Denver Divino, a former seaman, could not help but miss his family terribly while at work.

Denver said that as a young husband, and father to two baby daughters, he often was stricken with homesickness while on board the ship he was serving. 

It may have taken a while, but the decision to establish his own family business in Iloilo City has reaped rewards because it allows huge quality time for his family, being able to share in the parenting responsibilities hands-on.

“Para ma-experience ko ring makasama ang mga anak ko. Kasi ilang buwan lang, one month, two months balik na naman sa barko. Minsan naho-homesick ka kapag nagco-communicate sa mga bata lalo na sa aking asawa,” Denver said.

He admits that returns in selling oysters and working as a delivery rider are not really that much compared to the earnings of a seaman. However, no sum can come at par with the level of happiness he feels when he is with his family.

Indeed, he has pondered that time is priceless, time is irreversible.

According to his wife, Julie Anne, they went through a lot of challenges but what is most important now is that Denver is a persevering partner who is physically present. 

“Iba talaga kung kasama mo ang asawa mo sa pagtataguyod ng aming mga anak,” Julie Anne said.

Valentine’s Day in 2025 is extra special to the couple because this is the first time they are together in their six years of marriage.

“Marami kaming pinagdaanan noong magkasintahan pa lang kami hanggang ngayong may mga anak na. Pero isa lang, pinapatatag kami ng Diyos,” Julie Anne said.

Denver added that they have tackled the challenges that come normally to couples by being honest.

“Communication, honesty, at pagtutulungan lang sa isa’t-isa para ang problema magiging magaan,” he said.