Manila Four Years Later

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Yes, I’ll celebrate my 60th birthday here in Manila “, were my last famous words back in June of 2018 when I flew back to emcee a dear classmate’s 60th back then. Come 2019, Covid happened, the world changed in a blink of an eye. Families hunkered down together, businesses took a pause lest spread the scourge around, and we all waited with nervous, bated breath for a cure.

It was not an easy four years from 2018. Aside from the Novel Corona Virus aka Covid 19, our family experienced our own family tragedy starting with the demise of my son’s spouse, leaving a one year old baby to our care. Some longtime friends, a few relatives and acquaintances did succumb to the disease, making those years a painful time indeed.

But now we as a family, not only managed to navigate our way together through it, but have held friends near and dear to us even closer, battle tested and weary from the pandemic. Sure, this virus has now become a permanent part of our human existence, but with the help of science and the continuous evolution of a cure the world has come to terms with what once was its biggest threat to humanity.

Now, this year 2023, I am thankfully celebrating my 60th on my 64th birthday here in Manila as a way of showing gratitude to those who have kept in touch, kept me sane, and with God’s infinite grace will continue with me on my life’s surprising journey. You know who you all are, thank you from the deepest recesses of my soul, and the bottom of this humble heart- SALAMAT at MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT!

Girlie’s Manila Invitation

Rockwell at night with residents Girlie’s niece with corporate attorneys Kris & hubby Jun De Guzman, mom Cathy, sis in law Noemi with Annika Pascual, classmate Jovie Galan

Visiting her roots and cousins in Malabon Rizal – Pascual, Yambao, Cruz, Santos, Apostol clans

Girlie’s aunties Dr Marina Cruz & Angelita Pascual of Malabon

Bonding over a loud & Boisterous game of LEFT CENTER RIGHT

Arriving in Manila with brother Bently & escorted by Airlines ViP Lounge Director & family member Cathy Gruba at NAIA

At the Christian Bautista Concert courtesy of Holy Spirit classmates Jingay Kaimo with Jovie Galan

Meet up with Chicago clients Vogue COO on her right Ms Rhoda Campos ALDANESE AHS on Girlie’s Left Makati events planner Rochelle Romero at the Manila House in BGC

Girlie’s unexpected birthday treat to meet the only Asian Women to this day to climb the summit of Mt Everest in Tibet, Noelle Wenceslao & Seven Summits of the World Title Holder Carina Dayondon

Surprise TikTok Superstar photo moment with her College of the Holy Spirit & UP Diliman schoolmates – Eric Eruption Tai with 500 MILLION followers

Girlie with her DABARKADS L-R Lilet Lavinia, Sis in law Noemi Prieto, Girlie, Marty from Dubai, Erik Eruption, Suzanne Zapvidea Capistrano, Mariles Ibarra, Marissa Oca & Cynthia Martinez

A rare treat to meet Seven Summits & Mt. Everest Climbers Carina Dayondon & Noelle Wenceslao with event sponsor Girlie’s classmate Ms Marissa Oca (L-R) Marissa, Noemi, Girlie, Culver’s Noelle & Carina, classmates Lilet Lavinia & Cynthia Martinez

Celebrating the opening of “Sarap Di Ne” in QC, pasalubong store of Noemi & Docboy Pascual with Annika and Bently

Her favorite sport with her favorite host DaddyO Antonio Garcia at Southwoods Golf Course & Country Club

At Club Filipino L-R Girlie, Noemi, DaddyO Tony Garcia, host CHS classmate Ana Tuanio, Chicago BFFs Elizabeth & Elbert Regacho, Dr Rolly Tuanio of St Luke’s Hospital & brother Bently Pascual

Enjoying Ayala Greenfields Golf with brothers Docboy & Bently Pascual & host Dr Mike Campos with Dr Edgard Castro

Her favorite sport to play on her trip to Manila playing with DaddyO Tony Garcia, Jessie Unson family owner of the original Goldilocks bakery chain of the Philippines, who is also the San Beda classmate of her brother Bently Pascual

Party for fellow February celebrant polo player Anthony Garcia with his family in Makati, feted by Dad DaddyO Antonio Garcia and wifey screen star Andrea Del Rosario