“Spend time with your elders… While we’re busy growing up, they are growing old.”
A few months ago, my mom and I visited my Grandparents in Paldit, Pangasinan. It was my first comeback from almost 10 years of stay in Manila. And meeting them again and finding how things have change excites me already.
Olivia Lacaza & Ricardo Pasquito was a lovely couple who bore 6 children with my Mom (Malou) being the middle child. They live before in Samar but because of my Lolo’s work in a mining company in Pozorubio, he decided for his family to move in Pangasinan where they started to create a living.
My Mom use to let me live with them when I was a kid, while she’s busy working in Manila, thus my grandparents tend to my needs as a child. I was in my kindergarten years when I live their for almost 2 years and I still remember how beautiful the place was and the memories I have with my grandparents.
A simple day in the farm of a 5 year old kid with his Grandparents.
In the province, the day usually starts at 4 in the morning. My Lola would be up already cooking rice and brewing coffee. I usually woke up at 5 am. As soon as I woke up and after rinsing my face, I would run to my Lolo to grab some money and buy hot Pandesal just across the main street.
On my return, the smell of coffee already covers the house, but that isn’t for me. My lola would usually scoop water off the boiling rice, which they call “Am”, mix it with a little sure and served it for me.
Before I go to take a bath, my Lolo would usually asked me to bring the goats outside for them to be fed with grass. I also have the task to feed the pigs with Gabi leaves while my Lolo would hold the water hose to clean the pigs cage.
Before 6am, I’ve already finished my bath, would then wear my uniform and would be ready to go to school. Back then, my room window overlooks the greenery of the farm.
After school, when I get home, the customary “Mano po” should always be done for my Lola would always be angry whenever I become too lazy on not doing it.
After changing clothes, Lolo would then asked me to bring back the goats to the backyard. Later before the evening, I would then boing a house to house in the whole neighbourhood collecting “Kanin baboy” (food excess) which will then be use to feed the pigs.
It was a simple yet fun memories on how we live together in the province. Some other activities I do with my grandparents includes going to the market, picking fruits at the near mountain, cutting grasses, and most specially playing around!
Going back, I realise, while I am busy growing up, they are also growing old. Making me think that maybe I should go back frequently and spent more time with them, while we still have time to create additional good memories in life.
#YOLOLO & #YOLOLA Only Live Once!
Grandparents. They’re the quiet yet amused voice that says yes when our parents say no. They never forget a birthday, even if sometimes, they forget how to spell your name. And for some unfathomable reason, the meals they cook are always the best. Win or lose, they always have a warm smile and comforting hug waiting just for us. Their presence keeps us grounded, because they represent our roots. They remind us of home.
Grandparents have a special place in everyone’s hearts that a day was declared just for them! This September 7, make your grandparents feel loved, the way they’ve done for you all life.
SM Supermalls believes in the value of family, so they’ve lined up special treats and activities that you and your grandparents can enjoy, in honor of their special day:
BLESSED DAY
A family that prays together, stays together. Before hitting shops and having fun, say a little prayer, and thank the Lord for putting such loving elders in your life. Attend a mass with your lolo and lola.
TREATS ON US
SM Supermalls wants to spoil your grandparents! Bring lolo and lola to any SM mall from August 25 to September 7, because senior citizens will get special gifts and discounts from certain shops, restaurants and the SM Foodcourt.
Specifically on September 7, The SM Store will give senior citizens a 10% discount for a minimum P1,000 single-receipt purchase of any regular-priced item, as long as they present their senior citizen card with their SM Advantage Card. There’s a priority checkout lane to make shopping easier for seniors as well!
SNAPSHOT OF LOVE
From August 25 to September 7, make memories with your grandparents and preserve them through a picture and message on the dedication and photo walls located in SM malls. Pose the grooviest photo of you and your grandparents on Instagram, use the hashtag #YOLOLO #YOLOLA and get the chance to win P5,000 worth of GCs!
RETRO ROCK HITS
On September 7, ask lolo and lola to show you how they used to party! Musicians will be performing 50s and 60s tunes in SM malls for your grandparents’ entertainment. Feel free to dance with them, while they’re still able to!
#YOLOLO and #YOLOLA only live once! So invite your lola, nans, grannies, lolo, grampa, paps, grandads to an amazing day out at the SM mall nearest you because at SM Supermalls, EVERYTHING’S HERE for the love of Lolo and Lola!
To find out more about the SM Supermalls’ Grandparents Day activities, visit this link: http://bit.ly/SMGrandparentsDay
