Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones research, identified five places in the world where people live the healthiest and longest lives. His work shows that while diet and exercise matter, a vital factor is social connection—strong relationships with family, friends, and community. When former SEC Commissioner Atty. Blas Viterbo and his wife, Dr. Maritess Gozon—the “horse whisperer” and youngest daughter of my Diko, Felipe “Henry” Gozon—invited the clan for a three-day visit to Roxas City, Capiz, the seafood capital of the Philippines, we said yes immediately.

I traveled with my children—Edmin, Ted, and Tricia—alongside my pamangkins: Bee G. Madrid and Nicky (from Kuya Ben Gozon Jr.); Laurie G. Westfall and Joel with wife Gidget, daughter Bianca, and husband Connor Won (from Ate Kay G. Jimenez); and Maritess’s siblings, Philip and Annette, with husband Shintaro Valdes. Joining us as “adopted family” was Tracey Garcia. It was not merely a trip; it was a reunion of three generations bound by shared history.

Our first dinner was at Platanan Mall, where the best seller was Max’s fried chicken—fresh, juicy, and distinctly flavorful—paired with Miguelito’s 80% less sugar soft-serve ice cream with real fruit bits. Music completed the feast. Soprano Alexa Mediodia serenaded us alongside May Ann Basa, the “bangus girl” with three million followers online, as well as Annette and Laurie.

The next day at Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, we boarded a banca raft that cruised gently down the river toward the sea. Onboard, we were served an extraordinary spread: mud crabs heavy with aligue, shrimps, oysters, clams, seaweed salad, and sweet young coconut. The simplicity of eating freshly cooked seafood while feeling the sea breeze was truly relaxing. Dogs swam near the sandbar, and some of us enjoyed massages as the raft drifted.

We also toured the city. Capiz is famous for its translucent shells, and we visited a shell factory to see local craftsmanship firsthand, as well as the Banica fish market. We stopped at the birthplace of Manuel Roxas, now preserved as a historical site, and visited the Panublion Museum and the Santa Monica Church. Established in 1572, the church is home to the largest bell in the Philippines, weighing over 10,000 kilograms. Many more places remain to be visited in Roxas, and incidentally, Iloilo is only about two to two-and-a-half hours away.

Between destinations, what deepened most was the bonding and storytelling. The cousins recalled memories of their childhood, especially their Lolo—my father, Benjamin Gozon. They spoke of reciting Mi Ultimo Adios on command, of being given a set budget at department stores, and of understanding discipline through a single look or a gentle press of the hand. “Makuha ka sa tingin,” they said. They recalled Lolo’s special treats: fruitcake from the United States eaten in careful slices, and a “surprise” lunch at Swiss Inn where corned beef arrived as soup rather than the canned version they expected. Their Lola promptly asked the waiter to roast it instead. These stories surfaced effortlessly, vivid and detailed, demonstrating that shared memory is a powerful adhesive across time.

On our final day, we visited Istorya Forest Garden, recommended by Dr. Marco Bermejo. His mom Gigi and sister Cheska prepared a memorable experience for us. The Capiz University choral group welcomed and serenaded us during lunch, transitioning seamlessly from contemporary songs to classical pieces. Inspired, Annette joined the choir in song. Shintaro described it as a “foretaste of heaven—surrounded by love and angelic music.” The setting, the cuisine, and the music converged into a multisensory celebration of togetherness.

Even after we checked in at the airport, Blas suggested one last stop at Bitoy’s Barbeque along the boulevard. Appetite, it seems, expands with the aroma of barbeque; even though we were full, some still ordered rice. Days after the trip, we still enjoyed the seafood, biscottini, barbeque, and even breadfruit (rimas) from the generous pabaon of our hosts.

Yet what lingered most was not just the abundance of food, but the abundance of stories and connection. Nicky said he “felt young again.” Edmin called it “one of the greatest weekends and great bonding with family.” From Joel: “So happy to spend time with all my ‘crazy’ cousins... really brought us together.” From Laurie: “Perfect from end to end.” And from Bee: “Great weekend, love you all.” The bonds of family—tested by time and distance—were reaffirmed. It was not simply a vacation. It was an investment in bonding, memory, belonging, and family. Thank you to dear Maritess and “Saint” Blas for adding years to our lives that wonderful weekend in Capiz. Till the next bonding trip!