by Benjie de Ubago

Most ponder on what to do after retirement and when they find themselves stuck in the empty nest syndrome. The Filipino Community’s Senior citizens are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.  Rather than sink into the abyss of depression, they have found positive and creative ways to ward off the daily doldrums. Defiant and ageless they continue to enjoy the winter of their youth in more ways than one.

The Sydney Sonata Singers

In June, to coincide with Philippine Independence celebrations, the Sonata Singers choral group under the leadership of choir mistress, Louisa “Loy” Tagudin and with the assistance of Demi Robinson, staged a concert – “Festival of Filipino Songs and Dances”. In their utmost best, their voices echoed loud and clear for their passion for singing.  They sang Filipino and English songs.  A full concert focussed on them alone would have been more than enough.

Senior Models With A Difference

And last 16 July, another group of seniors proved that – yes, they can!  These seniors strutted their fashion stuff in a runway parade at Burwood RSL Club.

Living the dreams of their youth, they walked to the left and to the right of a stage, with a turn and a twirl and hands on hips, to show off their glittering gowns on stage.

The idea for such a show germinated from Prima Cruz West’s passion for the catwalk. Evelyn Zaragoza brought it to fruition and ‘ta..ran’….“Seniors Model With a Difference” came to life with the help of Marilou Bautista, Lettie Aguilar, Eric Maliwat, Claudio Lisao and choreographer, Jaidene de Aziz. And during the change of costumes, supporting acts came from Luke Vargas, Gilda Pagaduan, the Marilag Dancers and Jojo Sebastian as host and entertainer.  

Twenty three seniors modelled their styles in three categories – floral dresses, formal gowns and Filipiniana outfits.  The over sixty senior models included: Lettie Aguilar, Imelda Bondoc, Joyce Caballaro, Mhimhi Corro, Marietta Diaz, Maria Vicky Guevarra, Wilma Howe, Ester Icasiano, Nena Raquiza Lui Elena Masson, Lee Meekan, Claire Osmond, Eleanor Foster Padilla, Elizabeth Salvia, Precy Santos, Maria Singh, Mellie Valdez, Dorothy Del Villar, Lita Walton, Prima Cruz West, Evelyn Zaballero, Sofiapadilla Zahorsky and Lina Zambrano.

The show was capped with Prima West and her granddaughter Ericka Constantino in a “mother and daughter” matching jade green ensemble. If I had to pick the model of the afternoon, I would give the title to  Lina Zambrano who was the epitome of style and elegance, proving that less is more.

Three seniors were given awards for having reached over 100 years old. The Centenarians were: Enriqueta Soledad (101 years old), Minerva Paguyo (101 years old) and Rosario David (100 years old).

Special guests included:  Rowena Aviquivil, Philippine Consul General, Sydney, Stephen Bali, MP, Ambassador Zenaida Collinson, former Consul General, Sydney, Ms. Consuelo Jones, former Philippine Tourism Attache along with Filipino community leaders were in attendance to give their support to the seniors.

While there were production hiccups and it could have been done better, who could argue with the smiles of the seniors after the show. Their childhood dreams were finally realised. And keeping themselves active is a definite plus for their physical and mental health.

So who says it’s over?  Indeed, there is life after 60!  Defiant and with a zest for life, these seniors have proven that they shall continue to enjoy the times of their lives.

31 July 2023