Through sheer hard work and sacrifice, Maring and Fredy Atienza supported their family of 10 children by selling fishball and balut in Batangas. Despite the struggles, their children have now given back by transforming their once small and fragile home into a spacious and sturdy house.
The couple shared their journey on the program “Good News,” recalling how difficult yet fulfilling it was to raise their family. “If we don’t work, we don’t eat,” Fredy said, reflecting on their past.
Over their 45 years of marriage, they endured living in a cramped, makeshift home, often ridiculed by others for their living conditions. To make ends meet, the couple borrowed capital to sell street food, including fishball and balut, and later ventured into baking and making hollow blocks.
Their earnings were stretched thin, barely covering food, school expenses, and daily needs. Maring recounted how P350 had to suffice for rice, meals, and her children’s school allowances. Despite the financial constraints, the siblings supported one another and remained resilient.
The children also worked to contribute. Ferdinand, one of the Atienza children, helped sell bread baked by his father early in the morning before going to school. The family faced judgment and ridicule, but their determination never wavered.
Through perseverance and the couple’s unwavering dedication, all of their children graduated college, except the youngest, who is still in school and being supported by the older siblings. In gratitude, the siblings pooled their resources to build their parents a new house. The once modest home now boasts a living room, kitchen, two bathrooms, seven bedrooms, and even a balcony.
“I never imagined we’d be living in a house made of stone. It’s such a huge change,” Fredy shared emotionally.
However, the family faced another trial when Typhoon Kristine damaged their new home. Despite this, the Atienzas stood strong, rebuilding their lives together as they always have.
