In the Maalaala Mo Kaya June 8 episode “Wheelchair,” we witnessed how an ordinary man like Melvin became an extraordinary brother and father. Having a brother who suffers from cerebral palsy and a child who has autism, Melvin proved to be a responsible not only to the family he is raising but to his biological family as well.
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It was a heart-rending and an inspiring testimony of self-sacrifice and love for family. After letting us know his life’s tale, Melvin along with his wife Rosella touched us more with their perspectives and disposition in life that led them to champion every life struggle.
In their full interview with MMK host Charo Santos-Concio, Melvin tells us that like any other man will probably do if put in his situation, he also questioned why he had to face those challenges. However, as he kept on asking that question, he began to realize that the struggles he faced made him stronger, and made him more grateful in all the blessings he received in life.
“’Bakit nangyari sa’min ‘yon?’ ‘Yon po ‘yong tanong ko… Kapatid ko po special na, tapos ‘yong anak ko special pa. Pero lately, na-realize din namin na isa siya sa dahilan siguro para ma-appreciate namin ‘yong maliliit na bagay na mga blessings sa’min,” Melvin shared.
Of course, he will not be able to surpass everything without his loving and understanding wife, Rosella. Melvin tells us that they are college sweethearts from Central Luzon State University. “Nakita ko po na wife material siya,” Melvin says.
Rosella spoke how hard it has also been for her as Melvin’s wife saying: “Kung minsan po, napapaisip ako na siyempre ‘yong pamilya namin… talagang nasasakripisyo.”
Nevertheless, Rosella chose to understand and accept their situation, and help Melvin in his responsibilities as a man.
When asked what advice could he give to people like him who sometimes feel like giving up because of the seemingly insurmountable struggles in life, Melvin encourages us saying: “Lahat po ng bagay, may plano po ang Diyos. Kahit po ngayon, hindi naman din po natatapos ‘yong pagsubok. Pero ‘yong lang din po ‘yong iniisip namin, ‘yon ang nagbibigay sa’min ng lakas… na matatapos at matatapos din po lahat. Malalagpasan at malalagpasan po ‘yong mga pagsubok.”
Watch Melvin and Rosella’s full interview with MMK host Charo Santos-Concio in this video.