This could have been the idea behind the unique Santacruzan in the City of Mandaluyong, featuring not the traditional young and fairest ladies, but the elderlies in their 60s or so. Yes, there was no stopping the senior citizens of this city from joining, if not adding glitter and excitement to the celebration of Santacruzan. Standing tall in their best costumes, the lolos and lolas did not mind walking long distance and taking the limelight during the parade covering the city’s different barangays.
Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr. said the observance of Santacruzan in the city has never been the same since 1993 with the conceptualization of Santacruzan ni Lolo at Lola. It was the same year that the Senior Citizens Office was established and this event was one of its pioneer projects to enhance the participation and involvement of the elderly in the community.
"Santacruzan is our way of life, a tradition that we would always be proud of to pass on from one generation to another. We are glad to see that despite their age, our senior citizens take time out to display their glamor and glory," said Abalos.
A total of 60 lolo escorts and lola beauties joined in this year’s activity, representing themselves as Adam and Eve, Reyna Elena, Reyna Emperatriz, Santa Clara, Haring Abraham, or whatever titles they wanted for themselves and depicting characters from the Holy Bible.
The oldest participant, 91-year-old Lolo Julian "Matusalem" Idayao, said he has been joining the Santacrazan ni Lolo at Lola for 10 solid years since its conception. He claimed that this kind of rare event allows him to reminisce the fondest memories of his childhood and also gives him happiness and extra joy as a senior citizen.
Aside from the Cultural and Tourism Office and Senior Citizens Office, other divisions in charge of this successful event includes the Office of Councilor Epifanio de Guzman. – Non Alquitran