Excerpt from Marjorie Gorospe, loQal.ph
115-year-old I-Apayao native Rufina Daluyon reflects the healthy lifestyle of the I-Apayao tribe and despite her age, the centenarian shows no signs of serious illness.
Apo Rufina can still talk and can still walk but she only speaks Ilocano. She shares her stories to willing listeners through her great granddaughter Susan.
1. Lifelong Physical Activity
The I-Apayao tribe is related to Isneg tribe and both tribes are known as good farmers.
2. Diet – mostly vegetables
Susan says being a member of the I-Apayao tribe, Apo Rufina is very fond of vegetables.
3. Good Genes
Apo Rufina’s husband lived for 126 years. Apo Rufina has three children, but only one among the three is still alive at a still remarkable age of 90.
4. Spirituality and Gratitude
5. Discipline
“Napakahigpit nya (Rufina) lalo pagdating sa pag-uwi ng maaga sa bahay at tamang pagkain. (She is very strict, particularly on curfews and eating the right food),” says Susan in jest.
Centenarian Northern Philippines
“Minsan tinatanong na rin nya kung bakit di pa sya namamatay at mukha daw nalimutan na siya ni Lord sunduin. (She often wonders why she’s still alive and that the Lord probably has forgotten about her),” says Susan who often visits her great grandmother and gives her a shower.
For her part, Susan says she is thankful for the life that God has granted Apo Rufina.
But Susan admits that things are getting harder for Apo Rufina. Susan says all they can do is to give her the love that she deserves while she is still alive.
