VILLASIS, Pangasinan—An inspiring book on love, life and serendipity, authored and published by Melandrew T. Velasco, Media Touchstone Ventures Inc. (MTVi) president and CEO, was formally launched here recently.
The legacy book entitled “Pete and Sol: Forever in Love” chronicles the remarkable lives and the enduring love of Peter Montilla Jr., and Soledad Obedoza-Montilla, who have been happily married for 47 years and counting.
The book launch was graced by Bishop of Urdaneta Rev. Jacinto Jose, who gave the blessing and invocation; Villasis Councilor Judith Moulic Morden, who presented the Sangguniang Bayan resolution citing the Montilla couple as outstanding Villasenians; and Viva artist Sean Collado, who serenaded the couple and the guests.
Despite the many challenges, hurdles and difficulties they have faced together for over four decades, the Montilla couple has come out unscathed, and their love and relationship remains stronger than ever.
“They are like the grandparents or godparents to the people they serve at GK Namnama, overseeing their needs and their concerns,” said Velasco. “I was humbled to witness that the people whom they serve, admire and look up to Pete and Sol not only for their humanitarian work but for their humility, their compassion and their heart of service.”
The book traces the couple’s humble roots and childhood experiences, and their mindset growing up in such peaceful towns of Balaoan, La Union and Villasis, Pangasinan.
The book also recounts the challenges that Pete encountered while as an enlisted and a commissioned officer in the US Navy, and how Sol managed to overcome prejudices in several US hospitals as a licensed nurse.
The book also shows how their union produced two adorable daughters, Marisol and Cynde, and recounts how the whole family moved from one place to another, adjusted and settled cross-country, moved to Virginia, and finally back to their native land in the Philippines.
Now in their early 70s, Pete and Sol are also certified philanthropists, serving with Gawad Kalinga and giving back to their community. Both are also jetsetters as they have traveled through most countries in the world.
“It is my hope that just like Pete and Sol, all those reading this book will strive to make their relationships enduring and to love unconditionally whether to a special someone, a family member, or a faithful friend,” says Velasco, the family biographer of former President Fidel V. Ramos and other eminent families.