It’s often remarked how being a grandparent changes one’s life in a way profoundly different from being a parent. Some would observe that it’s because one is more mature, more mellowed with life, at that stage when one becomes a Lola or Lolo. And the relationship works two ways, as it leads the child to see the grandparent as someone they can shower their total love towards, and helps the child create a strong sense of identity.
SM Supermalls joins hands across the country in celebrating Grandparents' Day from September 1-8. And so we asked some grown-up grandchildren to share with us their best memories and gift ideas for their grandparents.
Mykie Concepcion Tan, artistic painter, is the daughter of Ton and Karen Concepcion. On her mother’s side, there’s Lola Amy Cu Unjieng, and on her father’s side, Lola Menchu Concepcion:
“I am very fortunate to have two beautiful, strong, and energetic Lolas. Growing up, I always felt their love and affection for us grandchildren. Amidst giggles, they would tell me that the love for a grandchild is different - all the fun without the responsibility of raising a child again! I have vivid memories of my Lola Amy (my mother’s mom) playing with me the whole day, giving me sips of the then-forbidden Coca-Cola. With my Lola Menchu (my father’s mom), my first travel experiences from Hong Kong to Japan were with her.
Though they’re older now, they’re still enjoying life with more energy than I sometimes possess. They have booked social calendars, with lunches at Wildflour, merienda at Mary Grace, plus shopping at Uniqlo or Zara! They’re women who seem to have it all, but I’m so thankful to find great gifts for them at the SM Store. They appreciate practical gifts of dining sets and glassware, or even stylish sandals. During the holiday season, I particularly enjoy shopping at Kultura, to find Filipino-made Christmas decorations for them.
Now that I’m a mother myself, my two Lolas find it hard to resist gifting my one-year-old daughter, Marianna, with the amazing baby girl clothes that seem endless, as sourced from the SM Store. From floral T-shirts to tulle dresses, my baby now has a wardrobe almost as extensive as the ones of her great-grandmothers. I’m so grateful to both my Lola Amy and Lola Menchu for opening their hearts even more for my baby girl, just as they have for me.”
Tiffany So pays tribute to her 92-year-old Lolo/Guakong, and shares these sentiments:
“This Grandparents' Day, I find myself reflecting on the incredible bond I share with my maternal grandfather, Tomas Valles, or Guakong. His life is a testament to the enduring power of family and the importance of hard work. He’ll celebrate his 93rd birthday later in the year, and continues to embrace his daily routine of rising early, visiting the market, and heading to his James Auto Supply in Pedro Gil St. - with the same enthusiasm displayed when he founded the business in the 1950’s with my Guama, Pacita.
They have been like second parents to me, playing a pivotal role in my upbringing, offering invaluable wisdom and affection that shaped my values and character. Weekends together with my sister Mitzi at the Tagaytay rest house, or swimming and bowling at The Orchard, and the traditional Sunday family dinner. These have all strengthened our bond over the decades.
Among my fonder family memories are the visits to my parents’ Venice Jewellers shops at SM Megamall and SM Southmall, where Mitzi and I would enjoy ice skating, the rides at Storyland, and shopping at the SM Store. This Grandparents Day, we plan to take Guakong to the SM Mall of Asia for shopping and dinner. This mall holds sentimental value for us, as my parents also had a shop there that opened in 2006, concurrent with the mall’s grand opening. Guakong has truly been a cornerstone in my life. Happy Grandparents’ Day to my amazing Guakong!”
Baston Ongpin, 18, just graduated from Senior High, and enters university this September, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. He plays the bass in a rock band with friends, and has a true original ‘rock star’ of a grandmother in Maribel Ongpin.
“‘Nana' is 86 years old, and barely five feet tall. She sounds like a little old lady, but she is not! Physically strong and lucid, she has a solid sense of what she wants and the way the world should be - and therein lies her fearless inner strength. I get a little scared whenever I see her - in an existential and monumental sense. She has personally experienced so much of our history; World War II, our 1945 Independence, martial law, and EDSA Revolution, and so many others.
Now, she seems to spend most of her days traveling, playing golf and tennis, and shopping for her grandchildren. She buys us everyday things we use, like clothes, books, and shoes. And there’s her dedication to our pre-colonial textile culture. She’s super-kind to her children and grandchildren; while staying true to who she is, and what she stands for, whether that be her love of God, or her duty a parent and grandparent. If I were her age, I don’t know if I’d have the strength to carry on as she has; with such kindness, patience, and heart.
And when I do reach her age, I think I’d like to be scary like she is!”
Chand Daryanani is now President of Canadian Manufacturing. Known globally for their beddings, this 65-year old company was founded by Chand’s grandfather, Hiro Asandas.
“Taking my grandparents to the mall is always a delightful experience, one filled with nostalgia and laughter. Since I was a child, spending Sundays at an SM Mall has been a constant. As we stroll through the bustling corridors, I can’t help but notice the sparkle in their eyes as they reminisce about the days when shopping was a social event. Familiar stores remind them of their younger days, and I love hearing their stories about fashion trends that have come and gone, and come back again! The mall becomes a chance for us to bond, share moments, and create new memories together.
As we make our way through the mall, I’ll get ideas on what to gift them - something that reflects their unique personalities and interests. If it’s a jewelry store like Karat World, a beautiful bracelet may catch my eye. One with a delicate design and vibrant colors, that will remind me of my grandmother’s playful spirit. My grandfather still works out at 92, so I’ll be on the lookout for workout apparel. And after shopping, we’ll gather at the SM Foodcourt to enjoy a warm meal, and plan our next outing. If this is when I present my gifts to them, I love how their faces light up with surprise and gratitude.
This is how a simple day at the mall turns into something more meaningful. The joy we share goes beyond the physical activity, the gifts and the meal together. It’s about the time spent together, the laughter shared, and the love that binds us. Taking my grandparents to the SM Malls isn’t just about shopping; it’s about cherishing the moments that make our lives richer, and more fulfilling.”