Village Connect
Ruby and Joel Villablanca’s long journey toward a church wedding is a story shaped by steadfast love, shared sacrifice, and unshakeable faith—culminating in a dream fulfilled through the 10th Kasalan sa SM, a program of the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation. Their story began more than two decades ago in a humble supermarket—now SM East Ortigas—where a 20-year-old Ruby first met Joel.
A year later, they welcomed their first child, and like many young parents facing financial uncertainty, marriage felt like a distant dream. Ruby, a breadwinner, recalled juggling responsibilities and doubts, but said faith became their compass. Even as she pursued a career at SM Appliance to stabilize their family’s future, a church wedding remained beyond reach, leading them instead to civil matrimony after eight years together.
Now in their 40s, the couple has lived the vows “in sickness and in health” long before they ever walked down the aisle. From navigating everyday struggles to facing the frightening moment when their second child lost his vision due to rising pressure in his brain while Ruby was away for work, the family’s endurance was tested repeatedly.
Yet Ruby credits her husband Joel’s unwavering strength and devotion—having set aside his own career to care for their children—as the anchor that kept their household grounded. Communication, patience, and scriptural principles guided their union, helping them weather challenges with calm understanding. “Faith po talaga ang naging foundation ng family namin,” Ruby said.
For years, planning a church wedding felt impossible amid work schedules, long commutes, and the constant demands of family life. But Kasalan sa SM changed everything. The program not only provided marriage preparation seminars but also took care of the couple’s wedding essentials—from Ruby’s gown to Joel’s barong—lifting the burden that once made the dream seem unattainable.
On their wedding day at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, Ruby finally walked down the aisle, receiving the Sacrament of Marriage she had prayed for. For her, the moment was more than ceremonial—it placed Christ firmly at the center of their marriage. “Isang blessing po talaga,” she said, grateful for a love strengthened not just by time, but by faith every step of the way.
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