An intimate portrait of Marky Ramone Richmond Pascua, the self-made Filipino-American entrepreneur behind Rosenthal Jewels California, whose appreciation for diamonds, luxury watches and understated elegance reflects a lifetime of ambition, perseverance and personal transformation.
There is a particular kind of happiness I experience when sunlight strikes a diamond at precisely the right angle.
It's difficult to explain.
Sometimes, I'll find myself looking at my jewelry, moving my wrist slightly just to watch the diamonds catch the light. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen the same piece. That little sparkle still makes me happy.
I love yellow gold, rose gold, beautiful watches and exceptionally crafted leather goods. Prada holds a particularly special place in my wardrobe, and I appreciate the timeless designs of Rolex, Cartier and Panerai.
But my appreciation for beautiful things has a history that extends far beyond luxury.
There was a time when I couldn't afford a proper meal.
There were days when I went to sleep because I was hungry and sleeping was the easiest way to avoid feeling it.
And there was a young boy in the Philippines who, despite having very little, firmly believed that his circumstances would never define the rest of his life.
That boy was me.
Today, my name is Marky Ramone Richmond Pascua, also known as Marky Pascua. I am a Filipino-American entrepreneur, the Founder and CEO of The Rosenthal Care Group, and the founder of Rosenthal Jewels California.
This is the story behind my appreciation for luxury, what it represents to me and why I believe the most valuable thing anyone can possess is the determination to build a better future.
1. The Boy Who Slept Through Hunger but Never Stopped Dreaming
I wasn't born into privilege.
Growing up in the Philippines, I experienced poverty in ways that have permanently shaped my understanding of money, security and opportunity.
There were days when I ate only once. Sometimes, my meal consisted of nothing more than rice topped with soy sauce.
And there were days when I simply went to sleep because I had nothing to eat.
When people talk about poverty, they sometimes describe it in terms of financial statistics or economic circumstances.
For me, poverty was personal.
It was the physical sensation of hunger. It was knowing that even the simplest necessities could not always be taken for granted.
Yet, despite everything, I carried an extraordinary conviction.
I always believed that I was intelligent. I knew I had skills, and I believed that if I continued developing those skills and pursuing opportunities, I could eventually create a different life.
I didn't know exactly what success would look like.
I didn't know which businesses I would establish or which opportunities would eventually come my way.
But I knew one thing.
The circumstances I was born into would not be the final chapter of my story.
I wanted more from life, and I believed I was capable of achieving it.
That determination became the foundation of everything that followed.
2. Building a Life Beyond My Circumstances
My professional journey began in the Philippines in 2009, when I entered the call center industry.
In 2013, I immigrated to California and continued building my career.
I eventually spent more than a decade working at Wells Fargo, where my responsibilities evolved from customer-facing roles into mortgage lending, business analysis and business execution.
Throughout those years, I developed a deeper understanding of operations, financial performance, productivity, staffing and business strategy.
I became fascinated by how businesses functioned.
Why did some businesses grow while others struggled? How could operational efficiency improve profitability? What distinguished an organization that simply generated revenue from one capable of creating sustainable financial success?
These questions gradually shaped my entrepreneurial ambitions.
I began recognizing that the skills I was developing could eventually be applied to businesses of my own.
My entrepreneurial journey ultimately expanded into senior care, consulting, business development and luxury jewelry.
Today, through The Rosenthal Care Group, I am pursuing a broader vision of building an integrated network of care-related businesses.
Rosenthal Jewels California represents another dimension of that entrepreneurial journey, one that is considerably more personal.
It connects my appreciation for business with my genuine love of beautiful things.
But my journey has never been an uninterrupted progression toward success.
There was a period when my confidence in my ability to overcome financial difficulties faced an extraordinary test.
3. Bankruptcy, Resilience and Learning What Financial Independence Really Means
In 2022, I filed for bankruptcy.
For someone who had spent much of his life believing that intelligence, perseverance and hard work could overcome almost any challenge, it was an exceptionally difficult experience.
Bankruptcy forced me to confront the difference between earning money and building financial security.
It also challenged something I had carried since childhood: my confidence in my ability to rise above difficult circumstances.
I had experienced poverty before. I had overcome obstacles. I had worked hard to build a career.
Yet here I was, confronting another significant financial setback.
It was a reminder that ambition alone does not guarantee financial stability.
Looking back, I recognize that financial independence requires more than the ability to generate income.
It requires discipline, judgment, adaptability and the capacity to preserve what you earn.
I have come to believe that genuine luxury is a by-product of several qualities working together: hard work, grit, skills and the ability to retain money.
You cannot simply rely on one.
Having exceptional skills means relatively little if you lack the discipline to apply them. Working extraordinarily hard does not necessarily produce financial independence if you cannot manage the money you earn.
And earning money without learning how to preserve it can leave you vulnerable to circumstances you never anticipated.
I don't share my bankruptcy experience because I want sympathy.
I share it because I want people to understand that success stories are rarely as straightforward as they appear.
There are setbacks, uncomfortable lessons and moments when you must reconsider almost everything.
What matters is what you choose to do afterward.
For me, the answer was to keep building.
4. Luxury Is the By-Product, Not the Objective
I have a very particular definition of luxury.
To me, luxury represents success, financial independence and the freedom to make choices without constantly worrying about whether I can afford them.
But I don't believe luxury should become a competition to demonstrate who owns the most expensive or extravagant possessions.
I have seen people wear so much jewelry that the individual pieces lose their beauty.
Everything becomes a competition for attention.
That has never been my style.
I appreciate restrained luxury.
A beautiful watch paired with an elegant diamond bracelet. A carefully selected ring that complements my outfit. A sophisticated handbag that looks equally appropriate in a business meeting or during an afternoon out.
I want my accessories to complement my wardrobe rather than overwhelm it.
There is something particularly attractive about a person who looks sophisticated without appearing to have tried too hard.
That is the aesthetic I appreciate.
It doesn't mean I dislike exceptional statement jewelry. Some occasions call for something extraordinary.
But even the most elaborate piece should have a sense of proportion, purpose and harmony.
I believe true sophistication comes from understanding what suits you.
And financial independence gives you the freedom to develop your own taste rather than constantly seeking the approval of others.
5. My Love Affair With Diamonds, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold
My first significant experience purchasing fine jewelry came through my friend Yuki Ito, who is a jewelry reseller.
I purchased several pieces from her and absolutely loved them.
Those purchases helped me discover something about my personal aesthetic.
Yellow gold and rose gold look particularly beautiful against my skin tone.
There is a richness to both metals that I find especially attractive. Yellow gold has a timeless warmth, while rose gold offers a slightly different character that complements many of my favorite outfits.
And when either metal is paired with diamonds, the combination becomes even more appealing to me.
I have always been fascinated by how diamonds interact with light.
There is an almost inexplicable happiness I experience when a diamond catches the sunlight and produces that extraordinary sparkle.
Sometimes, the simplest piece can create the greatest impression.
A beautifully crafted diamond tennis bracelet, for example, doesn't need an elaborate design to look exceptional.
The diamonds themselves provide the visual interest.
I particularly appreciate jewelry that looks substantial and luxurious without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
A well-designed piece can make me feel polished, confident and successful.
And that feeling isn't limited to special occasions.
I genuinely feel almost naked without jewelry.
Even when I'm at home, relaxing and not expecting to see anyone, I prefer wearing at least one piece.
Jewelry has become an integral part of my personal identity.
I don't wear it exclusively because I want other people to notice it.
I wear it because it makes me happy.
6. The Most Important Piece in My Collection
If someone asked me to choose only one piece of jewelry to keep for the rest of my life, I wouldn't need much time to decide.
I would keep my three-tone, 18-karat eternity wedding ring.
It represents my marriage to my husband, Kelvin Justo Garcia, and carries a significance that no other piece could replace.
I love the combination of yellow, white and rose gold.
But the beauty of the ring is secondary to what it represents.
Some possessions become irreplaceable because of their emotional significance.
They carry memories, relationships and experiences that cannot be replicated by purchasing something more expensive.
My wedding ring reminds me that there are things in life whose value cannot be expressed through a price tag.
And while I may continue expanding my jewelry collection, I know there will always be one piece that matters more than all the others.
7. Prada, Personal Style and My Appreciation for Luxury Handbags
My appreciation for luxury extends beyond jewelry.
I love beautiful handbags and leather goods.
Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Goyard and Fendi are among the brands that interest me.
But Prada is my personal favorite.
What attracts me to Prada is its understated elegance and sophistication.
I appreciate structured designs, beautiful leather and accessories that complement my wardrobe without relying entirely on conspicuous branding.
I am also fascinated by the history of the company.
Prada's evolution under Miuccia Prada is particularly interesting to me because it demonstrates how leadership and creative vision can transform an established family business.
I find stories like hers compelling.
As an entrepreneur, I appreciate people who challenge expectations, recognize opportunities and develop the courage to pursue their own vision.
But my appreciation for Prada is ultimately very personal.
I simply love the designs.
A beautiful black Prada bag paired with a well-tailored outfit, an elegant watch and understated jewelry is very much my idea of sophisticated personal style.
I don't believe luxury requires an excessive number of accessories or prominent logos.
Sometimes, the most impressive outfit is also the simplest.
8. Rolex, Cartier Santos, Panerai and My Philosophy on Watches
I have a genuine appreciation for luxury watches.
Among the watches I currently enjoy are my Rolexes, Cartier Santos and Panerais.
Each appeals to a different aspect of my personal taste.
Rolex represents a combination of heritage, beautiful design and timeless styling.
The Cartier Santos has an elegance that I particularly appreciate. Its distinctive case and sophisticated appearance make it an excellent complement to many of my favorite outfits.
Panerai offers something different. I appreciate its recognizable design language and distinctive character.
I don't currently own a Patek Philippe, but it is certainly a brand I would love to explore.
My watch preferences also reveal something about my approach to luxury.
I am not particularly attracted to the more elaborate designs associated with Richard Mille or Jacob & Co.
I can appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship behind those watches without necessarily wanting to wear them.
They are simply louder than my personal style.
I prefer watches that complement my appearance rather than dominate it.
A beautifully designed Rolex or Cartier Santos, paired with a diamond tennis bracelet, is much closer to the aesthetic I enjoy.
To me, the ideal watch is an exceptional object that I can appreciate repeatedly without growing tired of its design.
9. Why I Prefer Authentic Chinese Food Over Expensive Fine Dining
There is something people might find surprising about me.
Despite my appreciation for luxury jewelry, designer handbags and beautiful watches, I have almost no interest in some of the experiences traditionally associated with an extravagant lifestyle.
Expensive wine, for example, has absolutely no appeal to me.
I am allergic to alcohol, so drinking has never been something I enjoy.
And while many people consider an extravagant steakhouse or an elaborate tasting menu the ultimate dining experience, I would much rather enjoy authentic Asian food, especially Chinese cuisine.
I don't even like steak.
Give me a wonderful Chinese restaurant with an excellent selection of dishes, and I will be considerably happier than I would be sitting through an elaborate multicourse dinner.
I particularly dislike dining experiences where the restaurant dictates exactly what I will eat and in what order.
I love being in control of my choices.
I want to look at a menu, decide what appeals to me and enjoy my meal without feeling obligated to participate in an elaborate culinary performance.
And please, nothing excessively spicy.
My tolerance for hot and spicy food is exceptionally low.
I find this contrast between my appreciation for luxury goods and my relatively straightforward dining preferences rather amusing.
But it illustrates something important about my personality.
I don't believe that enjoying luxury means adopting every lifestyle preference commonly associated with wealth.
I would rather spend money on a beautiful piece of jewelry that I can enjoy for years than on an expensive bottle of wine or a dinner that doesn't particularly interest me.
I appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, whether it is found in a beautiful diamond bracelet, an elegant watch or a carefully constructed handbag.
Those are the things that genuinely excite me.
Luxury should be personal.
And I have absolutely no interest in pretending to enjoy something simply because it is expensive.
10. The Story Behind Rosenthal Jewels California
As my entrepreneurial journey progressed, I began recognizing an opportunity to combine two things I genuinely enjoy: building businesses and discovering beautiful jewelry.
That idea became Rosenthal Jewels California.
My vision extends beyond creating another online jewelry store.
I want to develop an internationally recognized luxury jewelry brand that appeals to people who appreciate distinctive designs, exceptional beauty and jewelry that reflects their personal identities.
I am particularly interested in pieces that make a statement without sacrificing elegance.
Consider a successful entrepreneur preparing to deliver an important presentation before a large audience.
I understand the desire to wear something extraordinary.
A beautiful diamond necklace or bracelet that catches the stage lighting can create an impressive visual effect, even from a considerable distance.
But I also understand the importance of balance.
The jewelry should enhance the person wearing it rather than become a distraction.
That balance between exceptional beauty and personal sophistication is something I want Rosenthal Jewels California to represent.
I also recognize that customers have different preferences.
Some appreciate understated diamond jewelry that they can wear every day. Others are searching for extraordinary gemstone combinations, elaborate statement pieces or jewelry to celebrate significant milestones.
I want our collections to reflect that diversity.
Whether someone is searching for a yellow-gold diamond tennis bracelet, a sophisticated gemstone necklace or an exceptional piece of fine jewelry, I want the experience of discovering it to feel personal.
Ultimately, I want Rosenthal Jewels California to become a brand associated with beauty, sophistication and meaningful personal expression.
11. Why the Name Rosenthal Is Deeply Personal to Me
There is another story behind the name Rosenthal.
It is not a name I selected simply because it sounded luxurious or commercially attractive.
Rosenthal is the name I associate with my guardian angel.
During a guided meditation intended to discover my guardian angel's name, I experienced a vision in which I saw the word Rosenthal written on a book.
That experience stayed with me.
As my entrepreneurial ambitions developed, the name became an important part of the identity I wanted to create for my businesses.
Today, Rosenthal connects several of my entrepreneurial ventures, including The Rosenthal Care Group, Rosenthal Community Care Services, Rosenthal Adult & Senior Care Connections and Rosenthal Jewels California.
To me, the name represents something deeply personal.
It reflects my spiritual beliefs, my appreciation for the journey I have experienced and the sense of purpose I associate with building my businesses.
My spiritual beliefs also influence my relationship with jewelry.
I personally associate wearing gold with protection.
That belief adds another dimension to my appreciation for precious metals and beautiful jewelry.
While I genuinely love the appearance of gold and diamonds, I also appreciate the personal meaning I attach to them.
For me, jewelry can represent several things simultaneously: beauty, accomplishment, confidence, spirituality and memory.
And I believe the most meaningful possessions are often those that connect with our personal stories.
12. The Difference Between Looking Successful and Building Success
I love beautiful things.
I love diamonds, gold, luxury watches and designer handbags.
I make no apologies for appreciating them.
But I have never wanted my possessions to become the most interesting thing about me.
I would much rather be recognized for the businesses I have built, the challenges I have overcome and the opportunities I have created.
Luxury is something I want to enjoy as a consequence of success, not something I want to use as a substitute for it.
I believe there is an important distinction between appearing financially successful and actually developing the skills and financial discipline necessary to build wealth.
It is entirely possible to own expensive things while experiencing serious financial difficulties.
My own experiences have taught me that financial security cannot be measured by someone's wardrobe, watch collection or lifestyle.
I want to build businesses capable of creating sustainable value.
I want to continue developing my knowledge, expanding my professional capabilities and creating opportunities that extend beyond my immediate circumstances.
And I want to enjoy the beautiful things that genuinely make me happy along the way.
If that means wearing an elegant Rolex and diamond tennis bracelet while enjoying a delicious plate of authentic Chinese food, that sounds like an excellent afternoon to me.
I don't need an extravagant tasting menu or an expensive bottle of wine to make the experience feel luxurious.
The freedom to choose what I genuinely enjoy is luxurious enough.
13. A Message to the Person Who Is Still Dreaming
If there is one thing I hope people remember about my story, it isn't my appreciation for diamonds, handbags or luxury watches.
It is where I came from.
I know what it feels like to have very little.
I know what it feels like to go hungry.
I know what it feels like to imagine a future that seems completely disconnected from your present circumstances.
And I know what it feels like to experience financial setbacks that challenge your confidence in yourself.
But I also know the extraordinary power of believing that your current circumstances do not have to determine your future.
I want my story to encourage people who are still struggling.
Particularly those who grew up in poverty, those who have experienced financial difficulties and those who sometimes wonder whether their ambitions are simply too extraordinary for the circumstances into which they were born.
I don't believe success is guaranteed simply because someone works hard or believes in themselves.
Life is considerably more complicated than that.
But I do believe that developing skills, recognizing opportunities, exercising financial discipline and maintaining the determination to continue can fundamentally change the direction of someone's life.
I also believe that we should allow ourselves to appreciate our accomplishments.
For some people, that might mean traveling around the world.
For others, it might mean purchasing their first home, creating financial security for their families or building a business they can eventually pass on to the next generation.
For me, one of life's simplest pleasures happens to be watching diamonds sparkle.
Sometimes, I imagine what the younger version of myself would think if he could see my life today.
The boy who occasionally went to sleep because he had nothing to eat would probably be fascinated by the beautiful jewelry.
He might be equally fascinated by the watches, the handbags and the opportunities I have had to build businesses.
But I hope he would be most impressed by something else.
I hope he would recognize that I never completely abandoned the belief I carried when I had almost nothing.
That I was intelligent.
That I had something valuable to offer.
And that, regardless of how difficult life became, I was capable of rising above my circumstances.
I am still building.
I am still learning.
And I have considerably more that I want to accomplish.
The diamonds are beautiful.
But the journey that allows me to appreciate them is what makes them truly extraordinary.