Presented to the Theology and

Religious Education
De La Salle University - Manila
3rd Term, A.Y. 2018-2019

In partial fulfillment
of the course
In TREDFOR C34

The Story of my Bestfriend’s Parents

Submitted by:
Cabrera, Roberto Antonino A.

Submitted to:
Mr. Lysander Rivera

August 6, 2019
Profile of Interviewees:

1. Noel Barcena
a. Age: 58
2. Rosette Barcena
a. Age: 55

Date of Marriage: November 10, 1996

Place of Marriage: San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila

Their Story:

Tito Noel and Tita Rosette found

each other by blessings in

disguise. Their love was

unexpected in their lives as they

were classmates in a graduate

school. They met each other as

classmates. As they were able to

tag along in their journey as

classmates, they created a bond

that soon turned into love. A

spark was then created despite

the fact that they were both busy with work and school. After graduate school, they would soon

meet again. This time, a mutual understanding was formed between them as they show their

feelings towards each other. There were times when their activities kept them busy from

communicating, but they still find a way to see each other. In fact, Tito Noel considers it as destiny

when his friend reintroduced him to Tita Rosette. This was the start of Tito Noel courting Tita

Rosette. There are many aspects to consider since Rosette’s family is a conservative type. Because
of this, Tito Noel adapted to her family’s practices to win over their trust and to consider Tito Noel

as part of their family. Also, this is where Tito Noel increased his character building because her

family is rich in tradition. For that, Tito Noel always asked her mom to go out with Tita Rosette.

After the courting stage and earning the trust of Tita Rosette’s parents, Tito Noel decided

to take it to the next step which is marriage. It was the parents’ of Tita Rosette that took care of

the marriage expenses to be held at San Agustin Church last November 10, 1996. In this new

chapter in being married for 15 years, Tito Noel had a peace of mind knowing that there is someone

there to lean on, share joys, and tell stories. Knowing the fact that there are married, they are free

to talk or comfort whatever subject comes into mind. There is always a shoulder to cry on when

feeling stressed, especially when both of their parents passed away. Knowing the fact that they are

the breeders of the next generation, they can pass on whatever knowledge they can share to their

children. As a father, he always looks after his children and think of what is best giving them.

Although of having the benefits of a married life for 15 years, there are many obstacles

encountered that tested the strengths of the couple. There are always clashes on ideas because of

different perspectives and misunderstandings. Considering the fact that Tito Noel and Tita Rosette

came from two different families and orientation, it is test to look and settle for a common ground.

A win-win situation is an important objective to achieve. There are still challenges to face, but

those challenges can make the couple better.

Tito Noel gave advices for the next generations who are thinking of getting married. Love,

open communication and respect are the aspects to keep in mind all the time that can benefit both

sides that can lead to a happy and healthy marriage. There is one thing more important, and that is

focusing on God first for a married couple to place him into the center of their lives. For every
generation, it may be different. But partners should accept each and understand each other knowing

the fact that they are two different people. In the end, it is what matters on having a happy family

and a successful marriage.

Reflection:

Hindsight:

As for my thoughts of witnessing married couples. Some are happy and some are not, just

like me separated parents. My stand on marriage is a risk or a leap of faith. I rather say it is a trap

because I would be stuck with a person for that is a depending factor on my happiness. Especially

knowing that the Philippines does not support divorce, it is a choice that I would never take back

once doing so. It is good to know that Tito Noel’s married life is doing well and he is enjoying it,

but I still have doubts on commitment. Knowing me as a person, I am not a type of person who is

into relationships because I have been independent for too long.

Insight:

During the interview, I have learned that there are many aspects and grounds to consider.

One such is knowing and understanding the person that can take years to know if someone is ready

to take the next step which is marriage. More than that, it is also looking for a common ground

between two parties with love, open communication, respect and kindness that can lead to a

successful married life. I do appreciate the story of Tito Noel because he found someone in

disguise and a blessing. In fact, it is also depending on knowing ourselves and what we want to

find in someone else that can bring joy and excitement.

Foresight:

Knowing the fact that there are couples who plan to marry, I hope that they have made the

surest decision to do so because as mentioned before, it is a choice that cannot be averted. As for

I, I have no plans to be married because I am currently focusing on building myself. I consider

myself highly independent. I am currently not looking for a relationship, but if there is someone

that stumbles in my way and catch the chemistry, I would go with the flow and test the waters to

see if this is truly the best option to be married with this future individual. Married or not married,

I am not alone because I have many friends who are willing to aid me as I am also a good friend

to them.
Marriage Contract:
Transcript:

Anton: Good morning, Mr. Barcena. Before we start, I would like to ask on how are you doing

today?

Tito Noel: I am very good this morning. I am glad that you asked. Especially that I am about to

tell you a story.

Anton: Yes indeed as this is a requirement in my TREDFOR or religion class. Unfortunately, Tita

Rosette is not here. But no matter since you are already here. I thank you for letting me interview

you.

Tito Noel: It is my pleasure, Anton. No worries on that. Glad I am here to help.

Anton: Thank you for that. First off, I’ll ask the simple questions like what is your age and also

tita’s, where were you married and when did it happen.

Tito Noel: Okay so I am 58 years old while Rosette is 55. We were married last November 10,

1996 at San Agustin Church in Intramuros.

Anton: Okay great! There are four questions that I would like to ask. First is what made you decide

to get married with Rosette? Please narrate your story.

Tito Noel: The love of being together and the want to raise a family of our own were the main

motivations why we wanted to tie the knot. Our love story started very simple. We were classmates

in one of the subjects of graduate school. At that time though, there were just a spark as we were

both busy with work and school. It was only when we met again after graduate school when we

realized that we had feelings for each other. It was destiny as our paths crossed again when we

were reintroduced to each other by a common friend. That was when I started courting her. Since

her family belonged to the conservative type, I underwent the traditional courting to make “ligaw”
not only to her, but also to win the liking of her family. As part of the tradition, I have always

asked permission from her mom whenever we could go on a date.

Anton: I have never used this type of traditional courting. Mostly I just talk to the lady. Honestly,

I only courted once in my life but it is another story to tell in the future.

Tito Noel: Oh I see now. It would be interesting to hear that soon.

Anton: Yes of course. Let’s settle that next meeting. Moving on to the next question, What were

the benefits of being married for 15 years?

Tito Noel: Being together as a married couple gives you the strength to face any obstacle. There

is a peace of mind as you know there is someone whom you can share your joys, your success and

problems as well. We both are always there when we want to talk and shoulders top cry in case

one is feeling stressed and sad especially those times when our parents both passed away. You can

raise your children together and always think of giving what is best for them.

Anton: I always like the notion knowing that there is someone out there caring for you and feeling

that warmth inside.

Tito Noel: Don’t worry, everyone feels it.

Anton: No doubt. Moving to the third question. What are the challenges this time?

Tito Noel: First thought that popped in my mind were the differences between us. Differences in

opinions have always been the source of misunderstandings. As we are two people of different

background and orientation. It is always a challenge to reconcile with our thoughts and decisions.

There will always be arguments where our patience is tested. To resolve, we always have a middle

ground and think of a win-win situation. Challenges can be resolved and addressed by respecting

one another and proper communication.

Anton: That is definitely correct. Fights are never the signal of the end. On our last question, what

advice would you give to the next generation who are thinking of getting married?

Tito Noel: Love, open communication, respect and being kind to each other are essentials to a

happy marriage. But foremost, married couples should always put God as the center of their lives.

No matter what generation you belong to, partners should be emotionally ready to accept each

other and to understand that they are two different people that will be living on the same to raise a

happy family, keep in mind of the essentials to a successful married life.

Anton: Thank you very much on sharing your story and thoughts of marriage. I have learned a lot

of insights with regards to this. I prepare a token of appreciation for you and your family.