He said he'd go to his native Philippines.

However, Burrows wasn't so sure since, in August, the Philippines likely will be hot and steamy, and it's the peak season for traveling thus, consequently, higher airfares, he said. So Burrows suggested San Francisco—the city where, in 2008, the two celebrated their 25th anniversary and got married.

The loving couple has daily ties to the Philippines, though. They are the co-owners of Iloilo, a custom framing shop in Andersonville.

What's Iloilo? The city in the Philippines where Juarez was born. Burrows suggested the name for their local store, "because it's a unique name and has a ring to it," he said.

Iloilo, which is about 300 square feet, has a steady flow of loyal customers. Juarez's handiwork has even been used to frame—believe it or not—a man's pants and a woman's pacemaker. Plus, a 96-inch-by-48-inch piece that Juarez framed, the largest he's ever done, is now on display at the Shedd Aquarium.

The store features some framed artwork for sale, including the handiwork of Juarez' niece, Jhellou Juarez, now 15 and living in the Philippines. She started painting at age 9, and some of her work was first shown at Iloilo when she was 11.

The most popular items framed at Iloilo are photographs and posters. Juarez also often frames autographed sports jerseys.

Ironically, Juarez was encouraged by his parents to study agriculture. However, that wasn't his niche. "I really enjoy what I'm doing," Juarez said. "I really enjoy meeting new people, framing their artwork."

THE STATS

Age: 59

Neighborhood: Edgewater

Homeland: Philippines

Relationship status: Partners with Andy Burrows, 59; they have been together since 1983.

Job title: Co-owner, Iloilo custom framing; has had three store locations in Andersonville over past 21 years

Hobbies: Volleyball, Filipino folk dancing, Broadway musicals

Favorite TV shows: I Love Lucy and Modern Family

Little-known fact: Studied agriculture, then earned a college degree social work

Favorite local restaurant: Calo's