My Story: Steered by Faith, Anchored by Grace

I was born on February 5, 1955, in Tagbilaran, Bohol—a quiet place where faith was not just taught, but lived. My parents were devoted Catholics, and from them I learned early that life is a gift from God, meant to be cherished, worked on, and offered back to Him with gratitude. Our home was simple, but it was rich in prayer, discipline, and love. Those early years planted seeds that would later sustain me through storms I never imagined.

As a young man, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation at PMI-Bohol and graduated in 1976. The sea called to me—not just as a profession, but as a proving ground. In 1979, after completing my apprenticeship, I began working on international ships. Life at sea taught me humility. It taught me patience. It taught me that no matter how skilled a man may be, he is still small before the vastness of God’s creation. Many nights, under foreign skies and unfamiliar stars, I prayed. I learned to trust God not only in calm waters, but especially in rough ones.

When my years as a seafarer came to an end, I did not leave the sea behind completely. I became a Maritime Training instructor, passing on what I had learned—not just about navigation and safety, but about character, responsibility, and respect for life. Teaching reminded me that our true legacy is not what we earn, but what we give.

In 2009, my life changed forever. I lost my wife and became a widower, left to raise our three children—one daughter and two sons. Grief is a heavy cross, and there were days when faith was not easy. But even then, God did not abandon me. He carried me through the pain, strengthened me in my weakness, and helped me raise my children, who are now adults. Today, I am blessed with five grandchildren—living reminders that life continues, love multiplies, and God’s promises endure.

Just when I thought my story had settled into quiet chapters, God surprised me again. In 2019, I remarried. Love found me once more, not as a replacement for the past, but as a new beginning. Today, I am blessed with a 6-year-old daughter who fills our home with laughter and wonder, and a 25-year-old stepson who adds another layer to our family story. At an age when many slow down, God entrusted me with new responsibilities—and new joy.

Now, at 71 years old, I look back with gratitude, not regret. My life has known calm seas and violent storms, deep loss and unexpected blessings. Through it all, one truth remains: God has been faithful. Every chapter—whether joyful or painful—had a purpose.

If my story teaches anything, it is this: age is not a limitation, loss is not the end, and faith is never wasted. God is always at work, writing stories far greater than we can imagine. As long as we trust Him, even the broken pieces of our lives can become a testimony of hope, love, and grace.

” Beware of undertaking too much at the start. Be content with quite a little. Allow for accidents. Allow for human nature, especially your own.”

Arnold Bennet