final magazine

ISSUE 1  |  VOL 1 |  NOVEMBER 2022

D.T.R.E

A MAGAZINE FOR ONE AND ALL

VOCATIONAL E-MAGAZINE

LIFE AS PART OF A RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY, HALF OF A
MARRIED COUPLE, AND AS SOMEONE SINGLE AND BLESSED.

CONTENTS

04
FROM THE MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

06
THE MARRIED LIFE

08
MY RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY, MY
RELIGIOUS HOME

09
HAPPY AND SINGLE

PREFACING

THIS MAGAZINE IS TO SERVE AS THE
VISUALISATION OF THE D.T.R.E
REQUIREMENT FOR THE SUBJECT
"ENCOUNTERING THE WORD IN THE
WORLD," WHICH IS TO BE PREPARED AND
SUBMITTED BY THE FOLLOWING
MEMBERS:
ALEXIS BARRIO
MIKAELAH DELA CUESTA
MICOLE GATCHALIAN
GILYANNA LAO
PATRICIA PISQUIZA
POTIAN JETRO
ELJANE TANAP

REFLECTIONS F
MAGAZINE CON

Our Magazine Contributors sat down and thought o
vocations, which are Single Blessedness, the Married
personally touched by the story of your interviewees,

and how they all show

Having a chance to know the stories of other people and listening to their stories that
you can relate to has always been interesting to me. I know a lot of couples who are
very problematic and can’t handle their problems properly, so discovering the story of a
couple who keeps on choosing each other over their problems and over the challenges
they have is like a refreshing story, and it really touched me. It also gives me a lesson
about how important it is to put yourself first and learn how to love yourself, which
really inspires me to focus on myself more. - Alexis Barrio

I was struck by the interviewee's message when I observed how they perceive life. I
was able to see how much they value both the people around them and the actions they
would take. Because of their efforts in the presence of the people they care about,
especially the married pair, I prefer that every interviewee exemplifies the standards of
love. Particularly when the married couple said they must ensure that their family
receives support in various ways in addition to the bare essentials. For the single
blessed, he demonstrated that loving oneself can make you happy and aid your growth.
Because of this, most people agree that "actions speak louder than words" and that the
best way to show someone you care about them is by your deeds. They have promoted
God's reign by having faith and placing God at the heart of their relationship or
themselves. - Mikaelah Dela Cuesta

I always get amazed knowing the lives of people. Some people prefer to live single and
alone, content with what they have. I was touched by the stories of single blessed in
which he says that he promotes self-love which is essential, but I was touched mostly
by the story of the married couple because it just goes to show how sometimes, people
meet each other and fall for one another in different ways. They have promoted God’s
reign since they are a living embodiment to his glory and a reminder that we have a
path. - Micole Gatchalian

ROM THE
NTRIBUTORS

of how this issue and its theme of the different
d Life, and the Religious Life, and how they were
how those stories manifest the ideas of Just Love,
wcase God's reign.

I know a lot of couples who are very problematic and can’t handle their problems properly, so discovering the
story of a couple who keeps on choosing each other over their problems and over the challenges they have is

like a refreshing story, and it really touched me. It also gives me a lesson about how important it is to put
yourself first and learn how to love yourself, which really inspires me to focus on myself more. I personally
like the interview for the single blessed because there’s always a notion that people will eventually get into a
relationship, but seeing that this person is still committed to finding fulfillment and love within themselves is
really heartwarming to see. Whatever ups and downs may come, love will change a person to become a better
version of themselves which is seen through the interviews. Through God’s reign, people are able to show love

and commitment through their relationships with other people, family, and themselves. - Gilyanna Lao



The stories of our interviewee were different from each other, however, they all share a similar characteristic
that is inspiring especially during their different experiences in life. Each interviewee showed a new side of

them in answering the questions, especially pertaining to why they chose that kind of life. The individuals
interviewed showed the value of words in their personal relationships with other people and themselves. The

people interviewed promoted God’s reign by being a vessel in promoting respect, love, and patience towards
life and facing one’s problems. - Patricia Pisquiza





The message from the interviewees was extremely inspiring, particularly when they shared their perspectives
on how they had effectively handled family problems. I was touched by how much they appreciate the words

that make up a family and how this has taught them to realize the importance of respect. Additionally, the
love shared by the couple demonstrates that despite the hardship, they are stronger because of it. By showing

commitment, reverence, and love for their families, they have been promoting God's reign. - Jetro Potian



The different perspectives and stories of people from different dispositions and backgrounds has always
piqued my interest. In the relationships tackled during the interview process, they seem grateful and happy

about their current conditions and they have expressed being fulfilled, committed, and mutually loving
towards each other. They have said themselves that they have gone through various challenges and problems,
which they managed to overcome through their love, faith, and mutual efforts, which are manifestations of the
just love morals. All the people interviewed were able to promote God’s reign and teachings solely by existing
in the paths carved out for them, and contributing to each other and society in their own ways. - Eljane Tanap

Pope Francis speaks of marriage as “a What attracted you to this state of life?

life-long project” (AL 218) that moves

through various stages (AL 220). What Ariel: We met in college when we were studying Doctor of
stages has your marriage gone through? Dental Medicine at Centro Escolar University in the year

1995.

Lerma: If I were to be asked, in our 21 years of

marriage, we have definitely gone through a number of Lerma: Yes, that’s where we met. What attracted me to him
different stages and problems that we have was his humble and responsible nature towards life and his
encountered. One specific problem was when we had
financial problems and difficulty when one of our family as the eldest brother to his three (3) younger
business ventures failed and needed to be solved right siblings.
away. We were so afraid to not be able to feed our

children and not send them to a private school
anymore that is why we kept on praying and hoping Ariel: (Ako naman) what attracted me to her, was her
that we could overcome this huge obstacle together. beauty! joke! Hahaha! kidding aside, what attracted me to

her was her calmness, kindness, and serene energy.



Lerma: When we realized that we both had the same plans

Ariel: Yes, that is definitely one of the hardest times for the future while being in a relationship after 5 years,
that we have been through together. I remember telling that’s when we decided to get married and start a family.

her that solving our problems individually would only
make us feel more alone and in stressful situations,

instead we should face them together while leaning on

each other as a source of strength. Pope Francis says the three essential words in a

family are: “ Please”, “Thank you”, and “Sorry.” Do

you agree? How have these words been important

in your family?




Lerma: Yes, these words are definitely important in our family. We

have raised our children to use these words as a sign of respect

and humility.



Ariel: Definitely, we have raised our children to give importance to

these words as they are basic values that one should learn in the

early stages of their life. Me and my wife taught my daughter and

son the essence of learning these and using them in their everyday

lives because it is a vital part of being a human being who values
respect.

Husband’s Name: Ariel M. Pisquiza
Wife’s Name: Lerma Z. Pisquiza

Number of Years Married: 20 years
Number of Children: 2

Occupation of Husband: Orthodontist/Oral
Surgeon

Occupation of Wife: Dentist
Educational Attainment of Husband: Doctorate

Educational Attainment of Wife: College
Graduate

Pope Francis says every family faces crises How does your marriage help you care for

(AL 232), which can either weaken the couple’s other people/ for creation and/ or promote

relationship or strengthen it. How have you justice in our society?

dealt with these crises in your family?


Lerma: My marriage lets me see the world from a different

Ariel: As the father of the family, I have always had in my mind perspective in the sense that I now see it not only from my

the responsibility of making sure that my family receives not partner’s point of view but also from my daughter’s and son’s

only the basic necessities in life but also support in different perspective.
ways they need. Crises in the family are definitely inevitable

however, one thing that we can make sure of is how we are
there for each other through easy and difficult times. Ariel: Through this, I learn a lot especially in understanding our
society today and learning how to respond in our own little way

that would help other people.

Lerma: Yes, definitely. Problems in general are an inevitable

part of life itself, but what makes the experience worthwhile is
the people we are doing it with, the people who are with us What would you advise young people who are
thinking of pursuing this state of life?

throughout that journey, and I wish to be this person especially


with my kids. Ariel: One advice that I would give to couples who plan to

marry each other in the future, know that marriage is never how

it seems on books, television, and movies, in fact, it is so far

from that. It is a stage in life where you need to think

Pope Francis says every family faces crises realistically and must not only think of yourself alone. It may be

(AL 232), which can either weaken the couple’s a hard journey, but it definitely shapes you into being a better
relationship or strengthen it. How have you person.
.
dealt with these crises in your family?
Pope Francis speaks of the role of “experienced


Ariel: As the father of the family, I have always had in my mind couples” in helping younger couples (AL 223). How
were you helped by experienced couples in the
the responsibility of making sure that my family receives not

only the basic necessities in life but also support in different early years of your marriage? How have you

ways they need. Crises in the family are definitely inevitable helped other couples?
however, one thing that we can make sure of is how we are
there for each other through easy and difficult times.

Ariel: Me and my wife are actually members of the Pag-Ibig Sa Diyos
Lerma: Yes, definitely. Problems in general are an inevitable
part of life itself, but what makes the experience worthwhile is Catholic Community here in Mandaluyong City, where this catholic
the people we are doing it with, the people who are with us community is composed of married couples who gained strength in
throughout that journey, and I wish to be this person especially their rough times through the prayer group. In this community, we met
with my kids. a lot of couples who are also experiencing the same problems as ours.



Lerma: Through meeting different people with different stories, we got
to realize that our problems are just micro parts of this big world that

we are living in. In this community, older couples give us a number of
advice in overcoming great challenges in life in which we also give
what we take to younger couples.

What attracted you to this state of life? Pope Francis says every family faces crises (AL 232), which

can either weaken the couple’s relationship or strengthen it.

Father: The desire to serve God and others in the ministerial How have you dealt with these crises in your life as an

priesthood. individual?




Father: Crisis in every family is a staple, no amount of wealth

Pope Francis says the three essential words in a family are: “ or material stability can prevent crises from happening.

Please”, “Thank you”, and “Sorry.” Do you agree? How have However, if members are willing to communicate, talk honestly,

these words been important in your life? and make sacrifices, these can always be resolved peacefully.




Father: I do agree with the value of these 3 words in family life.


Communication, openness, the willingness to accept one's Pope Francis speaks of the role of “experienced couples” in

mistakes, and being responsible for one's actions can make or helping younger couples (AL 223). How were you helped by

break family relationships. These words are very easy to say, experienced people in the early years of your life? How have

but it takes a lot of humility and sincerity to really mean them. you helped other individuals?




Father: The wisdom of elders and those who have more

Pope Francis speaks of marriage as “a life-long project” (AL experience than one's own is always an advantage and can

218) that moves through various stages (AL 220). As a help very much. Especially those who have gone through to

member of your community, what memorable stages have you many challenges in their lives. They can help those who have

gone through? less experiences. This is a truth that applies for any life status,

as a married couple, or even as a priest. Being somewhat

Father: Indeed it is a life-long project and there is always advanced in years in the ministry, I try as much as I can to

something to discover even among family members. Growth in impart my wisdom and experiences to younger priests.

the family depends so much on mutual trust and respect for


each other. It could never be a one-way relationship. Family


members must be willing to sacrifice for one another. Along How does your status help you care for other people/ for

with this, prayer is also a necessary component. creation and/ or promote justice in our society?




What would you advise young people who are thinking of Father: Preaching and opportunities to teach is a big

pursuing this state of life? advantage as a priest. Listening to people's life-stories, hearing

confessions, and helping those who are lost in life can be an

Father: Be firm, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, and be important challenge.

ready for a difficult but fulfilling life.

Name: Fr. Roderick Pacoma
Relationship Status: Single
Occupation: Roman Catholic Priest
Educational Attainment: Post-graduate



What attracted you to this state of life?

P2rweo3il2tpah)et,itFowhnrheasishncehicpciscroaissrnaesysetsriitneehnveygeorrtuhywreefnlaaifkmietei.nlaHystofhaawenchecioasnuvdcpeirvilseyideo’susua(dlA?eLalt Pope Franci isyloysuaayarsegb:treh“eeeePn?lteihHmarsoepeweo”r,eht“saaTsnvheteaninttnikhaeylysowoeuuorw”r,dloiafsrnedi?dsn

a fam
“Sorry.” Do

How does y our status help you care for other omFjseretacamtng”ocer(issaAb(LsAlpe2eL1as82tk)a2sg0tohe)fas. tAmhsmaavraorevisaeyinsgogeutlheagrsoopun“eagerhsltoihfvnera,o-rlwuioohgnuahgst?
people/ for cre ation and/ or pr omote justice in
our society?
Pope
pr

Wthhinaktinwgouolfdpyuorusuaindgvistehisyosutantge people who are
of life?

relPawotpiitoehn2Fs3thrh2aie)pn,secwoirshcrisscitashreyescsnagienntvheyeeroitynuhrfietarl.imfHweieolyaawskfhaeaancnevtseihnceydroiicvsuoeidudspue(alaAell’?Lts