Faith & Margelyn’s Unlikely Tale of Soul Sisterhood

A true story of friendship formed between two unlikely Filipina educators but proved stronger than distance, age gaps and the storms of real life

“Why us?”

“How did you know?”

Margelyn Moncano-Cañon asked when I invited her and Mary Faith Ido-Barrete, two dedicated English teachers from Bohol, to share their unique friendship on Sturya. When I told them how their easy laughter online and their honest, sister-like exchanges had always caught my attention, they both beamed.

What began as a teacher–student friendship quietly grew into a story of loyalty, courage and the kind of friendship that continues to blossom across time zones and seasons. Their connection defies the usual categories—it’s not just mentorship, not simply a workplace friendship, but something deeper: a soul-sister bond built on shared struggles, women empowerment and unrelenting authenticity.

I first knew Margelyn as my elementary classmate in Holy Spirit School and Ma’am Faith as my English teacher in Holy Name University. More than a decade later, watching their friendship story unfold on social media felt like witnessing something rare and beautiful—the kind of connection that makes you believe in the power of kindred spirits.

As we sat down for our Zoom call, I was thrilled to discover how naturally their warmth and humor translated across screens. Even separated by thousands of miles—Faith in the Philippines and Margelyn in the United States—their connection was immediate and electric. They finished each other’s sentences, anticipated what the other was thinking and laughed at inside jokes only they understood.

Within minutes, it was clear: this wasn’t just friendship. This was family.

Their friendship between mentor and mentee turned colleagues became a reflection of Filipina resilience and women empowerment in education. Despite coming from different generations, both teachers found common ground in their passion for English, their shared “ansing” moments and their belief that friendship can change a person’s life.

With my questions ready, the conversation flowed effortlessly and I found myself watching a heartwarming true story of friendship unfold in real time.

A: How would you describe each other?

Faith: Margelyn is “ansing” like me (laughs). We coined that term from “anxiety” because we can be extremely anxious at times. Kidding aside, Margelyn is strong—actually stronger than me, though she might not believe it. She’s sweet, thoughtful and very good at writing; she can articulate exactly what she feels. She’s a super mom to her three kids and creative in everything she does and an inspiring example of a Filipina educator working abroad. 

As a person, she’s genuine, generous and sensitive to others’ feelings. She’s very smart, too. I was honestly worried when she moved to the USA—I was afraid of the challenges she’d face—but knowing her determination, she did it. She did it with aplomb. 

Margelyn: Ma’am Faith was my cooperating teacher when I was a student teacher in HNU. Nobody saw this coming, not even me, that this “fierce cooperating teacher” would become my colleague, then my soul sister when we were assigned in senior high.

One thing I can definitely say about her is that she’s a drama queen (laughs). I’m talking about all the drama that’s happened in her life. But despite that, what I find most inspiring and influential is how she raised her children, and that amazes me. She’s a faithful wife, a good friend and my soul sister. 

Even without planning it, we often end up twinning—the same colors, designs and styles—you name it! We share so much in common, including the same mental struggles and fondly call ourselves “ansing.” We even call each other “sis” or “sissy.”

Yes, we do wrestle with anxious and depressive seasons, but we also choose to have courage side by side. And her fierceness, bravery and straightforwardness—she’s always honest with her words, whether you’re a colleague or a close friend. That’s what I love about her, and I miss her!

A: How did the friendship start?

Margelyn: We’ve known each other since 2010 when I had my practice teaching, but the friendship really started when we became colleagues. At first, we didn’t instantly click; we came from different worlds. And knowing her reputation, I had to be cautious and play it safe (laughs).

Faith: Margelyn is very young—who would’ve thought we’d become best friends? (laughs).

Margelyn: I think we became friends because we both loved ukay-ukay!

Faith: True! I remember looking at Marge and she’s always anxious and I saw myself in her. One day, as she shared something heavy, I laughed at the back of my mind and thought, “Wow, that’s me when I was younger.” I  understood what she was going through because I had been there. Everything she said, experienced and struggled with, I’d gone through all of it. That’s why I could relate to her so easily.

When we’re together, we feel like teenagers having a good time because we love the same things: we are both MTs (Master Teachers), we teach English and we adore ukay-ukay. And since we speak the same language, we understand each other instantly. I can always tell when Marge is going through something and vice versa.

Margelyn: For me, our friendship started because we mirrored each other. Despite the age difference, we see ourselves in each other. 

A: What surprised others about your closeness?

Margelyn: People were amazed—“Friends mo ni Ma’am Faith?” (You’re friends with Ma’am Faith?) Her name rings a bell. She’s well-known as the English teacher that everyone admired and feared a little (laughs). When people found out I was a former student teacher of Ma’am Faith and that we had become close, they would ask, ‘How did you become friends? What do you even do together?’ I’d just laugh and tell them, “She’s as abnormal as me—just as insane and just as sane!” 

My friends wondered how I managed to have a phenomenal woman as a friend. But later they realized how uncannily similar we are in almost everything. We finish each other’s sentences, wear matching outfits without planning and we’re both “war freaks” (laughs)—we fight for what we believe in, but we’re also protective of each other.

Faith: I used to be protective of her at work because I saw my younger self in her—that anxiety, that struggle to find your place. And although Marge is much younger than me, I can talk to her like we’re equals. She’s mature. There’s no one else in school I could talk to—not just about work but about life.

Over time, colleagues saw how well we worked together. We’re like husband and wife—we just know each other like the back of our hand. Our dynamic is so unique that it can’t easily be replicated with anyone else.

A: How do you keep in touch with each other now?

Margelyn: We send each other photos of our outfit of the day and random things. We reach out when something big happens—good or bad. We stay connected through messages, pictures and video calls when we can manage the time difference.

Faith: Yes! I’ll send her a picture and say, “Look, Marge!” (laughs). We usually connect when something significant happens. Despite the distance, when we talk, it feels like we just saw each other yesterday. The years simply disappear.

A: Your biggest lessons in friendship?

Faith: Forgiveness. Because we once fought—over work-related stuff (laughs).

Margelyn: Ah, yes! I couldn’t forget that (laughs). That was one of the most painful moments at work.

Faith: We really had a big fight. I was worried about her and later found out she was worried about me too. 

Margelyn: And then one day, we just talked again like nothing happened.

Faith: But of course, we eventually had closure. 

Margelyn: For me, it’s about being honest and genuine. In any friendship, you shouldn’t have to fake it just to be liked. Be yourself and everything else will follow.

We’re both mothers of three, so we relate deeply on that level. She always tells me to enjoy the process with my kids while they’re still young and that I’m blessed they’re still with me. That’s something beautiful about our friendship: we learn from each other’s life stages.

A: What is your message for each other?

Faith: Keep your faith in yourself and in God. Continue to be strong. Be that good Filipina wherever you go because you truly are an example of what a good Filipina should be. I can sense in your posts that you’re happy in your job and making a difference with your students. I can feel that you care for them and they care for you. Continue to be that light. Sending love to your family and regards to the kids. Slay.

Margelyn: Congratulations on everything—your farm, house, kids and career. I’m so proud of all your achievements. I’ve always believed in you. Whatever challenges you face, you’ll remain strong. You are Mary Faith Barrete—no one can defeat that strength. Looking at you now, even from afar, I can tell you’re thriving. I admire your strength and the inspiration you give me as a mother, a friend and a woman. Thank you for the friendship and thank you for being you.

A Bond That Transcends

As our conversation drew to a close, the warmth between Margelyn and Faith was palpable even across screens and oceans. Nearly a decade of friendship built on the foundation of seeing themselves in each other has created something unshakeable.

They call themselves “ansing”—anxious, struggling, imperfect. Yet in that vulnerability, they found their greatest strength. Their teacher–student friendship turned sisterhood shows how mentorship can evolve into lifelong women empowerment and authentic friendship stories that inspire. They became each other’s safe haven—the friend who understands without needing explanation, the sister who celebrates your wins and holds space for your pain.

From fierce cooperating teacher to soul sister. From student teacher to equal and friend. Their journey reminds us that the most meaningful friendships aren’t always the ones that make sense on paper. They’re the ones where you recognize yourself in another person’s eyes and decide to walk through life together.

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