A Story of Love and Generosity

By Niña Terol-Zialcita

Yesterday, the 9^th of September 2009, I married my best friend and the love of my life—beside the Philippine flag at the Philippine Consulate in Milan, witnessed by American friends from the Philippines and newfound Filipino friends from Italy. We were in the midst of the Homeless World Cup, at about the same time that our team was playing the great and friendly team from Japan. That singular event was a statement of many things past, present, and future. It was, above all, a true story of love and generosity.

Paul’s love for me, for his art and advocacy, and for his country, I need not explain. He has devoted his entire adult life to the creation of good and beautiful things that represent the best of our people and our culture. He has offered his time and his passion to bring powerful music to this beautiful game of football, which is now transforming lives from all around the world.  Moveover, he has taken my hand and invited me to be his companion in this great, lifelong adventure that is changing our lives and many others.

Our wedding in the company of dear friends and allies, and the wonderful picnic reception that followed at the park just outside Arena Civica, was a concrete demonstration of friendship and generosity. Friends whom we had met just months ago, Bill and Debbi Shaw, became witnesses to Paul’s and my commitment to bind ourselves to each other and to our advocacies. Friends that we had made while here, Analiza Marfori and Romil Pagtakhan of Alpha Phi Omega (APO)-Milano, shared their time, their good vibes, and their resources to help bring our wedding to life. Other friends from APO Milano pitched in to cook great food and set up a picnic reception to remember. Everyone agreed that it was their most unique wedding celebration yet. It was and will be our only wedding, and it was beyond perfect.

By the time the picnic was well underway, our boys from Team Philippines beat the aquadrums just as Paul had taught them months earlier. Passersby from the park stopped by to witness the action, and we all invited them to break bread with us. Some colleagues from the Homeless World Cup also stopped by to partake of our great dishes and share in our celebration.

That day I understood how a few pieces of fish and some loaves of bread could be multiplied and be the source of nourishment for many.

Our wedding is but a symbol of what the Homeless World Cup stands for: love, generosity, friendship… and the hope that lines will be blurred and the world will learn to live as one. Where there is sharing, there is peace. Where there is peace, there is love. And where there is love, lives can be born and reborn, and the world can be a much better place.