We all know, a grandparent to a child is like a fairy godmother who makes wishes come true. To a teenager, a lolo or lola is perhaps a mentor, guiding the steps to adulthood.  On the side, lolo or lolo is a storyteller, passing oral history to the next generation.  But to an adult grandchild, does the magic that grandparents bring fade away?

Not at all, according to four very adult grandchildren, two working with Manila Bulletin, one with government, and the other earning a nursing degree, who despite their busy schedules, paused to think about the question: How did your grandparents influence you?

To be the dependable one in the family is what Betheena Unite, says she got from her grandparents – Lola Criselda and Lolo Anastacio Velasco. Betheena has worked as a Manila Bulletin reporter for nine years and now covers Malacanang.

“My tatang lakay and nanang baket used to take care of us when we were little. My parents would often bring us to their house at dawn before they leave for work. My lola died when I was only six years old and my lolo made it a mission to take care of every apo in the family, as long as he can. They were both reliable people. I may have very limited memories of them but I believe my intention to be a dependable one for my family, I got it from them.”
Perseverance against all odds is what Ramon Bonilla, Manila Bulletin sports editor, says he learned from his grandmother, Inang Mely Catbagan who lives in San Fernando, La Union, and who “has always been a picture of courage and kindness to my entire family.”

Mely Catbagan

“At 80, she is still involved in farming, as what she describes as her calling up to her last breath. Inang inspires me to persevere against all odds, like herself who has done everything to raise eight children and soldiered on despite the challenges of a rural life,” he said.

Mon learned that through the summers he was with his grandmother.  “Visiting my grandmother every summer is a cherished tradition that fills my heart with excitement.” His lola from his mother’s side grows palay, okra, ampalaya, and other vegetables.

The formation of our faith and the importance of breakfast are the important values Analou de Vera, former reporter who is now earning a nursing degree, said she learned from her grandparents.

Arnulfo M.  De Vera

Maxima D. De Vera

“I can still remember that my Lola Emma and Lolo Arnold would pick us up at our house to attend Holy Mass at 6 a.m.,” she said.

“For me, my lolo and lola were a definition of warmth and kindness. Back then, my Lola Emma and Lolo Arnold would often share stories of their past experiences and that taught me and my brothers important life lessons.”

(Top) Lola Susan Paredes (left) Lolo Maximo ‘Imo’San Pedro (right) Lolo Amando ‘Amang‘ San Juan

“They also instilled in us siblings the importance of breakfast and that we should never skip it. When we visited them, they would  prepare hotdog pandesal sandwich and chocolate milk for us.  Priceless moments,” Analou said.

Alexandra San Juan, former reporter now working with government, said her grandparents inspired her to “always strive for the best, and to live life to the fullest.”

“Lolo Imo San Pedro and Lolo Amang San Juan look like tough nuts to crack, but they are very selfless and loving deep inside. Lola Susan Paredes exudes both grace and a spirited charm that captivates all who meet her. They are full of integrity and wisdom,” Alex said.
“They still know how to have fun,” with their emojis and regular Gen Z selfies.

Today is Grandparents Day.  Pause and think of the values you learned from your grandparents.  If they are still with you, take time to say ‘thank you.’