Hello Manila 2024

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

I finally had the chance to spend some much needed quality time with my only son Kristoffer on this trip to the Philippines where our main event will be his best friend’s wedding in Thailand. I arrived a week early specifically to ensure his comfort and make it as enjoyable for him as possible because his last trip to Manila was before Kenzo was born in 2018, right after they were wed in October of 2017.

He arrived with his friends, all part of the wedding entourage and are staying at Elbert and Elizabeth Regacho’s Makati condo. Since then, they have reunited with our families including my brothers Docboy Pascual and AA Pascual and their kids, DaddyO Antonio Garcia with Anthony and their families, cousins, etc. Kristoffer’s past memories of his Asian roots have made him nostalgic and pensive, immersing himself in Filipino traditions and experiences while in my country of birth.

After a medical issue challenging year, I welcome this God given second lifeline to spend with my only child back in my motherland, seeing family, friends, classmates.

Now here in Bangkok, we are all looking forward to a grand wedding at the beautiful island of Kosah Mui, the Thai nuptials of Danny Traimas and Mhel to appear in my next article. For now, please enjoy our photos of reunions galore as they unfold.

A quick thank you to all that messaged me regarding last month’s cover with my six year old grandson Kenzo Kristoffer Wildoer, and to our photographer James Delacruz for a truly lovely portrait of WaWa and apo. Please message James DC directly on FB or IM if you want information on his photo and video services.

Golf for Da Boyz With host (L-R) Dr Edgard Castro, my son Kris Wildoer, friends Jay Mendoza & Neil Roldan at the picturesque mountain course of Ayala Greenfields.

Welcome dinner for the Chicagoans hosted by DaddyO Antonio Garcia Sr with son Anthony and family.

Golfing with DaddyO Antonio Garcia Sr and lovely daughter Yanni at the Manila Southwoods Country Club.

Kristoffer arrives in Manila with Jay Mendoza, Neil Roldan and Nino Noriega.

Brunch in Rockwell with (L-R) Bea and mom Andrea Del Rosario, DaddyO Antonio Garcia Sr, Docboy Pascual with daughter Annika & mom Noemi.