It was not a typical love story for Maricel Abao and her husband, Sgt. Miguelito Abao, one of the 13 Marines who were killed in a firefight against the Maute group in Marawi City on June 9.
Maricel is a native of Aurora while Miguelito was from Cagayan de Oro. They were miles away from each other but their paths crossed through a radio program.
In 2004, Maricel wrote to a radio station for one of its programs, hoping to find a friend.
After hearing Maricel’s letter on the radio, Miguelito wrote to her.
“Kasi ang dami sumulat sa akin hanggang siya na lang natira, taga-iba ibang lugar ang sumulat talagang siya na lang ang natira,” Maricel said.
(So many people wrote to me from different places, but he was the only one who didn’t stop until he was the only one who was writing me)
Maricel met Miguelito through a radio station.
They became “penpals” for two years.
In 2006, they finally decided to meet in Metro Manila. It was the same year year when Miguelito applied for the Marines in Fort Bonifacio.
The two decided to marry in 2012 and were blessed with two children.
Husband’s wish
Maricel said she is determined to fulfill her husband’s wish.
She said her husband always reminded her that their two kids must finish school, unlike him who never finished his college studies.
“Gusto kong matupad iyung gusto niya, iyung anak niya makatapos. Sisikapin kong maging magulang na ama’t ina sa mga anak ko,” Maricel said, adding that she has no regrets in letting her husband join the Marines. (I want to fulfill his wish, that his child would finish school. I’ll do my best to be a mother and father to our child.)
Instead, she will make her husband’s “courage” as an inspiration to fulfill his dream for their children.
Re-published from ABS-CBN News
Reader Interactions