People ask me about my beauty secrets. How do you stay youthful? How do you grow old gracefully? There are no secrets, but I think moderation and attitude are very important. Don’t do anything in excess, and take one day at a time. Be optimistic and try to look at the bright side of things. Don’t overeat or overdrink.
As for beauty care, I moisturize every morning and before sleeping at night. I use very little makeup except when I’m going to a party or other occasions. I exercise three times a week (toning and stretching). However, I cannot do strenuous exercises because I’m hypertensive. Every other day, I go to the mall for my regular walk. With today’s pollution, walking in malls is a better option. My diet consists of fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits. I also avoid cholesterol-rich food. When I want to take a break and recharge, I hie off to Tagaytay for some clean air and enjoy the picture-perfect sights of Taal’s lake and volcano.
I try not to go out at night, as I prefer to stay home, read, listen to music, or watch CNN and National Geographic. Sometimes, though, I’ll dress up and spend a pleasant evening watching a good ballet, concert or stage play. Of course, there are affairs that I have to attend so I make the best of it and go.
Leo and I don’t travel as much anymore, but we do visit San Francisco at least once a year for his checkup and therapy. Apart from shopping, we also enjoy visiting our grandchildren and sightseeing.
The condominium where we live in has a beautiful four-block park in front. People walk their dogs there but its real attraction is the sight of girls in bikinis. On sunny days, the park fills up with sunbathing men and women. We have a large picture window that gives us a great view of the park. But if you want a closer look, Leo always has a pair of binoculars on hand.
Leo, in spite of his infirmity, is getting along exceedingly well. He goes to therapy daily before going to the office or to whatever meetings he might have. His left side has not entirely recovered but he now walks with a cane. He also has a nurse to assist him. Apart from watching basketball games, he also goes fishing and attends social functions. More than I do, in fact.
Our great happiness consists of our children and grandchildren’s happiness. If they’re OK we’re OK.
Leo Jr. is in charge of the Shakey’s Pizza chain; Chiqui works there also. Mike takes care of our properties and Tessie is a housewife. Mary Lou, meanwhile, dabbles in interior design and landscaping.
Now that I am in the autumn of my life, I thank God every single day for the many blessings he has showered on me. I am blessed with many, many friends whom I love. Chito (Madrigal Collantes) and I remain close to this day. I also belong to several organizations that keep me busy.
On Mondays, I go to our meeting and attend Mass at Martha’s Vineyard Center. On Tuesdays, I have a prayer meeting at home led by Msgr. Pat Lim. On Wednesdays, I have lunch with my Wednesday group. I also have this monthly meeting with the Friends of the PGH as well as regular visits to the Missionaries of Charity to bring medicine for the children and the elderly. Chito, after hearing about my schedule, says she gets tired just listening to me. Don’t believe her, she goes to Mass daily and gives very generous contributions to the church and other charitable institutions.
Life has been good. I’ve had much love and happiness and I would not change one thing. Yes, there have been pain and sorrow, but I very well know that "into every life some rain must fall." My golden years are truly golden. Life is precious and beautiful. Each day brings something new into my life. Could anyone want anything more?