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T H E L I F E1st Edition | 2021 Issue OF A MARRIED COUPLE Exclusive Interview Mr. & Mrs. Carbonel The inside story of a marriage family put to the test A Martial Law Love Story 25 years of Love Mr. & Mrs. Linatoc Decisions of Mendoza The untold story of marriage with faith September 2021 Issue

The Life Contents Page 4 FIRST EDITION Editor’s Note SEPTEMBER 2021 Page 6 Philippine Marriage Statistics FIND OUT THE STATUS OF MARRIAGE AND ANNULMENT RATE IN PHILIPPINES Page 7 Exemplary Filipino Marriages THE LOVE STORY OF FELIZARDOS, MENDOZAS, AND ABADS

Page 10 Love Lives RELATIONSHIP ADVICE WE CAN GET FROM THE CARBONEL Page 11 The Carbonels: Their Amazing Journey HAVING FAMILY PROBLEMS? HERE’S HOW THEY FIX THEM Page 15 Managing Family Conflict POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN: HOW TO BUILD THEM

Page 18 Loved-up couples FAITH AND MARRIAGE: BETTER TOGETHER? Page 19 The Secret of Linatocs in Making Love Last TELLS US THE SECRET IN MARRIAGE AND THEIR VIEWS ON DIVORCE SND SEPARATION Page 22 Page 23 Prayer for Couples Prayer after Interview A PRAYER MADE BY BEVERLYN FOR COUPLES A PRAYER MADE BY CALEB AFTER INTERVIEWING HIS PARENTS

PAGE 4 THE LIFE FEATURE Editor’s Note 21 36 The Life Our Team Welcome to our first ever digitally published magazine. This HEAD OF DESIGN issue is a fulfillment of the requirements of the subject, Encountering the Word in the World. We present interesting Marian Carbonel stories of various Christian vocations in a beautiful way that has resonated with Catholics across the Philippines. The magazine DOCUMENTATION HEAD format has transformed our publication into an invitation for faith and growth. It’s humbling and awe- inspiring to witness Marc Abarientos evangelization at work. Every story in this issue speaks to challenge, opportunity and the transformative power of faith INTERVIEWERS and hope, and we are so excited to share them with you. Marian Carbonel and Caleb Writing down the faith-filled stories of people, taking linatoc photographs to match, laying out our vocation e-magazine with great care and including meticulous, yet whimsical TRANSCRIBERS illustrations – in all we do, our goal for the project, and personally as children of God, is to radiate Christ’s love and the Kayleen Keh and Audrey Ng beauty of our Creator, inviting others to share in His love, too. CONTENT WRITERS Caleb Linatoc Kayleen Keh Marian Carbonel Audrey Ng Jevin Tan Marc Abarientos

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PAGE 6 THE LIFE FEATURE Philippine Marriage Statistics BY: KAYLEEN KEH Number of it was reported that most men and Divorce and Marriages women get married at the age of annulments in 25-29 years old (PSA, 2019). the philippines On average, there are about 1,500+ registered marriages per day Where people All over the world, researchers state making 400,000+ marriages in a get married that there is an approximate year. In 2018, the Philippine 40%-50% chance in first marriages Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded There are different ways to get ending up in separation or divorce 449,169 registered marriages, and married. 36.8% of marriages in the and a 60%-65% chance in second ever since the number of registered Philippines are in the form of a civil marriages. In the Philippines, the law marriages has decreased. This may ceremony. It is a non-religious forbids divorce due to the country’s be due to the COVID-19 pandemic ceremony and is preceded by a religious beliefs however, this does where citizens were under legal official. 36.2% of marriages are not stop couples in the Philippines quarantine, gatherings were not celebrated in a traditional roman to file an annulment or end up in allowed, and marriages were catholic church. In addition, 22.9% separation. According to the Office prohibited for a while (PSA, 2020). of marriages are performed in of the Solicitor-General, the nullity other religious sites, 1.4% in a and annulment cases in the Age Range Muslim tradition, and 0.9% in a Philippines have risen from 2001 to tribal ceremony (PSA, 2019). 2014 reaching 11,000+ annulment According to PSA, women are cases in 2014 (Abalos, 2017). married at a younger age than men. Marriage does not come with age however, the recorded median age of a newly married woman is 27 years old while the median age of a newly married man is 29 years old. In the same year,

PAGE 7 THE LIFE FEATURE Exemplar Marri BY: CALEB Butch & Dina Abad A Martial Law Love Story The marriage and love story of former Decisions made by secretary Butch Abad and Dina were formed during the infamous Martial Law years of Alfredo and Liwayway Marcos. He mentions their beginnings when they were still both only student activists, Alfredo and Liwayway Mendoza have loved each other for protesting against the Marcos administration. about 58 years together. They attribute their enduring They recalled it being a scary time. There was marriage to their many shared interests. They made decisions a lot of violence and the both of them were together that would support their marriage, lives, and under the military’s surveillance, causing families and made sure not to intrude with each other’s them a lot of paranoia. Their experience was decisions, giving them the full respect and support that they far from the likes of a movie, they were forced needed (Philstar, 2017). to be separated with their first-born child, Julia, just to keep her safe. They had an irregular relationship due to the nature of their environment. It was definitely a possibility for either of them to just have been picked up and been made to ‘disappear’ (Abad, 2021). On October 8, 2017, Dina passed away fighting against cancer. She’s been survived by Butch, their children, and grandchildren. They had a long and strong marriage, characteristic of Filipinos. They were forged under one of the Philippines’ darkest times and yet were able to form something magnificent and beautiful.

PAGE 8 THE LIFE FEATURE ry Filipino iages B LINATOC Dan & Joy Felizardo 25 Years of Love The Felizardos are married 25 years and have found the key to a long-lasting and mature marriage. They learned to accept each other and their relationship’s imperfections. Both of them must be able to support each other when one of them is succeeding, not bringing them down. When one person is weak, the other must be able to provide strength. And to always fix their problems, they talk it through together, not even mentioning the idea of a separation. They both love to bond over travelling and food as Joy is actually a food blogger.

THE LIFE| PAGE 9 “Marriage is a sacred bond between two imperfect people which is made possible by a perfect God, and held together with limitless love, unshakable faith and undying devotion for one another.”

LLiovvees THE LIFE| PAGE 10 CaTrbhoenel “I ALWAYS TELL MY CHILDREN THAT THEY MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD KASI SIYA LANG ANG MATATAKBUHAN NATIN AT MASASANDALAN.” - BEVERLYN CARBONEL, 2021

PAGE 11 THE LIFE INTERVIEW The Carbonels: Their Amazing Journey AN INTERVIEW WITH NOEL & BEVERLYN CARBONEL Conducted by: Marian Carbonel Written by: Audrey Ng From Twenties to Forties The couple believes that encountering road bumps and obstacles is inevitable in every Meet Beverlyn and Noel. They first met during marriage. In regards to theirs, both did not their college years when mutual friends mention facing any problem at the current introduced them to each other. Later on, their moment. Instead, they focused on what they friendship evolved into something more as they usually do when one does arise. Rather than became girlfriend and boyfriend. After being in a waiting for a bad situation to worsen, they, along relationship together for more than four years, the with their children, gather and discuss the two finally got married. They opted to hold a matter/s at hand and try to resolve it as soon as simple at-home wedding as they were already possible. expecting a baby in a month. This year marks their 20th year as a married couple, now at ages 42 and 44 respectively, and as parents of their two daughters, one of whom conducted this interview with them herself. When faced with conflict “Ang mag-asawa ay hindi naman maiiwasan na mayroong problema na darating.” - Noel Carbonel, 2021

PAGE 12 THE LIFE INTERVIEW To our children: On values bonels:and love Beverlyn and Noel encourage their girls to keep their trust in God since He is the only one we can ng Journeyrun to and depend on. It is also critical to teach in them the virtues of discipline and respect for others. When it comes to marriage, they urge V I EtWheirWchIiTldHren to ponder, think, think some more L Y NbefCorAe mR aBkOingNsEucLh a commitment, since it takes dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Most essential, individuals must verify that there rian Carbonel is true love between them and their prospective spouse before exchanging \"I do's.\" Thoughts on separation and union Beverlyn expresses how divorce can be a good and healthy thing for the individuals involved. That there are cases where going their separate ways gives them both a second chance to rediscover themselves and what they need as well as the life they want to live. “‘In my opinion, I believe that separation, divorce, and annulment can make a failed relationship regain what they have lost.” - Beverlyn Carbonel, 2021 Beverlyn and Noel want to remind couples that in a relationship, there should always be respect for one another. And that before marriage, couples should make enough time to form a strong connection between them and to see if they are truly happy with each other’s company. There’s no need to rush.

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THE LIFE| PAGE 14 Vocations aren’t the result of planning, but an encounter with God that changes your life - POPE FRANCIS

PAGE 15 THE LIFE INTERVIEW Managing Confl BY: MARIAN There are no perfect families, and there are always challenges that each family experiences, like conflicts. If you bring anger and disrespect to your family, you will gain absolutely nothing. But if you respect, communicate, and appreciate, you will gain the same in return. Human beings have eyes; the eyes are always in front because it is designed to look at the relationship we build and respect for one another. Moreover, The design of human beings is relationships. We all want to be in a relationship, and we were not created to be alone. We are designed to depend on one another, to learn and forgive, to love and serve. And then, as we grew up, we can start to be independent. PAGE FOUR| JOURNEY Conflicts that are not solved can harm a relationship in a family, and well-managed conflicts can create opportunities and strengthen relationships. When conflict arises, the family should understand, respect, and appreciate, not yell and fight each other. Peaceful resolution depends on negotiation and respect for the other person's point of view. Moreover, Communicating in a positive way can help reduce conflict. To manage a family conflict, good communication is a must. It helps everyone decide as a family to listen to each other's opinions. Having good communication

PAGE 16 THE LIFE INTERVIEW g Family licts CARBONEL doesn't mean that we always agree on one thing, sometimes we need to agree to disagree. But let's keep in our minds that we need to resolve the conflict, not win an argument. Then we respect the point of view of others by paying attention and listening to understand the opinions and feelings of others. Valuing and appreciating each other is the heart of a good family relationship. When there is a conflict, we have to include everyone in the conversation because we need to value their opinions. At the end of the day, your PfaAmGilyE isF OmUadRe|upJ OoUf RthNe EpYeople who love and support you unconditionally.

THE LIFE| PAGE 17 \"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.\" GENESIS 2:24

LCoovuedp-leup THE LIFE| PAGE 18 LinTahtoecs on Marriage with Faith “MARRIAGE IS REALLY SOMETHING THAT YOU DON’T JUST JUMP INTO JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE SO IN LOVE AND THE FEELING.” - GRACE LINATOC, 2021

PAGE 19 THE LIFE INTERVIEW The Secret of Linatocs in Making Love Last AN INTERVIEW WITH LEE & GRACE LINATOC Conducted by: Caleb Linatoc Written by: Jevin Tan How it all began and confidence, and place yourself in God. Your partner is just human and won't be able to fulfill They met at her family’s salon one day. Lee was a all of your emotional needs. You don't just jump customer while Grace was the cashier. He was into marriage because “nakikilig ka.” It’s not really there to get a haircut when he saw her and, even about the feelings and emotions, it's about the without introductions, Lee asked a stylist if he commitment to one another. could ask for Grace’s number. On that day, he called her. That day was when it all began. At first, they saw each other without much thought about marriage, but their love grew over time as they became boyfriend and girlfriend. From then on, they were sure that they wanted to be together. She was his dream girl. He was her dream boy. Eventually, at a private Christian garden wedding, the two tied the knot. The Difficulties of Married Life In marriage, life isn’t going to be perfect, there are ups and downs. It can’t be that your partner completes you, but you have to enter marriage as a complete person, and how you complete yourself is to be completely in God. have to separate yourself from all of your desires

PAGE 20 THE LIFE INTERVIEW Views on Divorce Advice to newly married couples God hates divorce, to divorce with your wife/husband is to overwhelm her/him with When you marry your partner, you will learn cruelty. God hates divorce because He thinks it's things about them that you did not know while cruel. Though sometimes there are some valid you were still boyfriend and girlfriend. You'll see grounds for divorce such as physical and mental how people react to specific acts, particularly abuse within partners, God does not want when they don't receive what they want. With anybody to be in that kind of situation and suffer this in mind, it is critical to never rush into like that. Though they never encountered any marriage (unless you are 40 or older), and to get problems with their marriage, when there are to know your partner thoroughly before problems, and there will always be problems, committing to and marrying them. they always solve it through teamwork. They believe though that whenever they encounter problems, they always have to ask God for help, it is important that God isn’t just part of therelationship but instead, He is the life of the relationship. They think that it is important that the couple shows their children their real selves, they are not perfect, they fight and argue a lot, but at the end, they solve each other’s problems and still hold a strong relationship with each other. They want to let their children know that separation and divorce is not the way to solve your problems. It is best that your partner loves God more than he or she loves you, that your partner is committed to the relationship for God, and that you should be committed to the partner for God as well. “Because God is also the author of marriage, that’s why He hates divorce. He cannot contradict Himself. It’s His intention for husband and wife to stay committed.” - Lee Linatoc, 2021

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THE LIFE| PAGE 22 Prayer for Couple “Let us feel the presence of the Lord. Dear God, thank You for the gift of life, gift of love, and blessings of our marriage and other couples. We praise and glorify You to everything you have poured in our hearts. Continue to guide us, for us to strengthen our relationship. This we ask you through Christ, our Lord, Amen.” - BEVERLYN CARBONEL

THE LIFE| PAGE 23 Prayer After Intervierw “Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us this chance today for me to interview my loving parents and thank you that you have blessed them with such a wonderful marriage and that they love each other. I pray that you keep your watch over them. And I pray that you continue to guide them everyday and you help us always. You help my family as well to always get through. And yes oh God, we thank you. In Jesus’s name we pray, amen.” - CALEB LINATOC