IT DOES not matter if she decides to listen to Barbra Streisand's White Christmas or Katy Perry's Cozy Little Christmas this coming holiday season. Nothing is going to stop the big boss of CLTV, the one and only Sonia P. Soto from cherishing her senior moments. Move over Indang Pacing, the SPS senior chronicles is now the latest craze to watch for on Facebook.
The saga started after SPS' 60th birthday celebration, after the hundreds of greetings and well wishes, and following the seemingly joyous Mexican Frida-themed party, a new chapter in her life began the moment she acquired her senior citizen card and booklet. And in October 25, 2019, she started to wonder where she could use it for the first time.
In November 8, she began to realize some of the benefits of becoming a senior citizen other than people finding it OK for elderly to eat supper at 5 in the afternoon. This time, her godchildren begin to send gifts instead of the other way around. On the same date, she wrote about a scene she experienced at Robinsons Starmills while purchasing some Christmas decors. It was her first chance to avail a discount as a senior citizen. But when the cashier told her that she may need to purchase a flashlight to aide in reading, she declined to use it and instead insisted she still has good eyesight.
On the same day, she posted about another incident this time while craving for pancit and halo-halo. She was planning on using her card again until the vendor recognized her face and told her, "Aren't you the announcer on CLTV?" Instead of availing the discount, she just considered it as a tip to the seller and called it another failed attempt.
In November 9, Ate Sonia almost got lucky at a pharmacy when she was buying some medicines. Despite not having her booklet and doctor's prescription during that time, the pharmacist was about to let her avail that elusive senior citizen discount because the people recognized her again as a TV personality. The only thing was, there were other customers waiting in line and they heard the whole conversation. Known for being honest and straight, Ate Sonia did not accept the offer of the pharmacist and paid the medicines in full. Again, SPS had to wait for another opportunity.
The November 10 scene was quite different. This time, the story happened inside her home. Known for being organized, her visiting sibling was surprised to suddenly discover items clutter up near SPS' bedside. Ate Sonia's excuse was that it's for convenience and ease of finding things. When she noticed that her sib is trying to connect her new perspective to becoming a senior, she went on packing her things up and putting them back inside the cabinets.
Last November 14, she asked Johnny Mallari to buy her medicines and Johnny Boy gladly bought her from the drugstore. After some time, Ate Sonia told Johnny that they could have availed a senior citizen discount from the earlier transaction. Johnny agreed. SPS followed with a question, "Then why didn't you ask for my card and booklet?" Johnny answered, "I actually thought of asking for your card and booklet but I somehow got shy." SPS is still trying to comprehend the answer of Johnny Boy.
A post in November 15 came out not with a story but with a photo. It seems like SPS is not yet ready to let it all grey. The columnist would not like to comment further on hairstyle preference.
In November 22, one of her godchild asked her if it's OK to visit her during Christmas season. SPS promptly answered, "Why not?" Showing relief, her godchild said, "Great! I first thought it's kind of awkward to visit you on Christmas knowing you are already a senior citizen." Beginning to get curious with the comment, SPS then asked, "Why? Does that mean I still have the obligation to give you a present on Christmas?" The godchild cheerfully answered, "I hope so but do not worry. I will give you a 20% discount."
And after a month of waiting, at long last! SPS senior adventures went from sawi to wagi! During her dine in at a pizza parlor inside Robinsons, she finally got a senior citizen discount; shout out to Danalyn who served her the meal and discount.
Most elderly would say that there are lots of perks of being 60 and above. And Ate Sonia is starting to enjoy them, one day at a time, as we (her friends and followers) enjoy reading her stories. Come to think of it, she could actually write a book about her experiences and misadventures, so to speak.
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Kuya J Pelayo IV is a Kapampangan broadcast journalist. For comments and suggestions, e-mail at 4th.pelayo@gmail.com