OUR beloved Archbishop Paciano “Apung Seto” Aniceto officiated the Holy Mass during the Christmas party of elderly cabalen last December 20 at SM Pampanga Event Center.
Apung Seto cannot afford to skip this annual golden affair not only because of the desire to share his homily in person but also it is obvious that he feels rejuvenated when the company of his peers.
Of course, in this era of social indifference and betrayal of public trust, there is a long way to go before his divine-inspired exhortation bear fruits. In gratitude, our senior cabalen are praying for the continuous good health of our most revered Archbishop if only to be privy to his solicitude and spiritual guidance for a long time. Viva Apung Seto!
What is surprisingly noticeable is the absence of traditional politicians. Last year’s celebration was graced by former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda accompanied by one or two provincial officials. Senior Citizens Partylist representative Francisco Datol who was ecstatic last year over the impending National Senior Citizens Commission was not around this time to make an update.
The said commission is a long overdue piece of legislation that aims to consolidate and streamline the management and dispensation of social and economic benefits to our elderly sector. It is expected that the commission will spare the senior citizens from the degrading bureaucratic red-tape and arrogance that now characterize their availment of financial and health assistance.
Anyhow, the show must go on despite the no-show of traditional Rockstars. As expected, a number of Pampango-inspired Kundiman songs have been belted away rekindling the zest and romanticism of younger days. A two or three (hindi pa kami laos!) dance numbers have also been performed. But mind you, the all-grandma dance ensemble of Arayat, with their ballooning mini-skirts and sleeveless blouses, did not spare the Octogenarians from raising their adrenalin as the grandma’s alternately raise their legs with charm and dexterity. It reminded me of that water-beetle who walks on the water with grace and celerity; but if he would stop and think how he did it, he would surely sink. In fairness, our Octogenerians will sink not. But certainly their horns will blink! Joke only!
Also, we acknowledge the presence of Jiggy Manicad, a TV reporter/anchor of GMA network now aspiring to be a senator of the republic. If the crowd of senior citizens seeking selfies with Sir Jiggy is any indication, then, this Kapuso’s popular newscaster rings a bell in the hearts of our senior cabalen. Good Luck Sir Jiggy.
Oh yes, the most valued patron of the golden celebration is no less than our very own Manny V. Pangilinan, a Cabalen entrepreneur par excellence.
Thank you sir MVP for your symbolic donation. Through your Christian Marx G. Villa we fully appreciated the circumstances that precluded your good-self from conveying in person the spirit of Christmas to our senior cabalen. God bless you, sir.
Finally, congratulations to the officers and staff of UPSCO led by Mom Linda David for the successful celebration of this years’ Christmas Party. Of course, the management of SM Pampanga deserves to be thanked for the free use of its facility all these years. Merry Christmas and prosperous 2019.