Showing posts with label retiree. Show all posts

THE NEED TO DOWNSIZE OUR LIFESTYLE

AS WE ADVANCE IN AGE

By Cristina Valeriano

At a young age, many of us have been carefree, especially, those who belong to the upper echelon of the society. For the working class, the 15/30 wage is nothing but loose change compared to their family’s affluence. Also, for them, the job is just a reason for socializing and the jobsite, a venue for meeting friends.

But anything can happen, as what a popular adage says, “what goes up must come down”. Seriously now, rich or otherwise, there is a need to prepare ourselves in downsizing our lifestyle as we approach the threshold of our retirement. And for this writer, the situation is where I am now.

Retirement opportunity comes in many ways: one is in a package offered by the employer with the end objective of giving way to younger blood; two, is upon reaching the age of 60 which is an optional; three, is at the age of 65 which is the point of no turning back; and four, is when the company is in financial distress.

Retirees in the Philippines have lifetime securities, such as the pension from either the SSS or GSIS, aside from the “plans” that have been purchased while employed. With the soaring of the cost of living, the big chunk of the retiree population, though, has become helpless with their meager pension which is not even enough to buy two health maintenance drugs and a regular check up.

Downsizing of lifestyle needs a lot sacrifice on the part of the retirees, especially, if retirement came early due to uncontrolled circumstances. Worst is the situation wherein their children refuse to cooperate by maintaining their idle status despite having earned college degrees. Many retirees are found to be still supporting their idle “graduate” children whose alibi in failure to find a job is the distance of the workplace from home or the pittance wage which for them is not worth the sacrifice of waking up early in the morning.

Despite the aforementioned disheartening situations, it is worthy to note that many retirees find solace in their church and community volunteer service in place of the frequent partying with “amigas” or drinking sprees in beerhouses with “kumpares” before. Some venture into home-based business such as making bead jewelries and baking. But to keep them abreast with the happening in the world, many are into cyber-socialization, a laudable effort, for it does not only divert the attention of the retirees from the cafes and expensive restos, but keeps the brain working. However, it is important that leg muscles are stretched occasionally, so that, a weekly trip to the mall with the grandchildren is still very necessary for a grab of sandwich and juice!

The Tapok-tapok sa Davao 2015 ( 02February 2015)

By Apolinario Villalobos

After three absences from the reunions, I finally made it when it was scheduled at daytime. I was having second thoughts about attending until I took a flight to Davao six days before the event. Of all people, Tita Manabat was my seatmate on the flight! Because of long absence of contact, we had an animated conversation about the last reunion that I attended held at the North Palm Hotel and Garden in Lanang. She resolutely reminded me about the February 2 “tapok” at the residence of Boy Jolampong.

Being excited, I was the first to arrive at the venue, exactly at 1:20 PM, although the schedule was at 2PM. The comfortable venue was the family’s gym on the second floor. The humble host, Boy Jolampong was assisted by his mestiza and pretty wife, Beth and daughter. As if the Almighty was happy about the eventful day’s “tapok”, it was blessed with intermittent drizzle.

Before 3PM, the Mindanao PALers who filled  the gym were James Hannen, Deo  Escarilla who came with his wife Vilma, Art Balaga, Tita Manabat, Bernie Fernandez, Delfin and Minda Talattad, Horace Abear, Vic Ruperto, Nonoy Banzuelo, Sonny Cruz, Jun Dizon, Joe Jimenez, and Amading Solistrino. Some retirees who initially confirmed their coming and really tried their best to attend but failed due to unavoidable circumstances were Atty. Doming Duerme who got stranded at M’lang, Bong Velasco, Punay and Phraim Fernandez, as well as, Ludy Bagares and Archie Batu who were both on duty at the airport. As expected, the stars of the show because of their jokes were Horace Abear, Sonny Cruz, Art Balaga and Deo Escarilla.

Incindentally, the reunion was made more significant because of the birthday of the two members – Ding Talattad (February 1) and the host, Boy Jolampong, though belated (January 26).

The PALers, as usual are thankful to the selfless effort of Deo Escarilla in coordinating among the members and as always, too, the spirit behind the reunion events. It has been his advocacy aside from being an active text evangelist. He is ably supported literally, by his pretty and ever smiling wife Vilma who also acts as the photographer. 

(Note: tapok-tapok is a Visayan term for "get together" or "reunion")