Journey of Life

"No one has traveled the road of success without ever crossing the street of failures. GOD never promised us an easy journey in life, only safe arrival."

"Never waste an oppurtunity to express how much you love your family, friends and relatives. You will never know when they will be gone for good."

Journey of Life

A remarkable true life story of an; adopted, molested, rich kid, local Cebu T.V Host & addicted young adult. On how God spared his life and brought him out of the drug culture and pains in life of his day.

I am your Creator

You were in my care even before you were born.

-Isaiah 44:2-

I was taught from the infancy to love God; but when I was 9, I rebelled and at the age of 12 I left home. 12 years I lived in a tragic and confused life. I even became a drug addict and dealer as will, and almost ruined my life. Let me tell you what led to my change in lifestyle and return to my Heavenly father’s feet.

I am John D'aprile Lo but my biological name is Francis Roque, Jr.. I was born in July 1, 1984 to a Roman Catholic family in Balagtas, Bulacan. I was the second boy of 2 children in our family. My biological parents were both jobless that time.

The creation

My biological Mother Lea Sisno Romano was addicted since her high school days in her home town in Madridejos, Bantayan Island. In the northern part of Cebu Province, 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from the city. She was the youngest of two children in there family. She never experienced being love by her biological parents. They’re very young when there mother left them in there auntie. My grandmother went to the United States in Arizona to find greener pastures, but she never came back. Because of the absences of my grandmother, she became rebellious. She was influence with wrong friends and indulged in undesirable organization.

After my mother graduated from high school, she decided to continue her studies in Ateneo de Manila University. But the plan changed, she met my father in a finest resto bar in Manila. They both fall in love with each others.

Then my mother lived with my father Francis Santos Roque, Sr. at the age of 19. And my father was 34 years old, that time in July 1979. In September 27 in 1980, they had their first son name Levin John Romano Roque. He was not a healthy baby boy when my mother delivered him from her womb. Both of them were acquired in serious illness that has to be cured. So she decided to go back to her province to be cured from the illness. After few months my mother went back to my father in bulacan without their son. My father was so upset when he knew my mother left their son in her relatives.

After 3 years, my mother got pregnant. It was July 1 in 1984 when I was born. I was not a healthy baby boy as well. I was also acquired from the illness that mother has. She was suffered from tuberculosis. During those days my father was unemployed that he could not even buy medicine and milk for us. They were tremendously facing a financial crisis. My mother was skin-and-bone during that time. Neighbors and friends were advising her to go back to her family in Cebu and have a good life there. I was day old when my mother brought me to Cebu.

I was sold

It was Sunday afternoon in July of year 1984. For the reason that mother seems so hopeless of the situations and wanted me to have a better future ahead. She sold me to a well-off Chinese family outside in a fine Chinese cuisine restaurant in Mango Avenue at Fuente Osmeña at the amount of Php. 1,000.00. Having enough money to go back to my father, she went back again in Bulacan. My father asked my mother; “where is Junior?” because she was terrified that my father would get mad at her, she did not tell him the truth. She told my father that she left me in her relatives in Cebu.

Days have passed, after she arrived from cebu. Mother was dreadfully hopeless of the illness she has. She was skin-and-bone from suffering in tuberculosis. She can not under go for a medication for my father were still unemployed. Few days later, mother died. She was at the age of 23 years old when she finally laid rest. My father could not accept for her lost. He was really desperate for the death of my mother. Everything was all gone for him. His two boys were taken away from him and now his wife. His life was so dejected and screwed-up.

My life in the States

I was at the very young age when my parents left me in the states to pursue my studies. I was staying with a Aunt Mary Anne Grace Lo, my Grandmother and a nanny. I was in 3rd Grade when they sent me to Los Angeles to study. First week was a bit hard for me cause its my first time to study in the states but after few weeks. Things changed

To be continued...

To look for my Biological Father

In April 2005, I had the opportunity to look for my biological father in Bulacan. On coming, at the Manila North Harbor, just before the ship will dock, I had the panoramic view of the Manila. I vividly recalled, that I was so excited and scared what would be the reaction of my father or maybe he is already passed away but I was praying in silent in my heart that I hope he is still alive so I can ask him what really happened and how they met my mother.

After a few days staying in Manila, Ate Zabeth and I decide to look for my father in Bulacan. When we were still inside the public vehicle, I ask the driver if he knows Balagtas, Bulacan. I hand him the paper were the address of my father was written. He told me that he doesnt know the exact place but he knows were is balagtas, Bulacan. The guy sitting in front of us keeps on staring at me. It seems I look familiar for him. He ask me if where am I going. I showed him the paper were the address of my father. He told me that he knows the place. I will just go with him. I was happy to know that he knows the place.

When we arrived, we took a tricycle. I was really quiet and I vividly recalled, that I told Ate Zabeth to look for my father. When we arrived the place everyone were staring at us. When Ate Zabeth approach the old woman who happend to be the sister of my father. Ate Zabeth ask her if where is the house of francis Roque. They were all quite and continue to stare at me. When they ask Ate Zabeth if were we came from. When she said, were from Cebu. All of them hug me. I was so quite and shock.

They called my half sisters (Jen2x and Bing2x), then they let us come in to their humble and small house. They called my father. While he was approaching in the house. My heart beats really fast! my emotions were mixed. I wanted to hug him but I am scared that he might not accept me. Then, he went near to me and ask for forgiveness. He cried and explain everything what happened. His brother was there to comfort the both of us and explain what really happened.

Days have passed, everything were fine but I have notice that my half sister doesn't like me to be there and close with our father. Envious was there. She want to have all the attention of our father. One occasion, I ask my father to bring me were my mother was buried but he never took me there. I went by myself and talk to my mother. I felt that my father doesn't love us anymore but from the very beginning I knew that he doesn't love me anymore.

It was after a big confrontation were I decided to leave the house and go back to cebu. I am already happy that I have already met my biological father. I want him to be happy with his new journey of life with his new family. Though it was painful for me but I have to accept the fact that he has already a new family.

end frustrated in Bacolod City

All the time that I was living a life with no direction, cant support myself and even my 6 years old son in Bantayan Island. I went to Bacolod City to start again and find a job, but I end up frustrated and even more wounded. From Bantayan Island I arrived in the city around 4 in the afternoon. I recall that I only have ph.10.00 in my pocket. No place to sleep, food to eat nor friends. I was totally stranger. I went in the street to look for a church that could probably help me. While walking in the street with no direction, I saw a church! I was happy and excited to go there. Ive spoke with the Pastor but I end up frustrated. He endorse me to Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF).

When I arrive in the church, everyone were staring at me. I did ask the lady standing beside the door if I could talk to the Pastor. She asked me the purpose but I told her its confidential. Ive spoke with the Pastor and he help me start a new life. I got to meet new spiritual friend in the church. My stay in Bacolod were fine at that moment. I found a job as a TV host in a local channel and become a travel writer in Panay News Paper.

I quit my job working in the call center and a writer in Panay News Paper as a travel columnist. Though its really painful for me but I have to leave Bacolod City. I miss my new friends and office mate but I have to make a choice.

Trying my hope in Dumaguete City

One early morning out for jogging at the Freedom Park in Dumaguete City. I saw a family with their children sleeping in the street. It hurts my feelings, what if that would happened to me again? As I looked at them, a strong desire burned in my heart. I wanted to give them hope because I saw myself in them. I have been in their situation. I have no place to rest and food to eat when I arrived in Dumaguete City but a family were kind enough to help and let me stay in their house. Ian and Ate Jennifer were the people helped me move on with my life. They were like my family. We eat together, go shopping, go to church together and even share emotional pains to one another.

One night, I turned on the television inside the room and tuned in to the program that was being aired. It was "The 700 Club." It was the father of Pastor Brian Kairuz, responded to the program to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I also pray with them but it was just a words on my lips.

Few days after, I was worried that I badly need a job to help ate Jennifer and pay my credits. While watching the SkyCable bulletin, I saw a company that needs a writer and marketing agent. I took the mobile no. that were flash on the screen and called them up right away. Ive spoke with the owner and ask me to meet him tomorrow at 2 in the afternoon.

The next day, around 1:20 in the afternoon Ian and I arrived in the place were we would apply for the job that we absolutely do not know. The foreign guy who owned the company were really amazed of our presence. He ask as about SEO (search engine optimization). After he interview us, He told us to be back on Saturday for our training. I was so happy to hear that good news. I felt being released and blessed! And finally I have found a job.

But few weeks after, I decided to resign and leave Dumaguete City for so many reasons, though I do not want to leave but I have too. I was also busy with my part time work as a wedding planner in Amlan, Negros Orienal. That time I was confident enough to resign for I do have a wedding to organize which would earned double the earning I do have being an SEO Specialist.

Death of my adopted Father

In April 2007 in Davao City, I was working in a Christian Radio Station that I was working as a Disc Jockey. When I opened my friendster account to check my message inbox. I was surprised when my cousin Hazel Russiana informed me that my adopted father passed away last Sunday and his body will be laid to rest this Sunday 11 in the morning. I paused for awhile and called Pastor Albert Lastimosa to inform him that my father died. He ask me to call Charles Ice Plant to confirm if my brother is in Cebu for the burial. The security guard who answer my call told me that Richard went to Cebu for an emergency. My heart beats more faster.

The last person to give me a confirmation is my adopted mother. I called her at her mobile phone. When she said " just pray and ask God to give you strength." I was silent for a few minutes and cry out to God. I recall I asked God "Why Lord? Gusto pa unta ko maka kita ni Papa. Ug mangayo uf pasaylo." (Why Lord? I still wanna see Papa and ask for forgiveness) but everything where to late.

A few minutes, my missionary friend Keith Roussel arrived in the station. Release a words of comfort. After my boardwork, he asked me what is my plan. I told him that I wanna have some coffee and go home to talk to Pastor Albert. When we arrive, Pastor Albert were already asleep, I had to option but to go back in the city and drink some coffee. So Keith and I went to jacksridge for a coffee, then around 11 in the evening we decided to go home but I told him that I'll be sleeping tonight at the motel. He dropped me nearby his place.

When I opened the door of the room. I started crying, I kneeled down and pray to God. I miss my father so much. Despite we are not that close to him. I am blessed to have a father like him. I send a text message to my sister Janet telling her that I miss father so much. I am so sorry that I never obey him and I have hurt him so much.

After a few days, Pastor Albert and I went to Cebu to attend the last wake of my father. We went to the funeral and people were staring at me like a dead person arose.

I was standing in my fathers casket when I realize my name was not included. The more I felt so rejected and alone. I was standing and crying that I was not even recognized by my family. That moment I have to admit that I wanna end up with my life. I was quite and controlled my emotions but I end up telling my sister Janet that I am going back to Davao after a few minutes. I could not barely face all the people who have hurt and stared at me.

So we took the morning flight going back to Davao City. While I was still in the airplane I could not stop my emotions from crying. I miss my dad so much. I have lost my biological mother, and now my adopted father.

to be continued...

My life in Manila

I met, fell in love and lived with a retired plane engineer who promised me to take care of me. But those words are empty. Ive stayed with him for almost months. Things were getting smoothly but one night he beat me like I never thought I would still be alive. I could have forgiven him if that had been all, but time proved that he was more than a confused, violent man. He was a beast and a pervert. On separate occasions, he asked me to dance in front of his foreign friends naked and lick his private organ. I told him that I can not do it but he forced me. He would beaten me up if I will not do it. That night I wanted to escape from him but I have nowhere to go. I was all by myself in Manila. I have no relatives or friend to ask for any help.

My life was so miserable. The next day while walking in the street so hopeless. I saw a church. I went and talked a Pastor but I did not open everything to him. I was scared and ashamed that they might not accept me because of the situation that I am facing. I would recall that every night I have to go to the bathroom just to cry and pray to God. I reached my breaking point, which was also my turning point. Crying like a baby and kneeling down on the floor at 1 a.m, I prayed and asked God to forgive my sins. I surrender my life again to Jesus Christ. I pleaded with God to pick up the broken pieces of my life. I wanted to end up my life drinking 20 sleeping tablets but God sent me a friend to encourage and help me grow in the Lord. And realize that I still have a life to lived.

I met Rommel Asibal and John Ong at the Victory Christian Fellowship in Taguig. They thought me to fight back the pains and surrender it to Jesus Christ. Rommel stood like a big brother to me. There was a point that I was not able to go to work for I do not have any single centavo in my pocket, but He ask me to be honest every time I do not have money. I cried when he left the apartment. I kneeled down and thank God for giving me a spitritual brother.

After a few weeks, I left the callcenter industry. I was involved with the orphange centre in Muntinlupa City. I was given the oppurtunity to organize a fundraising event for the kids. My stay with the orphan kids encourage me more to lived my life with God and realize the beauty of life that God has for me. I recall all the bad memories and pains I have been through. But I know God allowed it for me to be strong.

At my Career

I started my career in show business in 2005. The first local television show I had was with Cebu Party Channel 44 and Hot Patrol Channel 6 owned by Mr. Raymund Aquino. I vividly remember the first show I had was in Flame It Burger! were I tasted the best grilled burger in the City. As my career was picking up, my spiritual life was going downhill, there are times that I do not like to attend the young adult service in our church because I was busy with other things. After few months, a local channel offered me a high compensation that never give me a second thought of accepting the offer. I was working with Cebu Hot Channel 13 but in the other hand, I was back again with my drugs. I met a guy whom I thought would love me and gave me the emptiness that i have been longing but I end up being used and frustrated. Every night I would send a text message that I want to meet him. He would ask me to meet him at Valleyfront in Happy Valley. Argue and confrontation were always there. I felt he was just using me but I was blind and scared that he might leave me.

One night, I fall asleep, and few hours when I woke up I noticed he was already gone and took all the last money I had in my wallet. I was crying in the bed helplessly. I called up my best friend Emily Uy around 5:30 early in the morning to pick me up and pay the motel bill.

When my best friend arrived in the place, she was so angry. I remember she told me that If I will not stop seeing that guy my life would turn miserable and hurt those people who thought that I was already changed. That very moment I told myself that I have to stop seeing Allen Despi. After few weeks, I have move on and went back to my career as a local TV host. It was hard for me to leave and forget Allen for he was once my source of strength and comfort when I need someone to cry. He was there to fill the emptiness that I have been seeking. There are times that I will long to see him but I have to be strong and determined in my decision.

Opportunities were there but I decided to quit my job as a TV host and producer. I was earning much but it was killing my spiritual life softly. My church mate were very concerned with my spiritual life. They reminded me that I was already away with God. And I was serious with my career and place God as my second priority.

A new family (OPM Family)

Last february 27, 2009 I was invited by a spritual brother to attend their "OPM or Overnight Payer Meeting" I did not have a second thought of coming though I was scared that I might not be welcome and accepted.

It was their 1st Year Anniversary. I was trilled and excited to be there. When we arrive in the place I have noticed that most of the people who attend were pastors. I was a bit of scared that I might met the pastor that I have been trying to forget for a year now.

When the host ask me to introduce myself and share my testimony. I end up telling them my fraustration and depression to my family. After I pured it out to them they ask me to be infornt so they could pray for me. I was sorrounded by pastors and ex-convict praying for me. I felt something that I could not express in words. I was released from the bondage that satan has been holding on me. I came to realize that life is beautiful! And I am not alone in this world. I was so happy to attend the group. I am accepted. I am so amaze how God really moves in their lives. God is really moving in their lives.

I have travelled to 7 Countries and 32 places in the Philippine.

I have been well traveled from all over the world. I have been to United States, Hong-Kong, China, Europe (Paris), Taiwan, Greece, Philippines and South Korea but never find a true joy. Still my life is empty and confused. I still wanna be in a family that would love me and take care of me.

In the Philippines I have been in Cebu, Subic, Tarlac, Laguna, Dumaguete, Mabinay, Bacolod, Roxas, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Gen. Santos, South Cotabato, Koronadal, Boracay, Iloilo, San Carlos City, Samal Island, Tagum, Butuan, Palawan, Cavite, Manila, Las Pinas, Baguio, Camiguin Island, Bantayan Island and Siquijor. I love to travel and explore new places. I am a type of person who loves to unwind, meet new people and learn there culture. For me, going to these places has been a channel of blessing into my life. I get to meet new people and learn their culture. I have witnessed different lives.

To be continued...

New Journey, New Life...

I believe in my heart GOD has allowed me to experience these pains to remind me that He is the only in one I needed and my experience is a testimony to many people. The Lord allowed me to lose everything my family, friends, relatives, career, wealth and even shelter to make me realize that those are just temporary in this world. And my happiness comes from within and should not depend on people or things what the world could offer but on Him alone.

I have been through a lot of rejection, depression, fraustration and even bitterness. Even walked in the street with out money in my pocket and go to a charity to ask for my fare going back to the city. I tried walking 5 kimometers cause I do not have money to get myself back in the city.

I know God is not yet done with my life. I am still in the race of life. I'm sure that there still be suffering, pains and even my past will always haunts me. I will still make mistakes, people will still hurt me and I may also hurt them. But through all these. I am assured that God is my anchor and so I will not be alone. I know that I am loved, cared, completely healed from cancer, debts, forgiven, totally accepted and I am a new John Lo because of Him my Lord And Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.

My biological and adopted family may abandoned me and friends, relatives and few pastors may hated me of my foolishness in the past. I know I am not alone and someone loved me. Despite of my weakness He will always still remain a faithful and forgiving father to me. I did experience being rejected and confused but God is in the process of healing my wounded heart and in the long journey of my life. I know that He is walking with me as I walk in the Journey of Life.

My adopted Family in Cebu- Thank you for everything. I know you have a lot of plans for me but I end you up frustrated. Forgive me if I have been a hard headed son. You just don't have any idea how I miss you so much. It is my prayer that you guys could forgive me. Hoping to see you soon.

Best friend Emily Uy in Cebu- words are not enough to thank for the untiring support that you have showed. I have been a hardheaded friend but you never give up. Thank you for waking me up that Allen Despi were just using me. I know that I have hurt you so much but like you said to me in Bantayan Island that you will always be my best friend no matter what happened. Thank you emily. I miss you so much. Wherever you may be Emily, It is my prayer that you will always be in good shape and God's arms. I love you bestfriend.

My family in Cornerstone Fellowship in Cebu- Pastor John & Ate Lorlie Sainz. Thank you for helping me and encouraging me to move on with my life. You have witness my success and even how I fail but you were always there to remind me that Its not to late to stand up and ask God for forgiveness. I consider you as my 2nd family. I miss you and I love you so much

Pastor Joelito Sornido of Bible Baptist Church- I would have killed myself if you didn't comfort me and realize that everything is not to late. Thank you for accepting me unconditionally and taking care of me when I was in the lowest point of my life. Thank you for the love that you have shown to me. I miss you so much.

Ate Jennifer & Ian Musa of Dumaguete City - Thank you for taking care of me when I need someone to help me. You have given me a shelter to sleep, food to eat and above all a family I can share with my problem and comfort me whenever I am down. Please forgive me if I have hurt you. I hope and pray that you will realize and understand why I have done those things to you. I miss you so much and I am blessed that even in a few month of knowing you and Ian I a have learned many things from you. I love you so much

Pastor Albert Lastimosa of Forerunner of Jesus Christ in Davao City- When I need someone to guide and love me, you were there to act and stand as a spiritual father to me. I really do not know how to thank for the joy and love that I have experience in my stay with you. I miss the bonding we have. Hoping to be back at that Mandug Prayer Mountain.

Mark Burden of Cebu City - Though I do not know you that much but you were their to help and encourage me to move on with my life. I may not be expressive but thank you for being their for me. And thank you for introducing me to the OPM Family. I love you so much bro. Please continue to be a blessing.

Bb. Pilipinas 1996 Ms. Daisy Reyes of Manila - It is a blessing to work with you. I am really blessed of your life. Thank you for encouraging me and always remembering me. I am really blessed of the story that you have email me. I was encourage. Hope to work with you again.

Ms. Anne Curtis, Kitchie Nadal and Piolo Pascual- Thank you for accepting me. And for reminding me that I still have a life to lived and God will never forsake me nor leave me alone. I miss you so much. Every time I see you on TV, I cant stop my emotions from crying. Please continue to pray for me. I love you guys

Mark Paul Francisco of Cebu- thank you for being there when I need someone to process my case. I don't know what to do if you were not there to help me. You have been a blessing to me. Im glad that you are now working. Hope to see you again.

Third, Gift and Tita Baby Mendiola of Davao City - I miss you guys badly. You have been a blessing to me. You guys never condemned me nor hated me for the thing I have done. I may be far from you guys but you will always be in my heart. I love you so much.

Mommy Cindy Lacanaria & Ptr. Henry Lacanaria of Gen. Santos- You were the people behind my success in Zamboanga City. You were their to help me when people at EBCS hate me. I miss you so much. Tears flowing in my cheeks. I love you so much.

Rommel Asibal & John Ong of Pasig City - Thank you for helping me and accepting me for who I am. You have been a blessing to me. Words are not enough to thank for being a channel of blessing. I love you so much and missing you badly

OPM Family in Cebu - Thank you for accepting me and praying for me. You have been a blessing to me. Please continue to pray for me. I love you so much.

Bryan & Anisha Longridge of Cebu- Thank you for letting me stay for in your house. You guys have been a blessings to me. You have thought me to forgive those people who have hurt me emotionally and continue to walk with God. Anyway I really had fun when we went to Crown Regency. Thanks for the wonderful treat! It was my first time in the Skywalk. I will never forget that. You will always be embedded in my heart.

Living Waters Team; Ate Lita Quimson-Feliciano, Kuya Rolly, Ptr. Jayvee and Kuya Patrick  Alburo thank you for the things that you have done for me. I sincerely appreciate it.

…The Prayer

Not even myself can make you believe. The choice is yours and yours alone. Your grandparents can’t decide for you, your parents, nor can your closest friends. A church leader or a church elder is powerless to coerce a decision that must come deep within your heart.

It is my prayer that you would discover the Author of Love… Jesus. His life and death represent the greatest gift of love the world will ever see… a gift for you. All you need to do is to accept it… a brand new start to a life lived in relationship with God. Meeting God is as simple as prayer… asking Jesus to meet you right where you are. If you are not sure that you know God, and that you are going to Heaven, then please make this your prayer today…

“For god so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” - John 3:16-

…You’re Prayer

Heavenly Father, I need you. I need Your grace to forgive me for my sins. And I need Your love to change me. Thank you for Your amazing love. Thank you for giving me life and eternity. But above all, thank You for dying on the cross for me. Now I’m a Born Again Christian, which means You live in me. I belong to you. I am no longer a property of the enemy. I will live my life for You and I will love You forever… Amen.

“That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in his heart that God raised him from the dead, he will be saved. –Romans 10:9-

To know more of Jesus Christ, Visit 24/7 House of Prayer in Cebu.