IMPORTANT 2021 DATES DEDICATED TO SENIORS

“And in the end,

It’s not the years in your life that count.

It’s the life in your years!”

(Abraham Lincoln)

Hello. dearest Seniors! I know how you all feel because of the pandemic. As a senior, I also feel quarantine fatigue, but 2021 ushers new hope for an effective vaccine to protect us, and hopefully allow us to safely travel, domestically or internationally, by the third or fourth quarter of the year.

Anyway, here is Tita S again to remind you and your family to celebrate important dates in 2021 dedicated to seniors, with or without travel restrictions. We deserve it!

Families can bond among themselves on these days to be thankful for, and to honor their elders, for this is not a gift given to everyone. Of course, if this is possible, practice safety protocols, otherwise, why not hold a zoom get-together? Make seniors feel special!

Here are the 13 special senior days worldwide for 2021:

1.OLDER AMERICANS MONTH (OAM) – This is celebrated every month of May in the USA to honor adults (65 years old and above) and their contributions, especially those who defended the country. This was declared by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced that the 2021 theme is: Communities of Strength – Older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failures, joys, and difficulties. Their stories and contributions help to support and inspire others.¹

Photo source: https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/older-americans-month-2021-communities-strength

For more information, visit the website of the Administration for Community Living (ACL): oam.acl.gov.

2. MOTHER’S DAY – This annual celebration honors the mother/s of the family, observed worldwide, most commonly on the months of March and May. Most countries celebrate it every second Sunday of May, so it will be held on: May 9, 2021. It was founded by Anna Jarvis of West Virginia, as a memorial to her mother, and first celebrated in 1908.

Photo source: https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/mothering-sunday

Filipinos, do you know that Mother’s Day was officially proclaimed to be held every first Monday of December, together with Father’s Day? Governor-General Charles Yeater made the original declaration in 1921, as per clamor of the Ilocos Norte Federation of Women’s Clubs for Mother’s Day to be held on the first Monday of December. President Manuel Quezon then renamed it as Parent’s Day to honor fathers as well, and President Estrada returned the dates in 1998, after President Corazon Aquino separated Mother’s and Father’s Day and changed the dates to those observed by the Americans. All the information is according to the Wikipedia page, “Mother’s Day”.²

3. NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY – This is celebrated every last Wednesday of May so that the elderly can participate in various health and fitness activities, usually held in US hospitals, senior centers, parks and recreational sites. Organized as a private-public partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market, it will be held on May 26, 2021.³    

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/HamCoHealth/photos/its-national-senior-health-fitness-day-this-years-theme-is-live-and-thrive-with-/10156404433178652/

4. JUNE 1 – GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS/PARENTS’ DAY – This annual celebration was declared by the United Nations “to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship”. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page, “Parents’ Day”.⁴

Photo source: https://www.latestgkgs.com/united-nations-7514-a

5. FATHER’S DAY – This annual celebration honoring fathers and fatherhood is observed worldwide, but dates vary per country. It started, and was celebrated, in Catholic Europe during the Middle Ages during the feast of Saint Joseph, on March 19. In the USA, it was first held on July 5, 1908, by the Central United Methodist Church in West Virginia. Most countries, like the Philippines, celebrate it every third Sunday of June, so it will be celebrated on June 20, 2021. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page, “Father’s Day”.⁵

Photo souce: https://thehappyfathersday.com/happy-fathers-day-sms/

Take note, Filipinos, Father’s Day is officially recognized every first Monday of December, together with Mother’s Day, but due to our strong American influence, we celebrate it as stated above.

6. JULY 23 – NATIONAL GORGEOUS GRANDMA DAY – Now, Grannies, I love this day! People use the hashtag #GorgeousGrandma on this day, along with pictures dining out, or being in a special destination, together with their gorgeous grandmas.⁶

Photo source: https://thechrysalismethod.com/2020/07/national-gorgeous-grandma-day/

7. JULY 30 – FATHER-IN-LAW DAY⁶ – Well, if there is a Mother-in-law Day (see number 13), we certainly must have this special day! Celebrate this day based on his passion, hobbies, favorite restaurant, etc.

Photo source: https://www.wheniscalendars.com/when-is-father-in-law-day/

8. AUGUST 21 – WORLD SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY – This was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 14, 1990, to honor all seniors worldwide.

This was patterned from Senior Citizens Day in the United States, as declared by President Ronald Reagan, through Proclamation 5847 in 1988, to raise awareness of, and honor the contributions of, American Senior Citizens (SCs). It is not a public holiday but it is observed throughout the USA through social gatherings and activities, recognizing the achievements of SCs.⁶

Photo source: https://www.tentaran.com/happy-world-senior-citizens-day-wishes-history/

9. NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS’ DAY – This is an international, annual, secular holiday celebrated in various countries.

It was first celebrated in the USA in 1978, founded by Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, to encourage families to visit their elders. It then spread to other countries but is celebrated on various dates (Google dates per country). In the USA, it is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day, in September, so, it will be celebrated on: September 12, 2021.

Photo source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flat-design-national-grandparents-day-concept_9151243.htm#page=1&query=grandparents&position=7

The Philippines started celebrating Grandparents’ Day every second Sunday of September since 1987, and is considered a special occasion for the family to get together.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page, “National Grandparents Day”.⁷

10. RESPECT FOR THE AGED DAY – This is a national Japanese public holiday, held every third Monday of September, to honor elderly citizens, so it will be celebrated on September 20, 2021.

Tracing its origins to 1947, it was first held on September 15, 1966, when Nomadani-mura of the Hyogo Prefecture proclaimed September 15 as Old Folks’ Day (Toshiyori no Hi). Nowadays, media highlights the oldest people in the country, according to the Wikipedia page, “Respect for the Aged Day”.⁸

Photo source: https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/mano-or-pagmamano-an-honoring-gesture-in-filipino-culture-800534.vov

 11. OCTOBER 1 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS – This occasion was first observed on October 1, 1991 by all United Nations member states to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly as well as to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society, according to the Wikipedia page, “International Day of Older Persons”.⁹

Photo source: https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-day-of-older-persons-2021/

12. OCTOBER 1-7: ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK (LINGGO NG NAKATATANDANG FILIPINO) – A week-long celebration in the Philippines, as per Presidential Proclamation No. 470, to emphasize the important role of older people in nation building, as well as to raise awareness, and to address issues concerning this sector. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, local government units (LGUs), senior citizen associations and other government agencies organize activities for the elderly.¹⁰  

Photo source: https://www.eaglenews.ph/tag/elderly-filipino-week/

13. MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY – Daughters-in-law of senior mothers of your husbands, regardless of your relationship with your mother-in-law, would it not be awesome to remember her at least once a year, every fourth Sunday of October, for her role in your and your husband’s life?

It was first celebrated on March 5, 1934 in Amarillo, Texas, USA, by the editor of the local Amarillo newspaper. Why not surprise your mother-in-law on October 24, 2021! Do not forget to take a group picture and post with the hashtag #MotherinLawDay!⁶

See a related post: 2021 Philippine Holidays and Long Weekends: Everything You Need To Know

Remember, each day we wake up is a blessing, so celebrate life on the 13 aforementioned dates! Bottomline, recall what Norman Vincent Peale said: “live your life and forget your age” and what Amey Ashish stated: “conversations fade away with time, the only things that stay are the memories of the person and those magical moments with them”.

Did you find this post informative? What is your favorite senior day among the 13 above? I would like to hear from you.

See other interesting posts in this category (Now You Know), Smart Travelers (Foreign Seniors Ask and Say, Say, Say), and other categories – SCapades and Pinoy Delights. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

¹https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/older-americans-month-2021-communities-strength#:~:text=ACL%20is%20pleased%20to%20announce,to%20support%20and%20inspire%20others.

²“Mother’s Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Mother’s_Day

³www.fitnessday.com

⁴”Parents’ Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Parents’_Day

⁵“Father’s Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Father’s_Day

⁶www.daysoftheyear.com

⁷“National Grandparents Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/National_Grandparents_Day

⁸“Respect for the Aged Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Respect_for_the-Aged-Day

⁹”International Day of Older Persons,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Older_Persons

¹⁰ www.ptvnews.ph

THE FESTIVALS OF SIQUIJOR (Central Visayas Region, Philippines)

Siquijor is an island province¹ of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas² Region (Region³ VII)⁴. Geographically, Cebu is to the north, Negros to the west, Bohol to the northeast, Camiguin to the east, and to the south, across the Bohol Sea, is Mindanao. The people are called Siquijodnons.

This province¹ is commonly associated with mystic traditions. It is widely believed since the olden times that the natives of this island were men of mystery and magic who can conjure and control spirits. There are folk healers whose practices include spiritualism, along with the preparation of brews and herbal concoctions for love and health problems.

The Spaniards then came in 1565 and introduced Catholicism to the locals. To-date, Siquijodnons are predominantly Roman Catholic yet their island province¹ is still known as the Mystical Island.

Healers and herbalists all over the country annually come together in this island during Holy Week to perform healing, and to participate in the preparation of concoctions made from a variety of tree barks, roots, herbs, insects, and other ingredients. These are gathered from the forests, sea, caves, and cemeteries during the 7 Fridays of the Lenten season. The resulting brews are deemed to have healing powers. Thus, it is also called The Healing Paradise.  See a related post: Now You Know – SIQUIJOR: ITS LEGEND, HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND BELIEFS

Today, this province¹ showcases its unique culture of blending Catholicism with traditional religious practices – a major part of its people’s cultural heritage, identity, and character.

One obvious indication of the interesting mix of religion and mysticism of Siquijor is the number of festivals held in this island:

1. March 19 – Tubod Festival, a festival held in Tubod, a barangay⁵ in the municipality⁶ of San Juan, in honor of their patron saint, St. Joseph. A short procession is held along the barangay road, with lighted candles on the way to the church.

2. Holy Thursday and Good Friday – Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation, held in San Antonio, a mountainous barangay⁵ in the hilly interior of the town of Siquijor and home to folk healers. Herbalists from all over the Philippines meet here to prepare medical potions utilizing traditional ingredients and methods. It is believed that during these two days, there are many evil entities wandering around. The concoctions prepared on Black Saturday (see next festival) are said to not only possess restorative medicinal powers, but also are able to ward off evil spirits and sorcery.

3. Black Saturday – Folk Healing Festival, also held in Barangay⁵ San Antonio. Herbalists from Visayas and Mindanao convene at this barangay to prepare cauldron-cooked medical potions – made from a mixture of herbs, tree barks, and other secret ingredients – while participants gather into a circle, chanting incantations.

4. Easter Sunday – Tang Alap, a Lenten Festival of herbal preparation in San Antonio, in the municipality⁶ of Siquijor. The name, I was told, means a combination of medicine.

5. May 3 – Canoan Festival, a large festival held in the town of Larena which signifies the hard work of farmers and laborers, celebrating their successes with fresh vegetables and fruits for all to eat. It encourages farmers from the mountains to come and sell their fresh produce in the town markets. The festivities usually begin in late April, and include street dances, beauty pageants, battle of the bands, volleyball and tennis tournaments. Known artists are invited to perform in the town square.

6. May 15 – Saging Festival, a festival held in the municipality⁶ of Lazi in honor of its patron saint, St. Isidro de Labrador. The festival recognizes the importance of the banana in the lives of the people of this town. It also showcases the variety of bananas, a way of giving thanks for the abundance of the harvest. It begins with sports activities, beginning on May 8. Festivities in the following days include a Miss Teen Lazi pageant, a variety show, dance competitions, etc.

7. May 21/24 – Lubi Festival, a joyful thanksgiving festival held in the town of Maria, in honor of its patron saint, Our Lady of Divine Providence (Mary Mother of Jesus), for a bountiful harvest and blessings received from the tree of life, locally known aslubi (coconut). Local talents are also featured.

8. July 16 – Pamukad Festival, a festival held in the municipality⁶ of Enrique Villanueva to express greatness, joy and thanksgiving for the bountiful catch of fish, through the intercession of Divine power. It demonstrates the different fishing routines and rituals of the fisher folks. This festival is held a couple of days before July 16, the town’s fiesta celebration.

9. Between August 27-30 – Bugwas Festival, a festival held at the town of San Juan to celebrate an abundant and bountiful harvest in honor of their patron saint, St. Augustine of Hippo. Bugwas means a spurt of water coming from an underground source, that flows freely in the open ground. The town is blessed with abundant spring waters responsible for giving the farmers a bountiful harvest, and the fisher folks an abundant catch, thus making the lives of the people fruitful and happier.

10. Third week of September, including September 17 – Araw ng Siquijor with Solili, a week-long celebration, a celebration of the island’s founding anniversary as a province¹.⁷ It features a parade, trade fair, sports competition, cultural presentation, and a pageant for Miss Siquijor.⁸

The Solili Festival is what separates Siquijor from the rest of the country, and is the highlight of the Araw ng Siquijor celebration.⁸ Every 17^th of September, relatives of grooms from the town of Lazi size up and get to know the brides-to-be. The practice revolves around the Solili Binalaye, a traditional marriage ritual among the people of the town of Lazi.^{7, 8} This celebration is reminiscent of the courtship between Tukmo and Punay, and, as a tribute to the newlyweds, merrymakers dance the Solili, capping the festivity with shouts of “Solili Binalaye”.⁸ Both parents of the married couple are presented with a feast and lectures about the realities and hardships of their married life.⁹ The Solili Festival rituals are depicted through a street dancing competition.⁸ 

11. October 1 – Dilaab Festival, a festival held in the municipality⁶ of Siquijor, which gives due recognition to the natural assets of the island, and is in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who is known as a lover of nature. It is one of the biggest fiesta¹⁰ celebrations on the island with all kinds of activities and shows lined up each year.

Note that Siquijor festival dates may vary. These are usually observed two or three days prior to the town’s fiesta.¹⁰ Occasionally, locals opt for longer celebrations and extend the duration of the festivities.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia pages “List of festivals in the Philippines”¹¹ and “Siquijor”¹², and the websites  https://www.mysiquijor.com/SiquijorFestivalDates2010.html and https://www.cocogrovebeachresort.com/special-events/siquijor-fiestas/.

I did not have any chance to visit this island during any of its festivals but, perhaps, it is a reason to return soon.

Please find time to read my other posts about Siquijor:

ENCHANTING 400-YEAR-OLD BALETE TREE AND FISH SPA, SIQUIJOR,

TAKE A TARZAN-LIKE DIVE AT CAMBUGAHAY FALLS, SIQUIJOR!,

SERENE AND SPONTANEOUS SALAGDOONG BEACH, SIQUIJOR,

SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARISH CHURCH AND CONVENT, SIQUIJOR,

Now You Know: CANG-ISOK – SIQUIJOR’S OLDEST KNOWN HOUSE,

Now You Know: SIQUIJOR’S 6 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES,

Now You Know: THE SIX MUNICIPALITIES OF SIQUIJOR,

PALITON BEACH: THE LITTLE BORACAY OF SIQUIJOR,

GET BEWITCHED AT HAPITANAN, SIQUIJOR,

and Now You Know – SIQUIJOR: ITS LEGEND, HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND BELIEFS.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you re your visit to any of Siquijor’s festivals. Simply scroll and click “Leave a comment”. Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially non-Filipinos, those with “Senior-Moments”, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region³. There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. Remember, a province in the Philippines is divided into cities¹³ and municipalities⁶ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays⁵, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”¹⁴ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE PROVINCES IN THE PHILIPPINES?

²Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions³: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar), mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces¹, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.¹⁵ Visayas is located at the middle part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Mindanao (in the southern part).

³A region is the first-order administrative division in the Philippines. There are 17 regions in the Philippines, based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. It is further subdivided in provinces¹, composed of cities¹³ and municipalities⁶ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays⁵. The regions were initially identified in 1972, through Presidential Decree No. 1 of President Ferdinand Marcos. Since then, other regions have been created and some provinces have been “transferred” to another region. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines.”¹⁶ See Foreign Seniors Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

⁴Central Visayas (Region VII) of the Philippines is a Philippine region³ located in the island group of Visayas², with Cebu City as its regional center. It has 7 local government units¹⁷ (LGUs): Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines.”¹⁶

⁵A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term “balangay”, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”¹⁸

⁶A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU)¹⁷, in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province¹, subdivided into barangays⁵, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”¹⁹

⁷Siquijor became an independent province on September 17, 1971, by virtue of Republic Act 6398, under President Ferdinand Marcos, according to the Wikipedia page “Siquijor”.¹²

⁸http://www.localphilippines.com/events/solili-festival

⁹http://primer.com.ph/event/2016/09/04/a-festival-rooted-in-courtship-and-marriage-araw-ng-siquijor/

¹⁰Fiesta is the Spanish term for (religious) feast or festival. It is a special event, usually observed annually, by a community, centering on some characteristic aspect of that community and its religion or cultures. It is often marked as a local or national holiday. Many festivals are associated with the religious commemoration and thanksgiving for good harvests and thanking gods. The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Festival”.²⁰ In the Philippines, towns celebrate annual fiestas in honor of their patron saint or as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

¹¹“List of festivals in the Philippines,” accessed March 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_festivals_in_the_Philippines

¹²“Siquijor,” accessed March 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siquijor

¹³A city in the Philippines is the local government unit¹⁷ in the Philippines headed by a mayor elected by popular vote. A vice mayor serves as the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council), which serves as the city’s legislative body. Congress is the only legislative entity that can incorporate a city in the country. Upon receiving its charter, a city also receives a full complement of executive departments to best serve its constituents. There are 145 cities, as of 2016, in the country. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”²¹ See a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

¹⁴“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

¹⁵“Visayas,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

¹⁷A local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines is divided into 3 levels: provinces¹ and independent cities²²; component cities²³ and municipalities⁶; and, barangays⁵, according to Wikipedia page “Local government in the Philippines”²⁴

¹⁸“Barangay,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

¹⁹“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

²⁰“Festival,” accessed April 19, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival

²¹“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

²²An independent city is a type of city¹³ in the Philippines which is administratively and legally not subject to a province¹ so it does not share its tax revenues with any province. The national government and its agencies serve such a city through sub-offices of the region³ it belongs to. It is subdivided into 2: highly urbanized city²⁵ or independent component city²⁶. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”²¹

²³A component city is a type of city¹³ in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city²⁵. It is under the jurisdiction of a province¹. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality⁶. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”²¹

²⁴“Local government in the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_the_Philippines

²⁵A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a type of city¹³ in the Philippines with a minimum population of 200,000 as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and with the latest annual income of at least 50 million pesos, according to Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.²¹ There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines (see link – Foreign Seniors Ask: HOW MANY CITIES ARE THERE IN THE PHILIPPINES?

²⁶An independent component city (ICC) is a type of city¹³ in the Philippines which is autonomous from the province¹ in which it is geographically located and has a charter that explicitly prohibits its residents to vote for provincial officials (unless allowed to do so). It does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city²³. There are 5 such cities in the country: Cotabato, Dagupan, Naga, Ormoc, and Santiago. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”²¹

Now You Know: IMPORTANT DATES DEDICATED TO SENIORS FOR MORE FAMILY BONDING TIME

“After a lifetime of working, raising families, and contributing to the success of this nation in countless other ways, senior citizens deserve to retire with dignity.” – Charlie Gonzalez

Medical technology has advanced and we, the seniors of today, are given a longer chance of staying on this planet to reach a ripe old age. Just imagine us living in the Late Middle Ages, life expectancy then was only 30 years old! Oh my, I got married at that age and was enjoying my teaching career! In the 1950s, the average expectancy was 48 years old worldwide, and in 2014, it extended to 71.5 years, more than double than that of our medieval counterparts!¹

I believe that Senior Citizens must be “showered” (not only given) all the love and care by the younger generations. In turn, Seniors will share their wisdom, stories, and experience. One can never honor the elderly enough!

So, younger generations, listen up! Here are several important days of the year, depending on your country, that celebrate the lives of your beloved Seniors. I arranged it chronologically by month. Log them in your calendars and plan how you can show the elders in your family that you care. Show your appreciation for them while you still can. You never know when God will need them back. Sad but true.

You can plan a short vacation or at least an overnight stay somewhere new to them or somewhere special to them, eat out with the whole family in their favorite restaurants, take them shopping, find time to spend the day with them and make them feel important and loved, or if you are so far away and cannot join them, call them, video chat, text them, email them, or be old school and send them a card by snail mail. Always remember, tomorrow is not promised and today is short. Here are special senior days worldwide, and I bet that you do not know all of them:

1. OLDER AMERICANS MONTH (OAM) – This is celebrated every month of May in the USA to honor (65-yo) adults and their contributions, especially those who defended the country. This was declared by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The 2018 theme is: Engage at Every Age to emphasize that one is never too old (or young) to take part in activities that can enrich one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as celebrate the many ways in which older adults make a difference in their communities. Visit the website of the Administration for Community Living (ACL): oam.acl.gov.

2. MOTHER’S DAY – This annual celebration honors the mother/s of the family, observed worldwide, most commonly on the months of March and May. Most countries celebrate it every second Sunday of May, so it will be held on: May 13, 2018, May 12, 2019, and May 10, 2020. It was founded by Anna Jarvis of West Virginia, as a memorial for her mother, and first celebrated in 1908.

Actually, dearest Filipinos, Mother’s Day was officially proclaimed to be held every first Monday of December, together with Father’s Day, as proclaimed by President Joseph Estrada in 1998, but this date is not considered a public holiday. However, due to our strong American influence, we celebrate it as stated above. Regardless of the date of observance worldwide, it is said to be too commercialized, but what the heck, children, at least pamper your mothers once a year!

Before I leave this special occasion, I know what some inquisitive-but-still-active Senior-minds are asking: “Tita S, really? Why was it proclaimed to be held on the first Monday of December?” Well, dearest Seniors, Governor-General Charles Yeater made the original declaration in 1921, as per clamor of the Ilocos Norte Federation of Women’s Clubs for Mother’s Day to be held on the first Monday of December. President Manuel Quezon then renamed it as Parent’s Day to honor fathers as well, and President Estrada returned the dates during his term, after President Corazon Aquino separated Mother’s and Father’s Day and changed the dates to those observed by the Americans. All the information is according to the Wikipedia page, “Mother’s Day”.²

Question: Why do our presidents keep on changing the dates and the titles of these special occasions? Gosh, dear Seniors, in our lifetime, these occasions were changed three times, so how do they expect us to remember which is when? Hay!

3. NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY – This is celebrated every last Wednesday of May so that the elderly can participate in various health and fitness activities, usually held in US hospitals, senior centers, parks and recreational sites. Organized as a private-public partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market, it will be held on May 30, 2018, marking its special 25^th anniversary celebration.³

4. JUNE 1 –GLOBAL DAY OF PARENTS/PARENTS’ DAY – This annual celebration was declared by the United Nations “to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship”.

It is held the same day as International Children’s Day so why not celebrate this day as a family – parents, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren!

It was officially proclaimed to be observed every first Monday of December in the Philippines. (Please refer to item #2 – Mothers Day).  It is held every fourth Sunday of July in the USA (per Congressional Resolution signed into law in 1994 by President Bill Clinton) and will be held on July 22, 2018. It has a fixed date, on May 8, in South Korea. All the information is according to the Wikipedia page, “Parents’ Day”.⁴

5. FATHER’S DAY – This annual celebration honoring fathers and fatherhood is observed worldwide, but dates vary per country. It started, and was celebrated, in Catholic Europe during the Middle Ages during the feast of Saint Joseph, on March 19. In the USA, it was first held on July 5, 1908, by the Central United Methodist Church in West Virginia. Most countries, like the Philippines, celebrate it every third Sunday of June, so it will be celebrated on: June 17, 2018, June 16, 2019, and June 21, 2020. All the information is according to the Wikipedia page, “Father’s Day”.⁵

Take note, Filipinos, Father’s Day is officially recognized every first Monday of December, together with Mother’s Day, but due to our strong American influence, we celebrate it as stated above.

6. JULY 23 – NATIONAL GORGEOUS GRANDMA DAY – Now, Senior Grannies, this is amusing indeed! This is the upgraded version of Grandparents’ Day. Younger generations, tell and remind your Grandma, Nana, Granny, Lola, Mamita, or whatever term of endearment you call her, that she is precious, special, and beautiful in your eyes! Do it daily and see how her eyes light up right after you tell her so. People use the hashtag #GorgeousGrandma on this day, along with pictures dining out, or in a special destination, together with their gorgeous grandmas.⁶

7. JULY 30 – FATHER-IN-LAW DAY⁶ – Well, if there is a Mother-in-law Day, we certainly must have this special day! Celebrate this day based on his passion, hobbies, favorite restaurant, etc. Ladies, if you are happily married, this is a way to show your gratitude that he raised a good son like your husband. If not, proceed to #8! LOL

8. AUGUST 21 – WORLD SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY – This was proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 14, 1990, to honor all seniors worldwide.

It seems this was patterned from Senior Citizens Day in the United States, as declared by President Ronald Reagan, through Proclamation 5847 in 1988, to raise awareness of, and honor the contributions of, American Senior Citizens (SCs). It is not a public holiday but it is observed throughout the USA through social gatherings and activities, recognizing the achievements of SCs.⁶

So, worldwide Keepers of Wisdom, why don’t you plan a trip to the Philippines while you are still in better health? You do not need a visa if you will stay for a maximum of 30 days. Read a related post: Foreign Seniors Ask: DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES? HOW LONG CAN I EXTEND MY STAY AS A TOURIST?

9. NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS’ DAY – This is an international, annual, secular holiday celebrated in various countries.

It was first celebrated in the USA in 1978, founded by Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia, to encourage families to visit their elders. It then spread to other countries but is celebrated on various dates (Google dates per country). In the USA, it is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day, in September, so, it will be celebrated on: September 9, 2018; September 8, 2019, and September 13, 2020.

The Philippines started celebrating Grandparents’ Day every second Sunday of September since 1987, and is considered a special occasion for the family to get together.

All these are according to the Wikipedia page, “National Grandparents Day”.⁷

10. RESPECT FOR THE AGED DAY– This is a national Japanese public holiday, held every third Monday of September, to honor elderly citizens, so it will be celebrated on: September 17, 2018, September 16, 2019, and September 21, 2020. Tracing its origins to 1947, it was first held on September 15, 1966, when Nomadani-mura of the Hyogo Prefecture proclaimed September 15 as Old Folks’ Day (Toshiyori no Hi). Nowadays, media highlights the oldest people in the country, according to the Wikipedia page, “Respect for the Aged Day”.⁸

 11. OCTOBER 1 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS – This occasion was first observed on October 1, 1991 by all United Nations member states to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly as well as to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society, according to the Wikipedia page, “International Day of Older Persons”.⁹

So, mark October 1 yearly in your calendars. Seniors can also plan to bond among themselves on this day to be thankful for, and to honor, old age, for this is not a gift given to everyone. Shouldn’t old age be considered an asset and not a liability?

12. OCTOBER 1-7: ELDERLY FILIPINO WEEK (LINGGO NG NAKATATANDANG FILIPINO) – A week-long celebration in the Philippines, as per Presidential Proclamation No. 470, to emphasize the important role of older people in nation building, as well as to raise awareness, and to address issues concerning this sector. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, local government units (LGUs), senior citizen associations and other government agencies organize activities for the elderly.¹⁰

13. MOTHER-IN-LAW DAY – There are countless jokes about mothers-in-law but come to think of it, it is not easy to be one. Regardless of your relationship with your mother-in-law, would it not be awesome to remember her at least once a year for her role in your life? Think about it, she raised the man you married (and I hope you are still happily married to him)! Anyway, it was first celebrated on March 5, 1934 in Amarillo, Texas, USA, by the editor of the local Amarillo newspaper. Oh, well, based on my personal experience, this day is not as popular as Mother’s Day because I am sure a lot of the female readers of this post do not even know or celebrate this day, right? Well, it is never too late, surprise your mother-in-law on October 28, 2018, and every fourth Sunday of October thereafter! Do not forget to take a group picture and post with the hashtag #MotherinLawDay!⁶

I also featured a post in this blog about the long weekend holidays in the Philippines: March – December 2018 Long Weekends … “Byahe Na”! (Travel Now!)

Calling the younger generations in the Philippines: please include the elders in your plans for such holidays too! I am not that religious but let us recall James 4:14 – “You know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.”

As I always tell the younger generation, “Tatanda rin kayo!” (You will also get old!) It’s your turn to show the elders of this generation your love and concern; time will come when it will be your turn to be the next older-generation.  Do your best now, ok?

In the blink of an eye, everything can change, so love with all your heart. You may not have that chance again. Show your elders how much you love them, preferably everyday would be nice.

Did you find this post informative? Please scroll below and click the “Like” tab and “Facebook” to share this post. I would like to hear from you too. Do not forget to follow me by clicking “Follow” on the lower right corner of your device.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

¹ http://www.daysof theyear.com

²“Mother’s Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Mother’s_Day.

³www.fitnessday.com –ok na

⁴”Parents’ Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Parents’_Day.

⁵“Father’s Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Father’s_Day.

⁶www.daysoftheyear.com

⁷“National Grandparents Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/National_Grandparents_Day.

⁸“Respect for the Aged Day,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia/Respect_for_the-Aged-Day.

⁹”International Day of Older Persons,” accessed February 14, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Older_Persons.

¹⁰ www.ptvnews.ph