What more can one pray for, after one reaches the age of 100?

For the centenarian, Lola Escion, as fondly called by many, her answer would be just a smile.

ConcepcionEnfestan Acupanda Elnas with Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, recently turned 100 with family and friends celebrating her birthday at a local hospital where she is now confined.

She was born on December 8, 1914, which was why she was named Concepcion as this was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic Church.

Her husband, Gregorio Elnas, with whom she has four children, passed away in 1983. All her children also give signs of living beyond the usual life expectancy of Filipinos. They are Fortunato Elnas, 78; Josefa Elnas Credo, 76; Felicitas Elnas Peñaranda, 73; and Emilia Elnas, 68.

The centenarian has ten grandchildren and great grandchildren, most of them nowadults. Two younger ones, Allianna Magallano, 9, and brother, Kennon Paul, 8, entertain her when they come visiting.

Lola Escion spent most of her time at home, doing tasks like sweeping the yard, and goes to bed early, Emilia said.

Emilia said her mother, before her hospitalization, heard mass everyday and would walk about 800 meters from their home to the Catholic Church in Zamboanguita.

She has her own group of friends with whom she spends time at church, Emilia said. She is a member of the Catholic Women’s League and was actively involved in church-based activities in previous years.

She is from Zamboanguita town, about half an hour’s drive from Dumaguete.

Fr. Lyndon Zerna, former Zamboanguita parish priest, said Lola Escion is known for being religious and has been hosting the 10th Station of The Cross at her house for the yearly Via Crucis during Holy Week.

Emilia’s wish for her mother who has lived to be 100, is for her to have many more years on earth.

Emilia, a single mom whose only daughter, June, has lived with Lola Escion at their ancestral home, says her mother has no secrets about her long life.

She has no vices, rarely drinks coffee, does not eat chicken but loves Filipino dishes like “humba (pork stew), pork chop, vegetables and her regular soda drink, which, she says, “adds life”.

Lola Escion’s family members believe that she could be the oldest living person in Zamboanguita but Fr. Zerna says there are also a number of senior citizens in that town who are already in their 90s and still up and about and attending mass regularly.

Family members and friends are grateful for the 100-year-old who, they believe, must be “stress-free” and “worry-free” to live this long, Emilia said.

A Marian devotee as well, Lola Escion has been ambulant and until only very recently, showed signs of forgetfulness, and other physical infirmities of old age have set in.*JFP

back to top