Our Love Story

A Love Anchored in Sibale

The story began on a fateful day—July 16, 1973—when the MV Mactan was en route to Manila. Aboard the vessel was a young apprentice mate, Jeremias “Jerry” B. Cedeño, Jr., a determined seafarer from Libungan, North Cotabato Mindanao. As the ship sailed through the waters, it was caught in a fierce squall, compounded by engine trouble. In a desperate bid for safety, the captain steered the vessel toward Maestre de Campo Island or fondly known as “Sibale Island”. But as they approached the bay of Barrio Masudsud, the MV Mactan succumbed to the storm and sank.

Many lives were spared that day, and among the survivors was Jerry. In the aftermath, his company, Compania Maritima, instructed him to return to Maestre de Campo to serve as their representative during the insurance claims process. What was meant to be a temporary assignment marked the beginning of Jerry’s unexpected chapter on the island of Sibale.

Meanwhile, Meredith “Baby” Luistro Fabroa was in Manila when the tragedy struck. Later that year, in December 1973, she returned to her hometown of Sibale to attend the town fiesta. It was during this festive season that fate brought her and Jerry together.

What followed was a whirlwind romance that quickly became the talk of the town. The idea of a man from distant Mindanao—brought to Sibale by a shipwreck—falling in love with a local island girl seemed like something out of a storybook. Yet, despite the whispers and raised eyebrows, love prevailed.

On March 7, 1974, Jerry and Baby officially became a couple. Baby began her career as a teacher in Sibale, while Jerry pursued opportunities to join an international vessel. But before setting sail once more, he made a heartfelt decision: he couldn’t leave without marrying the woman who had captured his heart.

On September 6, 1975, they were wed in a civil ceremony in Manila. Soon after, as they prepared to welcome their first child, they chose to solemnize their union before God. On December 1, 1975, a church wedding followed, sealing their bond with faith and love.

From that moment on, Jerry and Baby built a life together, filled with love, resilience, and shared dreams. They were blessed with three children: Jeremy, Jeff, and Jareth—each a testament to a love story that began with a storm, but endured through calm and chaos alike.