Unceasing prayers and hope for the best kept Marilyn Sumbi strong during the most trying times of her life.

Marilyn, a 30-year-old mother who was already experiencing severe labor pains, had to endure hours of searching for a hospital where she could deliver her twins.

During those harrowing hours, she and her husband knocked on the doors of nine hospitals around Metro Manila but each time they were denied admission.

A woman of lesser of resolve could have given up due to that horrible experience. But not Marilyn who she kept her composure, remained steadfast, prayed unceasingly, and hoped for the best.

Her prayers were finally answered when she delivered healthy twins at the Ospital ng Maynila (OsMA) on December 23, 2009.

With the twins alive and kicking, Sumbi said her best Christmas gift from God was her family which remains complete.

“Masaya ako kasi buhay ako at ang twins ko. Kumpleto kami, buong pamilya ngayon Pasko at nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos,” said Marilyn in her hospital bed at the Ospital ng Maynila. Her husband, 40-year-old Leonardo from Negros Occidental, said they spent Christmas at the OsMA and they were all happy because his wife and twins are alive and healthy.

“Wala daw problem ang kambal. Nagawan ng paraan na hindi na nila kailangan ilagay sa incubator. May ginawa silang medical procedure,” he said. The twins are both good-looking and they are likely to be named Joe and Fred, a tribute to Joe Taruc of radio DZRH and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who facilitated Marilyn’s admission at OsMA.

During the fateful hours before her delivery, Marilyn thought she and twins would die. But she kept her faith strong and decided not to give up as she was with her husband during those trying times.

Marilyn said she and her husband kept on praying even though nine hospitals refused her.

During that odyssey around Metro Manila, Marilyn and her husband had to endure riding in jeepneys when they realized that what was left of their money was just P1,500 after initially riding in taxi cabs.

With the rejection, the couple, who lived in together for almost six years before getting married in 2003, decided to return to their Las Piñas City home in Sitio Pugad Lawin, Almanza 2.

“Niyakap ko ang tatlo kong mga anak, sina Marinela, 9, Bianca Marie, 7 at Mayeth, 3 pag-uwi namin,” she said. She said was so tired and exhausted.