"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."
This is the quote shared by actress Sunshine Cruz recently on social media.
She reiterated the same on Facebook, reminding followers to educate others on ageing.
"Being a lola or having the privilege to age is a blessing denied to many. Huwag natin gawing ugali at gamitin ang salitang 'matanda' to hurt, insult or decribe a person negatively," she said.
Sunshine is proud that at 44, she is "healthy and happy."
"Ang mahalaga ay meron tayong pinagkatandaan. At higit sa lahat wala po tayong tinatapakan at sinasaktan just because nadadagdagan ang ating edad. Stay safe and healthy everyone. Magandang Hapon po."
Note that Sunshine accompanied the post with screenshots of comments from bashers.
https://www.facebook.com/sunshinebcruz0718/posts/503190378031695
One wrote: "Lola yung buto mo ingat ingat din baka mabalian ka (victory hand emoji)."
But Sunshine replied: "Are you trying to insult me by calling me lola? Proud of my age! I am 44, healthy and happy. Tbh, I'd rather be a lola than be you. Kumain ka para magkaron ng nutrition ang katawan at pagiisip mo. You look frail and hungry. Take care and stay healthy."
Another deemed Sunshine "old."
"Tigulang na gyod," it read.
Sunshine answered: "My sis is 54 and she obviously still looks good for her age. Ageing happens to everyone po. Let's not make is seem na ang pagtanda ay dapat ikalungkot at ikahiya. Blessing po ang mabigyan ng pagkakataong maging 'tigulang.'"
The sexy star also uploaded the message of a certain online user who wrote: "still stunning look the outside..ang loob kaya sa panty baka matandang kwaknit."
This is not the first time that Sunshine schooled followers.
Last month, Sunshine also reacted to "katanda na ang attire parang teenager" comment.
She retorted: “kailangan po ba ang attire ko like yours para masabing tama ang suot? I don’t think may chart ang attire according to age. Basta happy at confident go lang po! Walang bawal at masama.”
She also advised: “Wear clothes that make you happy and feel pretty. That’s all that matters.”