Marissa Balandra is a compassionate and dedicated nurse with 11 years of experience serving in the Gulf region. Alongside her professional career, she actively participates in the Legion of Mary and other prayer groups. Known for her kindness and generosity, Marissa frequently opens her home to host church services and community gatherings. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and her genuine care for others continue to inspire those around her.

An ex-Navy officer with over two decades of experience as an administrator in the Gulf, Willy is an active member of the Legion of Mary and has contributed extensively to various Church ministries. His roles include serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a Parish Council Member, a catechism teacher, and a church pianist. His commitment reflects a life dedicated to faith and service.

Happy husband, father, and grandfather.

Elisa P. Ledesma is a retired Pediatric Nurse with an illustrious career spanning 42 years, 30 of which she devoted to the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh. Elisa was an active member of the Legion of Mary and served as the Pilgrimage Coordinator for St. Arethas Parish, organizing seven successful pilgrimages. Currently, she is an active member of the World Apostolate of Fatima and a devoted parishioner at the Patronage of St. Joseph Parish in Pototan, Iloilo. She serves as the Chairperson of the Apostolic Council of her parish and has been appointed as the Vicariate Lay Delegate of St. Matthias. Her life exemplifies a profound dedication to faith, service, and community.

Lourdes “Odette” Orozco is a WIP (work in progress), striving to manifest God’s greatness in her life and to inspire as many people as possible. Currently active in various spiritual communities, Odette balances her faith with her professional and personal pursuits.

With background in Applied Business Management and Leadership, an MBA, and a degree in Behavioral Science, she spent 10 years in the Middle East, working as an HR Manager while actively volunteering with the Northern Arabia Catholic Faith Services. Upon returning to the Philippines, Odette ventured into the financial services industry, where she now serves as a committed servant leader at a leading insurance company. She is also a successful entrepreneur. Above all, Odette is a loving mother to her two “global” children and a supportive wife to her husband, Garry.

Fortunato “Natoy” Simbulan is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with nearly two decades of experience in the Gulf, primarily in the construction industry. He has been deeply committed to serving the Church, actively participating in several ministries. He was a dedicated member of the Legion of Mary and formerly served as the head of the Filipino Catholic Action. Currently, Natoy continues his ministry in Pampanga, where he serves as the head of the Service Ministry and as a member of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Virgen de los Remedios Parish. His steadfast dedication to faith and service is an inspiration to his community.

Juliet Soriaga is a former Financial Analyst who dedicated 12 years of service to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. While in the Gulf, she actively contributed to various parish ministries, serving as a community representative and assisting the Parish Priest in organizing pilgrimages to religious sites in Europe and the Holy Land. She also played a vital role in coordinating training programs for new lectors and commentators. She was a Committee member for the fundraising activities for the construction of the Cathedral in Bahrain, a project initiated by the late Bishop Camillo Ballin. Now residing in Manila, Juliet continues to embody a life of faith and service, drawing on her rich experiences to inspire others.