Prayers, Hopes & Good Changes For 2025!

 

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Deadlines for January include an office move to a more modern building, conveniently steps away from Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, packing my grandson Kenzo’s luggage for his first trip to the islands next month, finishing the renovation and finding a renter for our new investment in Schaumburg by February first, and in between, lose ten unwanted, unnecessary pounds from this temple of flesh and fat, but thankful for my health. All of these tasks must be accomplished within the next thirty days or less. Such has been, and might always be, with God’s grace, my so called life until it’s not. Thankful? Surely. Hopeful? Definitely. Confident? In my prayers I can only ask.

First and foremost, our one and only grandson, six year old Kenzo Kristoffer Wildoer has been regaling us with his keen observations that can only come from a curious, whip smart kid born a few clicks away from the full force of Artificial Intelligence. “Where are you going WaWa? Why can’t I come with you? I’m on vacation from school.” “How can Santa deliver all those toys tonight?” “When I’m bigger you can ride in my Bugatti”, and my favorite, “I need to bring my toys in my luggage in case there’s no Target in the Philippines”. Such a blessing, what a gift in our lives.

Then, there is family, my only son Kristoffer who continues to navigate his life sans Svienna who passed four years ago in 2020. I am still hopeful for another chance at love for him, and a kind and gentle mom for Kenzo. we are thankful that Kristoffer’s dad Wolfgang has regained heart strength despite the defibrillator, caring for Kenzo and retiring last year from his demanding General Manager’s position. Prayers for my younger brothers who are both living in Illinois with their families, to better care for themselves because nothing healthy comes out of a beer bottle. I am also grateful for my remaining two brothers in Manila, the eldest and the youngest and their families, and truly appreciate their hard work in managing our family’s generational properties. I feel happy to have the cousins we know, aunts, uncles, all tied to a family tree that has expanded exponentially. May we continue to keep in touch however and whenever we can.

I now have a close circle of friends, ranging in age from the 40’s to the 80’s, but the emphasis is now on quality, not quantity. They know who they are, and they are cognizant of my appreciation for their presence in my life.

And finally, my career. In my younger days, I speculated on becoming a pop star in Manila, but having had a glimpse of that, and having been offered a recording deal that I turned down simply because of the drama associated with such a career especially in the Philippines, I am feeling so blessed to have a profession in real estate that I have excelled in, and continue to be engaged in mentally, physically and emotionally. I continue to help young professionals, growing families find their American dream, and the accomplished to look for their “forever homes”, the entrepreneurs to continue building their wealth, and the investors to find the next projects. In between, I am a mother, a partner, a broker, a classmate and friend, and my favorite role to date, WaWa to Kenzo.

I will be remiss if I do not mention my prayer for my staunchest supporter, “the one that stayed” as opposed to the rest. May we continue to be there for each other no matter what, and may we have good health, mirth and joy to accompany us on our continuing journey together. These I pray for 2025, and with that, my thanks to HIM that makes all things possible.

Looking forward to 2025.

My inspiration Kenzo.

Girlie’ Mom and Wawa
to Kristoffer & Kenzo.

James DC and I in France October 2024.

The magnificent Amalfi Coast in Italy.

A family golfing day is priceless! With my son Kristoffer and my brother Brent.

Celebrating Elizabeth’s birthday in Italy was a blessing for all of us – happy 65th Mi Dushi.

Kenzo Wildoer with Ella & Izzy Regacho.

Sold their home & helped them find their new one – congratulations to Danny & Hani Eng.

Bringing families together in their new home with Mark & Nadine Calayag.

Three generations together is a blessing – Wolfgang, Kristoffer & Kenzo on his first day of Kindergarten 2024.

Father’s Day with the family 2024.

My Manila family in Chicago 2022.

In Positano, Italy with Elbert & Elizabeth Regacho, Fritz and Salvy Marino, Sonny Madera & James DC October 2024.

In the company of amazing business women at the Univers

Traveling soothes the spirit especially with great company -Elizabeth Regacho & Sonny Madera.

My inspirational friends Veronica and Flor Kramer.

Family & friends at the lake house is a yearly tradition.

The Asian American Golfers of Illinois with Pres Joe Molina hosted a successful interstate golf tournament in 2024- the success was immensely deserved by all!

Golfers from different states unite for a night of fun, sportsmanship & memories.

Being invited by Jay & Mae Mendoza to their 10th wedding anniversary in Mexico was an honor & a blessing.

My Christmas group with Janet & Jerry Masangcay.

The awards night of the AAGI interstate golf tournament was a highlight last year.