As a couple, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere have seen each other grow both in love and life in the medical field. Photo By Pinggot Zulueta

MANILA, Philippines — Testiny’s miracles in love are not always dramatic. Sometimes, fate even works its way to bring two persons together. In the case of Doctors Eric and Tere Pascual, they met each other casually in a review center, as they were prepping up for medical school.

“Both of us were enrolled in the review center as we were preparing to take the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT),” says Dr. Eric, on their first meeting back on August 21, 1993. “I saw Tere sitting in one area then when she went out of the room, I followed her and introduced myself to her.”

Dr. Tere, on the other hand, found Dr. Eric handsome and well-mannered. Initially, they started off as friends and Dr. Eric would visit Dr. Tere at home. Eventually, Dr. Eric courted Dr. Tere. The two started to go out on dates, until Dr. Tere finally agreed to be Dr. Eric’s girlfriend.

The day Dr. Tere rewarded Dr. Eric’s chivalry on October 15, 1993 is something that she remembers fondly. “We were at SM Megamall to buy tickets for a Peabo Bryson concert,” shares Dr. Tere. “There was suddenly a holdup situation in another floor.” A gunshot was fired, and people panicked, including Dr. Tere. Dr. Eric remained calm. “Eric held my hand and told me, ‘I’ll always protect you.’ I was super touched because he’s super nice, protective, and he’s a gentleman,” says Dr. Tere.

The couple’s relationship got the thumbs up from both their parents. “He would visit me in my house when my parents are there,” recalls Dr. Tere. “My father wasn’t the type who lets other men hang around the house. He does not like it when they would not be properly dressed or would just go there for some free food.” Dr. Eric easily won the trust of Dr. Tere’s father. “He did everything right. He was punctual and he would be well-dressed and well-mannered. Then, we usually spent hours studying together. Then in November, 1993, I met his parents for the first time when we celebrated Eric’s birthday,” relates Dr. Tere.

Dr. Tere was nervous at first. However, her nervousness was easily abated when Dr. Eric’s parents treated her with enthusiasm. “His parents were very accommodating and I saw how much they loved Eric as a son,” says Dr. Tere. “My parents found her very good and they liked that she and I shared a common goal toward becoming doctors. We share the same values and upbringing,” shares Dr. Eric.

In 1994, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere managed to enter the UERM medical school. For four years, they also became classmates. While dating, the two would spend time studying together. “We would study in the library of the Quezon City Sports Club,” says Dr. Eric. “Then afterwards, we would dine out.”

Being in a relationship further strengthened the couple’s resolve to become good doctors. “Even if we were still not together, we were adamant on our goal to eventually become doctors. We’re totally in sync,” relates Dr. Tere. “She and I understood the challenges that came with being a medical student. Sometimes, we would spend more than 36 hours on duty and would skip meals,” adds Dr. Eric.

Basically, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere were there for each other in times of love and stress as aspiring doctors. Both of them understood each other’s hectic schedules. “When he says he’s tired, I understand and vice versa,” says Dr. Tere. “We would also watch each other in terms of our grades and performance as medical students.”

After completing four years in general medicine, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere decided to tie the knot. They were married on October 25, 1998, a few months shy of their one-year internship for specialization (Internal Medicine for Dr. Eric and Dermatology for Dr. Tere) in February 1994.

Given the fast-paced nature of their work, Dr. Tere shares that the same went for their wedding. “We didn't even have a honeymoon yet,” Dr. Tere says in gleeful jest. As Dr. Eric explains, “At that time, we were not entitled to any vacation leave. After we got married, we immediately went back to work.” Dr. Tere adds that they only got one day off for their wedding. “We didn’t stop for anything.”

There were minor adjustments during their first year of marriage, according to Dr. Tere. “Basically, we were so busy finishing medical school that we just continued to study.” It was a rollercoaster ride for the two. After medical school, they had to deal with board exams and residency duties. Simply put, their schedules became more hectic.

During the early years of their marriage, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere are grateful for the support they received from their parents. As budding doctors, they fully appreciated the help they extended during the formative phase of their careers. For example, Dr. Eric’s mother hired a nanny to take care of the couple’s eldest daughter when the two were immersed in medical duties.

When Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere have spare time, they prefer to spend it with their children (two daughters and one son). Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere disclose that having children strengthened their commitment to each other as a couple. “Every moment with our children is memorable,” says Dr. Eric.

As parents, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere maintain a good sense of balance when it comes to disciplining their children and trying to give them the best of what life has to offer. “We give them what they want but with a limit,” shares Dr. Tere. This balance, perhaps, is the reason why their children understand what they do for a living.

“Our children know that when it’s our free time, it’s really dedicated to them,” says Dr. Tere, who now works as a dermatologist for The Medical City and operates her own dermatology clinic, the Emerald Skincare Center in Ortigas. Meanwhile, Dr. Eric is now a Cardiology Consultant for The Medical City.

“As parents, I also feel that you have to show to your kids that you work hard to earn a living and provide for your family,” says Dr. Eric. “Through that, I think they will study well so that they will also be able to provide for their own families in the future.”

On their leisure time, the family goes to the mall or does some sports like badminton. For vacation, Dr. Eric says that their children usually love to go to beach.

In their household, the couple credits open communication to addressing little misunderstandings and collaborating on decisions that best suit their family. “It’s very important for a couple to share common goals in life,” says Dr. Tere.

With regards to couples who are also doctors, Dr. Tere shares that “it’s important not to give your spouse a hard time.” It’s about better understanding your partner’s schedule and work. “My mother-in-law told me that if Eric’s work irritates me, I should never lash out at him in front of our children because it will also make their mindset negative toward him.” This is especially true during emergency cases, when one has to suddenly go out to tend to a patient. “There are times when you need to go to a patient who is in a critical condition,” shares Dr. Eric. Eleventh hour surprises are part of a doctor’s life. “Eric is always on call. Sometimes he gets calls as early as 3 a.m. When he rushes to emergencies, I tell my kids that it’s his duty as a doctor and it’s something he does for a living.” It also pays to support each other’s accomplishments and to not be insecure about your partner’s feats.

Having been married for 13 years, Dr. Eric and Dr. Tere feel that they already spent half of their lives with each other. Perhaps theirs is a case of one of true love’s adages: love is not just about the two of you looking at each other, it’s about facing the same direction in life.

HE SAID: In life, you meet different people; sometimes there are those you feel that you just don’t jibe with. I’m lucky that I met her early in my life and the two of us really clicked. My message for her is simple: Thank you for being a good wife and a great mother to our kids.

SHE SAID: Before we went to medical school, he said to me, ‘You’re the one.’ (laughs) Eric is a very decent guy. Here’s my message for him: Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for giving me the best life.