Key Points
- Naging mag classmate sa Philippine Science High School noong 1973.
- Nagkita muli sa Pilipinas noong 2007 at nagsulatan ng tatlong taon bago lumipat sa Canberra si Emy at tuluyan kinasal kay Joseph ng 2010.
- Kapwa aktibo sa mga grupong pang komunidad sa Canberra
After more than 3 decades, they were reconnected at their high school batch reunion in Manila in 2007. Both single at that time, their love story blossomed.
They exchanged letters for 3 years. Friendship became a treasured foundation of their story.
“I fell in love with his writing and felt like I already knew Canberra intimately because of how he described it in his letters,” Emy said.
Although Emy had a rewarding career as an academic in the Philippines, she took a leap of faith and moved to Australia in 2010 to be with Joseph.
They wed in 2010.
Joseph was first married in 2003 but became a widower after 6 years.
“My relationship with Emy is different to my first marriage. The dynamics are different and my love and respect to Emy grew stronger as we spent time together,” Joseph shared.
Beyond their relationship as a couple, another reason that makes their bond special is their shared passion for community service.
Now a retired public servant, Joseph spends his time advancing the causes of Filipino community groups in Canberra such as the Philippine Australian Association and Canberra Pinoy Advocacy Group.
He also sings with the Canberra Chordsmen, the only male acapella group in the ACT.
While Emy, who still teaches at the Australian National University, also dedicates her expertise helping international students through the Philippine Studies Group and spreading Jose Rizal’s teachings through the Kababaihang Rizalista Inc.
Emy and Joseph’s love for each other and the community they serve is manifested through their happy marriage and disposition in life.
“We hope to travel this year and take a break from our busy schedules,” Joseph said.
Emy, on the other hand, is committed to advancing her work in the community while spending time watching tennis, reading books and listening to their favourite music.
Still enamoured by each other, Emy and Joseph’s love grows stronger and they hope for their partnership to last decades long.
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