruise ship, and we were then planning to get married. But when he came back, another woman was carrying his child. He still wanted us to get married and keep the baby. I felt it was not appropriate to continue with our relationship and wanted to find someone with whom I can trust and share a God-centered life.
Angel: I was also in a relationship of 4 years that didn’t work out because I wanted to discover the plan of God for me. Through the Focolare, I realized I want a life of love and unity as a married person. So I asked Jesus: “If you want me to marry, help me find a wife and also a good job that can support our future family.” After some time, an opportunity came for a good-paying job, but the girl was still nowhere to be found. Then suddenly, I met Sarah, who was also involved in the Focolare.
Sarah: Angel and I got to know each other better when an Italian engaged couple came to the Philippines to volunteer in Bukas Palad Social Center in Pasay City. When this Italian couple would go out on a date, we and some friends went with them to chaperon. They became like our big brother and sister, who helped start our relationship. Afterwards, Angel and I would often hear Mass after work, and sometimes, had dinner out. Soon we grew closer, always trusting in the love of God.
Angel: On February 9, 2002, we said our “Yes” to love each other in this particular vocation, having understood that it was OUR way to sanctity. Right after the wedding, we moved into a small rented apartment to live independently from our families, and to nurture our new life together. Later, this place became a hub for our family and friends. Young couples would come over to talk with us, opening up their hearts and asking us for advice. We even celebrated a “stag party” for a friend before his wedding.
Sarah: In the early years of our marriage, we needed to adjust to our different characters and upbringing. I don’t usually cook, but I tried to make a special chopsuey (a stir-fried vegetable dish cooked with pieces of meat) for Angel by putting a lot of liver that I enjoy.
Angel: When it was served, I was looking for the vegetables. I commented that there was too much liver, not looking like the chopseuy that I knew. Then I felt Sarah was offended. Later, I confessed that, though not having a particular liking to liver, I still ate it out of love for Sarah, and also because… I had no other choice (with laughs)!
Sarah: Once a year, together with our kids, we set aside things that we seldom use or don’t use anymore. We ask them to choose which clothes or toys they would like to share with other children. Surprisingly, they sometimes gave even the new ones. We gave these to Bukas Palad, and once, we were able to donate something when a fire broke out in a community in Tambo, Parañaque. (see pic n.4 – 3:32)
Angel: When our daughter Trisha was in Junior High School, two of her classmates got into a relationship, and later, the girl became pregnant. The school administration and their parents decided that they will no longer report to school. The situation was never explained to the rest of the class, and only Trisha’s barkada (circle of friends) knew the real reason. It was hard for her, but we told her that what’s important is to remain in contact with these classmates, to offer her help and support without judgments. After the baby was born, Trisha would invite her barkada to see them whenever they would visit the father’s house. We are proud of our daughter because she remained close to her classmates, especially with the girl, despite receiving negative comments, even from her own friends. As parents, we can only guide and support our children through these moments, hoping that they become expressions of God’s love for others.
Sarah: Communication is always a challenge in married life. I grew up in a family where we don’t openly express affection, and because of my own pride, I usually tackle my problems on my own. Recently, I had a problem with my stressful boss. With much courage, I told Angel that I wanted to quit my job. He listened to me first, and together we came to understand that, since our children were still studying, it would be better to look for a less stressful job and pray for what God wanted. Fortunately for me, my boss was then reassigned to another sector, so I did not go ahead with my resignation. Those tear-filled nights for me became an opportunity to be more open with Angel, and it allowed us to strengthen our love for each other.
Angel: As married people, we nurture our vocation and make even more discoveries, amid the daily challenges, by always trusting in the love of God. And whenever we fail, we try to help each other start anew.
Angel and Sarah Puertollano
