“GANAHAN ko nga musubra pa sa 106 og maabot og 110.” (I want to live more than 106 and reach the age of 110).” This was the wish of Amada “Mama Mading” Alivio-Castañeda, the centenarian who celebrated her 106th birthday on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019.
In her residence in Mantuyong, Mandaue City, she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, some of whom came all the way from abroad. Her children said she always looked forward to celebrating her birthday every year because she liked to be with her children and grandchildren. “Nalipay ko (I am happy),” Castañeda said.
Castañeda’s secret to long life is her diet. According to her children, she doesn’t eat red meat. She only eats white meat like chicken and fish and she always makes sure to have vegetables in every meal. Bitter gourd (Ampalaya), squash and Malunggay are her favorites. Her favorite dish is sweet and sour fish.
She leads a positive, stress-free and laid-back life. The love she feels from her family also keeps her alive.
When she was younger, Castañeda ran a restaurant that delivered hot packed lunches to her children’s classmates. She also used to live abroad with her children. When her children had their own families, she used to babysit her grandchildren. She returned to the Philippines for good when she turned 90.
She used to be an active member of the Catholic Women’s League. She used to go to church every day until she was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago. Since then, she has spent the day in bed.
Castañeda is fond of watching sports on TV even when she was younger. Every meal, she always entertains herself by watching sports may it be basketball, tennis, baseball and lately, she has been a fan of UFC kickboxing. Her children said that when she was still in the States, she would watch sports on TV and listen to more sports on her headphones.
Despite her advanced age, Castañeda still has a sharp memory. Everything that happened in her past, her memories of her childhood, her love story with her deceased husband, she remembers vividly. However, she has difficulty hearing, so everyone has to speak close to her ear for her to understand.
Castañeda wishes that her children will live long like her. “Gusto sad unta og mahimo nga mapareha nako’g edad (I hope my children reach my age),” she said.
Castañeda has nine daughters and two sons. Two of her children have passed away. All her children no longer live in Mantuyong. Some reside abroad and the rest in other parts of the country. Castañeda currently lives with her caregivers Ivy, Yaya Dori and Susie in Mantuyong.
Under Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, centenarians are entitled to be recognized by the government and to receive P100,000, among other incentives, for reaching the age of 100.
Aside from receiving P100,000 from the National Government, Castañeda also received P50,000 from the Province and P50,000 from Mandaue City. (KFD)