New Faces of "Old Folks" - A Changing of the Guards

New Faces of "Old Folks" - A Changing of the Guards 

Dr Abe V Rotor

Living with Nature School on Blog 

While the traditional concept of old folk has been left behind, the role of spiritual healers has become the subject of an anthropological study by Dr Ronel de la Cruz, published in a book on Fuga Island, focusing the interconnectedness of folk wisdom with modern day knowledge, folk medicine with the breakthroughs in medical science and technology.       

Professor Raul Sunico leads the country's foremost musical composers, conductors and performers, reviving the fine qualities of music as well as the time-honored history of Philippine music. His group continues to bring honor and prestige for the country in its various performances here and abroad. Professor Sunico is the dean of the UST Conservatory of Music.

Radyo ng Bayan announcer and host, Melly C Tenorio seated, welcomes guests on live broadcast - authors of new book, Humanities Today - An Experiential Approach,  led by the author, center. DZRB is the center of learning through radio - Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid or People's School on the Air, a daily evening class of one-hour, an innovation of media and education working on the principle of "university without walls."

 Workshop on Natural Healing attended by mostly senior citizens. As people grow older they tend to go to natural food and medicine using herbals and other alternative medicine. They develop an active and  participatory lifestyle contrary to passive retirement. DARE Foundation, QC

Gardening as a hobby is healthful specially to senior citizns.  It is a key to a happy, long life. It provides wholesome exercise, fresh supply of vegetables and fruits, sunlight, fresh air, happy disposition, more friends, some income generated, notwithstanding.

Caring for the the underprivileged.  Street children find a home in this center, thanks to the  community leaders lay snd religious who also give their time and share their talent. Here Msgr. Danny Sta Maria and author participate in a program for these children.   

 Research to old people is more realistic and practical; it is applied and not confined in the laboratory. Here two biologists are looking into the ability of plants in the forest to convert organic  matter efficiently through symbiosis with a fungus Mycorrhiza. Thus, discovering a phenomenon to shed light to some superstitious beliefs of old folks. 

Older people enjoy life equally with the younger ones through travelling, seeing places outside the confines of their retirement, and meeting people. Thus erasing the boundaries of age, interest, and  activities. Underground river, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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The religious is metamorphosing in the example of Mother Teresa, moving away from the comforts and rituals of cloistered life. Here sisters of different religious orders in habits like ordinary wear, work for the poor, like the rehabilitation of street children led by Bahay in Kuya founder, a French-Canadian priest, in dark shirt next to the author)

Bannawag magazine the flagship of Ilocano language and cultutre, hinges on younger writers molded by the wisdom of writers, sociologists and local leaders from the older generation, among them Godofredo Reyes, Francisco Foronda, and the poetess Leonora Florentino. Photo: left, Cles Rambaud managing editor, and the author, columnist Okeyka Apong. 

Larry Henares (with lei), veteran journalist, continues to this day as columnist and broadcaster. You got to read, listen to Larry - professionals, businessmen, leaders say. He is newsman, critic, and in fact, conscience, with a parting "Hasta la bye, bye." a hind glimpse of our historical past. Photo: Larry with author and wife.       

 Former government officials and university professors, Dr Anselmo S Cabigan (right) and author during a light moment prior to their retirement from St Paul University QC.  They continue their mission to reach out for the least touched by formal education through the Internet.  School on Blog reaches more than 500 viewers daily in the Philippines and abroad. Dr Cabigan has devised a new learning methodology, also on the Internet.

Change and contiguity. New leadership at the Ateneo de Manila University - young, dynamic, scholar, with world vision - take over the helm of this world class institution. Newly ordained Jesuit priest Jomari Manzano, nephew of author.

 

 Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, spiritual icon for two generations - like the soldier that never dies but just fades away.  And yet in his way past ninety he continues to touch people's lives through his writings, TV shows, stage plays, and countless faithful seeking for advice. Author joins well-wishers on his 94th birthday.

Divine Word College of Vigan, formerly Colegio de la Imaculada Concepcion (CIC) HS class 1956 Left to right: author with RTC Judge Ven Baclig, Businessman Ely Ragsac, Col Badong Barnachea, and Eng Fel Aviso.