When her husband Jess passed away in 2022, Consuelo “Nena” Paras continued living for another two years in their 44 year-old house at Capistrano Complex in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro. Her children were concerned for her living alone far from them, but she did not have the heart to leave their home of so many happy memories and prayed so hard for a sign it was time to go.
Then, as she was planning a renovation and repair of the house, the back perimeter wall suddenly collapsed into her backyard leaving it open, exposed, and unsecured.
“So I then decided, that’s my sign. It’s time to leave my beloved home and move closer to my children,” Nena shared to her guests during the blessing of their renovated house on May 8th now christened as “The 1225 Heritage House” after the birthdate of her late husband Jess.
But what about this home? she thought. I can’t let it rot, I can’t let it go to waste, nor could I sell it cheap ‘cuz I know the care Jess took to build this home for us. And so she decided to fix it up, upgrade and modernize it to possibly sell it or rent it out.
But as the months passed she couldn’t imagine selling it. However, she would easily and gladly share it with everyone; for them to experience the joy they had in it, the peace and serenity and privacy they were so grateful for. Thus, the concept of an Airbnb and events place came along.
“So I went to work in upgrading, updating, designing and creating the look you see today. And I was able to accomplish this because I suppose that all the years Jess was in construction, we were partners with him handling the building and I managing the interiors of all the projects we built. I guess somehow I imbibed and inherited some of his knowledge, and I actually felt him guiding me in my decisions and dealings.”
The Family Legacy
Jess and Nena got married in 1977 and immediately moved to Cagayan de Oro.
“As you know I’m from Manila and so this move was, I would say, bittersweet because I was saying goodbye to my parents and siblings, but was also excited to begin a new chapter of life with the love of my life, wherever he led. And so I came, I saw and I adapted as best I could.”
(photo courtesy of Jensen Jimenez)
With Jess’ earnings of P3,000.00 a month at the time, Nena had to make do with it for their growing family. It was enough to feed everyone, pay the rent and utilities, and even afford a maid and have a small social circle of friends. In fact, with the little left over, she managed to buy two lots at Capistrano Complex office, paying around P700.00 monthly, but kept it a secret from Jess.
Thus, when Jess told her he wanted to buy a lot to build a house, he was astounded but delighted to learn they already had two lots that Nena had been paying for over a year. Later they bought two more garden lots from Jess’ mother, and the house was built in 1982.
“We brought up all our children in this house, went through problems here; some very big ones and some not too big. But through it all we sailed through them together with God by our side,” she added.
Wide, adjoining living areas with your choice of air conditioned or al fresco with swimming pool.
Their home became their children’s clubhouse where their friends came over knowing they were very welcome and would be very well fed. It also became a favorite hangout for their mutual friends when the couple were with the Jaycees, Jess with the Oro Jaycees and Nena with Macajalar 24K.
“Oooh, those days were so much fun, and the parties we had here were always loud and unique so that they became a new standard for parties and talk of the town. Years later during our BCBP days of 32 years, again this home became a haven for prayer meetings, music practices, events as well as a home for our visiting guests and dignitaries.”
Every Christmas their home transformed into a beautiful wonderland as Nena would go all out in decorating it for the sake of their growing children, but most specially for Jess who celebrated his birthday on Christmas Day with a big party which became a yearly tradition for many, many years among their friends and associates.
“We invited families, because separating families on Christmas was what we did not want to do. So you can just imagine the raucous of having around 200 men, women and children running around the place. Such great memories! Oh if these walls could just tell the stories they could entertain you for a long time. So many memories. So many joyful memories were made here in this home!”
Adjoining dining areas offer guests the flexibility of air conditioned comfort or al fresco dining in style. (Bottom photo courtesy of Jensen Jimenez)
In 2024 Nena finally moved to a new home at Ventura Terraces in Xavier Estates where she lives quite peacefully and happily today, closer to her kids and grandkids.
“And this is why today I dedicate this business to him, to Jess Paras, who now resides in heaven, by putting 1225, his birthday, to the house he built for us, to this our Heritage House. Thus, 1225 Heritage House is dedicated to him in gratitude and with all my love. I pray this too will be a legacy I could leave for my children when my time comes to build new projects up there with him in heaven. I hope that guests who will grace our 1225 Heritage House will also feel that it isn’t just a house, it’s really a home.
For more inquiries, visit their social media page at https://www.facebook.com/1225heritagehouse.
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