My wife died more than 10 years ago. Since then (and even before that), my daughter had a housemaid to help me with my personal needs and as a quick-response, in case my aging body needs emergency help.

In that span of time, I have had three. The last one was so stressful she almost drove me to an early death to cardiac arrest.

Unable to take it any longer, I drove her out of my home.

I was never happier when she left. Yes, that means I had to do all the tasks she was meant to do. But that’s a small price to pay for the stress her presence created – from morning till night.

While she was with me, my days were a never-ending chore of reminding her to do the things she was supposed to do since day one of her employment.

Now, not only am I stress-free, I have a personal space. I like it so much I don’t want another helper ever again. And I am saving a log, too.

But to clear the air, let’s talk about personal space a little bit…

What is personal space

I am sure you have heard this Hollywood over-used phrase of “I need some space,” as  a not-so-obvious way of saying “We’re done. I don’t want you around me anymore.”

Merriam-Webster defines it more clearly as “the distance from another person at which one feels comfortable when talking to or being next to that other person.”

In real life, it is harsher. It is to seclude yourself from others. A personal space can be a little corner in your home, garden, or patio. It can be under the shade of an age-old oak tree.

Whatever form it may be, the purpose is the same – to keep away from others and not to be intruded into in any way.

We all  need a personal space to take a breather or to chill out. It allows us to develop other interests, or a stronger sense of self and discovering your desires and dreams. A personal  space is necessary for making a better assessment of the direction of your life; of cultivating your inert talents and capabilities.

When I am home, my personal space is my room. Twice a week, it is a little quiet nook in a coffee shop. If I want a change in scenery, it is my car for a long drive to nowhere or a secluded beach resort immersed (and enjoying) in my lonesomeness.

Whatever form it is, the routine is the same – endless hours in front of my laptop pursuing my passion for writing. It allows me to give vent to my miseries or rejoice in my blissfulness.

By default, my personal space (wherever it is) extends to my blog.

What My Space is about

The sub-heading of my blog is “Strictly Seniors.” Every article therein is about elderly people issues. Being a member of the tribe, I know what thrills and ails them.

While I have been religious about my desire to spice up the life of my target audience, a  certain part of me wants to remain young.  You know how it feels, don’t you We all have that urge, buried deep inside us, to think young and do things young people do.

The feeling has been welling up on me for some time until it cannot be contained any more. It has to be let out.

Hence, My Space was born.

It is a category in my blog featuring articles catering to my younger and footloose self – freelance writing and traveling.

These two fire me up. They make me feel  young. My life will be deeply curtailed if I lose my capacity to write or go somewhere, engulfed in the beauty of new places and surroundings; of discovery and adventure.

Sure I could have written articles about the subjects and include them in the mainstream. But they may not resonate with the majority of my readers. Besides, the groups I will promote them to will be entirely different.

My Space, therefore, shall have two sub-categories: Freelance Writing and Travel and Leisure. I have several subjects in the pipeline for the latter but I will be starting from scratch about the former.

I don’t know how it is going to work out. The first tentative steps are always the scariest.

So please be with me. It will be as interesting as a space launch. LOL!

~oOo~

The post Why a Personal Space is So Important first appeared on Age With Charm.

If Bohol is not on your bucket list, add it now. You won’t be sorry, I assure you.

But before I go into why it is such an amazing place to visit, bear with me for a while.

I love to travel. It is my balm against loneliness, plus it is a good exercise. In other words, it is good for the health – both body and mind.

Often I travel alone. Sometimes my daughter and her hubby ask me to tag along. Two weeks ago they did just that – they asked me to go with them to Bohol.

Of course, I did not say “No” even it was against my personal rule to never visit the same place twice.

Here’s the reason why…

Bohol is simply irresistible. It has a certain allure not found somewhere else. There are lots of things to see and experience in this speck of an island in the navel of the country.

It is one of nine major islands comprising Central Philippines. Its sisters to the west are Cebu, Negros, Panay, Siquijor, and Guimaras. To the east are Leyte, Biliran, and Samar.

Barely 4,821 sq kms in land area, it has captured the attention and delight of the traveling crowd – as shown by the island’s tourist arrivals.

In 2016, more than a million tourists, 1,000,186 to be exact, visited Bohol – a hefty increase of 37% over the previous year. Getting there is fast and easy – slightly over an hour’s flight from Manila or two hours by boat from Cebu.

Aside from its charming white-sandy beaches, good food, comfortable accommodations,  and super-friendly locals, the province has plenty of interesting and educational sites to quench your thirst for a peaceful, exciting, yet stress-free weekend.

For example, the Chocolate Hills. These are a number of geographical formations concentrated in the town of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.

Nobody knows how these almost perfectly-symmetrical hills formed or their exact number. Rough estimates put them from 1,200 to 1,800.

But believe me, you don’t want to count them when you get there but be overwhelmed by their breath-taking beauty and snap as many pictures as you can.

They are the top crowd-drawers of the province.

Then there is the Philippine Tarsier, considered one of the smallest primates in the world.

When fully grown, it stands barely 16 cm tall. The tarsier is cute and cuddly with its large, round eyes and head that can turn 180 degrees.

They lay idle and still during daytime but jump into action when darkness falls to hunt for insects – their staple diet.

Tarsiers seldom live long as pets. They are easily stressed out and die.

Not far from the Tarsier Conservation Area, is the Man-Made Forest.

Unlike the Chocolate Hills, no mystery shrouds this incredible drive-through site of Bohol.

Its origin goes back to 1947 when the provincial government set aside 19,410 hectares of land (covering 13 towns) to rejuvenate Bohol’s dwindling forest cover.

This part of the project, however, began in 1960 through late 1970.

You don’t want to miss this if you visit Bohol. It is enchanting to stroll along this 2-km stretch of mahogany trees, savoring their cool shade and,  of course, take pictures or selfies.

After having covered all these, it would be lunch time and you will be frantic for food and rest. If you can hold on for a few minutes, and you should, you will have both at the Loboc River Cruise.

The Loboc River Cruise is an hour’s cruise up and down the Loboc River in motor-propelled wooden catamarans.

Aside from the delicious buffet lunch of Filipino food served on board, you will also be treated to various alluring natural sites along the way including a short stop at an entertainment station where local belles perform to the beat of popular Filipino songs and dances.

If you are like me, you would like a short rest after a heavy lunch. And you would like to make your way to Panglao to claim your reservation.

But hold on…

Before you plop into a cool and comfortable bed, make a swing to the Bohol Bee Farm.

The Bohol Bee Farm is an example that going organic if coupled with a bit of imagination, promotion, and entrepreneurship makes good business sense.

It grows its own spices and condiments, sells ice-cream in dried cassava paste and home-processed honey of different varieties.

Or a mug of hot brew…

The resort also has a coffee shop for those who cannot go without caffeine in their veins and a wifi.

The above must-see sites compose a very small fraction of what’s to discover and visit in this irresistible island. If you Google Bohol, there are still a lot of places to add to your bucket list.

Come and have fun.

~oOo~

region.

The post Visit Amazing Bohol. You Won’t be Sorry first appeared on Age With Charm.

When I feel the itch (and I am always itchy), I travel, one of the nice things about being healthy and single.

It can be a simple as a long drive, or a flight or boat ride to an island. In all cases, the destination is always the same – an evening in a quiet beach resort.

Every now and then, my daughter and her hubby bring me along for a ride. I like this type of travel because it has a touch of class (they have more money than me). LOL!

I have already lined up several destinations this year and they all promise to be exciting and fulfilling

What about you Have you made a list of travel destinations If you haven’t, start doing it now. Don’t let the year pass (and it can be over before you know it), with much regret for not having scratched your itch.

Why travel?
First, it is the best way of getting out of the confinement of your home, your boring and stifling environment. It is to have a whiff of fresh and invigorating air, an unobstructed view of the sunrise or sunset.

Other than the romantic aspects of travel, it is good both for your body and mind.

Exploring new cities, visiting museums, talking to new and different people and learning a few foreign words are all nourishing to the mind.For example it…

–  Improves social and communication skills;
–  Gives you peace of mind;
–  Helps generate creative and original thoughts;
–  Broadens your horizon;
–  Makes you a take chances and uncertainties with a smile;
–  Boosts your self-confidence;
–  Gives you real-life education.

In summary, Dr. Margaret J. King, director of the Center for Cultural Studies & Analysis, says this of the mental benefits of travel: “With a short list of activities each day, freed up from the complexities of ongoing projects and relationships, the mind can reset, as does the body, with stress relief the main outcome.

Traveling also requires a lot of physical activities like walking around museums, exploring city streets and malls, running after public transports, etc. Studies show that a tourist walks an average of 10 miles a day. That is a lot of walking for better health.

Of course, travel has its risks. Some places are better avoided to avoid getting into the midst of a local unrest, while the rest can be mitigated by ample preparation.

Here are a few safety tips to make your travel an unforgettable experience.

Tips for a safe travel:
A lot of things can happen while you are away from home. I know of a friend who had a heart attack while going around St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. So before leaving, be sure to:

1.  Get cleared by your doctor:
Get a go-signal from your doctor that you are fit to travel. Some airlines will require it if you have a known medical conditions.

Let your doctor know your destination, how long is your stay and what will be your expected activities.

If he recommends prescription drugs to carry along or certain immunization, don’t ignore it.

2.  Don’t forget your drugs:
If you are on prescription drugs be sure to bring along enough to cover your entire stay. Bring along your prescriptions, too, just in case.

It would not be a bad idea to bring along other drugs for allergies, headache, cough and cold or painkillers. Better be ready than sorry. The new environment may affect you in ways you never expected.

3.  Keep your family in the loop:
Let your family know of your travel plans.

My children always know of my travel plans, i.e., my departure and arrival dates, where I am going to stay, etc. And when I get there, the first thing I do is to let them know of my arrival.

It will give you and your family peace of mind.

4.  Be sure to get travel insurance:
Don’t scoff at the idea of travel insurance. It can come in very handy. A lot of my friends who are residing abroad benefited from it when they came home to have surgical operations.

It costs a pittance compared to the potential benefit you get from it in case you need it. Don’t wait until it rains before running for an umbrella. Bring one along.

5.  Know your destination:
Know as much as possible your destination, i.e., weather, hospitals, recreation areas, places of interest, crime rate, currency conversion rates, etc.

Have a general idea of the area around the place where you will be staying, how to get around, available transportation types, and many others.

Groping around in a place you are not very familiar is a great spoiler of could have been a wonderful travel.

6. Take it easy:
You are on a pleasure trip, so take things easy. Wake up as late as you can or go to bed as later than usual.

For a short time in your life, discard your habits and adopt new ones. You are there to enjoy, to enjoy and savor each moment.

Don’t push yourself too hard, though. Don’t rush through things. Take your own sweet time to cover everything in your itinerary.

And treat yourself to a nice warm bath and a glass of wine to end each day. You owe it to yourself.

Please share so other seniors will relish the wonders of going away for a change.

~oOo~

The post Do Something Different this Year – Travel first appeared on Age With Charm.

Two weeks ago, I passed by a pick-up truck with this sticker on the back. I did not mind it until I was a few steps away.

So I hurried back and took this picture.

The message, at face value, is satirically funny. Yet it is laden with a deeper meaning for a lot of seniors like you and me.

It made me wonder, “Is my life like this What a rut that would be.”

Of course, my life has more squares than Eat, Sleep, Cook, Repeat. It is not in a rut. In fact, it is a lot more exciting than most.

But what about some of the more than 12 million Americans, aged 65 and over, who are living alone How many are stuck in this routine?

What about you Are you in the same rut If you are, get out of it quick before you rot.

How you do it is entirely on you. But do it, you must.

There are a lot of things you can do to have a life after 60. It’s just a matter of exploring the countless possibilities available to you.

Whatever it is, make sure it gives you fun and excitement; something you have not done, seen or experienced before. It is never late to do something different, something bold, something stupid.

Here are a few worth thinking about:

1.  Chill out at least once a week:

I chill out every Saturday night.

Oh, they’re nothing sensational. I just sit in a bar and listen to a live band playing the tunes of the times. My knees may creak but I can still wiggle my feet to an R&B beat.

It is very educational, too. Advanced electronics has synthesized the sounds of all musical instruments making it possible for a one-man-band to come with music of a full band – like this guy.

One-in-four band

Through a pedal, his songs get the appropriate accompaniment, i.e., percussion, wind, etc., in perfect rhythm.

Truly amazing.

2.  Drink (but don’t get drunk):

You can’t chill out without a cold bottle of beer, or equivalent. But have a limit.

I never go beyond two bottles of beer. Maybe one more, if I drink with friends. Nobody can force me to go beyond that.

I believe in the saying, “Don’t drink, and drive.” I’ve been around too long to know that there is no fun if you are drunk.

Drink for fun, not to get drunk.

3.  Get a good lay or get hitched:

A close friend took a woman, widow, into his home slightly a year after his wife died.

On the other hand, I have been a widower for more than nine years and enjoying every moment of it.

Living alone is tough. It is not for sissies. While some, like me, can live with it, others need someone to hold hands with, kiss, embrace, and have passionate moments together.

Some elderly people are faced with the tough decision whether to get hitched for good or settle for one-night stands.

Either way is easy these days, thanks to the proliferation of dating sites.

But each one has its own pros and cons which can bury you deeper in a rut if not handled well.

I prefer the one-nighter. It is easier, cheaper, and non-committal. And it allows plenty of variations.

Some elderly folks, however, need a sex partner, housekeeper, caregiver and personal assistant rolled into one.

4.  Get out and away:

When loneliness seems crushing me down, making me feel tired, lethargic with no enthusiasm for life, I take a long drive somewhere or check into a peaceful and quiet beach resort to unclutter my mind.

I find it delightful to get away from familiar surroundings and people for a change. The solitude allows me to regain my bearings and unclutter my mind.

Being alone and immersed in stillness is rejuvenating; gives you a better focus on more important things.

It is also an excellent way of getting out a rut, a good exercise, and a marvelous learning experience. It is an adventure, of sorts.

 Not Venice but somewhere nearer

Once in a while, my daughter and her hubby bring me along on long trips, like the one pictured above.

Why being in a rut is bad:

Nobody likes to live in a dreary routine day in and day out. It creates boredom that atrophied body and mind.

And atrophy can increase the risk of depression, lack of motivation, apathy, lack of sleep, or drug abuse.

If you want to lead a full life, do something more than just Eat, Sleep, Cook, and Repeat. Otherwise, time will come when you cannot do either of them.

Please share with other seniors to help them get up and go before it is too late.

~oOo~

The post If Your Life is in a Rut, Do Something before You Rot first appeared on Age With Charm.

Nothing is over until it’s over- no matter how old you can be.

I found this out over the weekend in a place I thought I may never have the chance to see, feel and experience in my lifetime – the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (The Filipino Houses of Acuzar), a heritage resort in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines,  150 kms west of Metro Manila.

Through Google, I had a fairly good idea what to expect. But it was too far below from what I saw when we got there.

The Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is not just like any resort. It is a resort with a difference – it takes you back to between mid-Spanish colonial times and early American occupation.

In a touch of insanely creative genius (and lots of cash), the owner, Mr. José “Gerry” Acuzar, an architect, built replicas or bought Filipinos houses of the era, dismantled them “in situ,”  and rebuilt them, piece by piece, into his 40-ha lot in the province.

The result is like a storybook that is seen and felt, not read.

Mr. Acuzar’s eye for perfection left nothing to chance – from the cobbled paths along each house, to the stone bridges that span the resort’s waterways, and the attire the staff wears – all are reminiscent of that important period of the country’s history.

And it has paid off. The Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is now one of the Philippines’ most visited travel destinations and a favorite wedding venue.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:

The food is great, but the interior is astounding (this is where we had lunch).

A tiny glimpse of the past (taken along the beach front) – how it must have looked in the mid 1800s, sans the passenger jeep.

Fantastic view from elegantly made stone bridges – taken from the back entrance of our hotel

Old but stately – El 82 – the hotel we stayed in. It belonged to the famous Ongpins of Manila.

Lola Basyang and children eager to hear her stories:

“Lola Basyang” is the pen name of Severino Reyes (February 11, 1861 – September 15, 1942), a Filipino writer and playwright and famous for his anthology of short stories that regaled children at the time.

Bridge of monsters:

Lola Basyang’s favorite evil characters, beautifully sculpted, attached beneath a breath-taking stone bridge (l to r:  kapre (ogre), mananggal (vampire), and the tikbalang (centaur)).

Hotel del Oriente – regal and colorful, then and now

Hotel del Oriente was a first class hotel in Manila and the entire archipelago built by Don Manuel Perez Marqueti in 1889.

If you missed it then, don’t miss it now.

The one and only – its plate states that it was the only red brick house during the period.

Then and now, it is still a sight to behold.

Want a ride?

Tourists having a field day in a horse-drawn colorful carriage. At the back is Casa Hagonoy.

The other face of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:

As unique as this resort is, it is also unique in its facility to provide beach-lovers an unparalleled space to romp, play games, or simply bond – barefoot – on the sand.

Its beachfront is as broad and deep and clean (probably cleaner) than that of Atlantic City’s.

The beach – as long and wide as your legs can take.

Or bond with friends in the midst of sea, sky sand – the elements of a happy and contented life,

Or enjoy the spectacle of carabao racing.

And when the sun starts it journey to the far side and make today a yesterday, it is the best place for contemplation and gratitude for having lived a day that will soon become a memory.

As a writer, I pride myself with having a deep vocabulary. Yet, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, left me speechless. I can use all the superlatives in the English language, but deep in my gut is the nagging feeling that I have not described it well enough.

Note: All photos were taken from my new Huawei Nova 2i – courtesy of my daughter. LOL!

~oOo~

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The post The Filipino Houses of Acuzar – a “Must See!” first appeared on Age With Charm.

When was the last time you went for a vacation If it was too long ago to remember, then it’s time to have one.

Do it now while you can. Going on a vacation and the traveling that comes with it is like a body-mind workout.

Navigating new cities, exploring museums, conversing with other people, practicing new languages, and seeing sights can flex your mental muscles, making your brain active.keeping your brain active.

And walking around city streets or museums, taking public transports and many other physical is good exercise.

Then, of course, the relaxation aspect, which is the main purpose of going for a vacation.

But things may not always go as planned. A lot of things can go wrong, i.e., missed flights, hotels below expectations, the weather is bad, and overshooting your budget, etc.

I’ve had so many vacations that went sour because of one thing or another; because I did not plan them well enough. And it can happen to you.

They gave me valuable lessons (and bad memories) and I am sharing these with you to spare you the anguish and waste of money.

1.  Choose where to spend your vacation:

With the ease provided by the Internet, choosing a vacation destination is not difficult. On the contrary, choosing one is a challenge.

There are so many things to consider like, distance from home, weather, places of interest, cost, etc.

My rule of thumb is to get inputs from friends and acquaintances. Ask around. It is better to get it from the horse’s mouth than from well-written, and often misleading, magazine sales articles.

2.  Decide when to go:

This is often dependent on the purpose of taking a vacation – for fun or relaxation – and your budget.

Go on “season” months if you want to have fun. But be prepared to spend a little extra because everything will be expensive, food, hotel or resort, souvenir items, and the like.

You will also be pushing and shoving against other tourists for a place to stay, a place to dine, a quiet spot on the beach, on public transports, etc. But it will be fun, right?

If you want to relax, go on “off-season” months. Everything will be cheaper plus the added bonus of not having to bump into people wherever you go.

I never go on “season” months. It defeats the purpose of having a vacation.

3.  Book a flight:

I always book a flight a lot way ahead than choosing a place to stay to avail of airline promos which have become common these days with the increasing penchant for people to travel.

The downside of this strategy is you won’t get a refund in case you miss the scheduled departure. It is a kind of “all or nothing” deal.

4.  Choose a place to stay:

Like choosing a place to vacation in, choosing a place to stay has become easy with so many travels cluttered across the Web.

Go through travel sites that offer lower rates for the same hotel or resort. Note down their contact details, i.e., email address, web URL, and telephone numbers.

Then check amenities to see if they offer everything to make your vacation remarkable and the Reviews section.

I go for hotels or resorts with a strong wifi signal in the rooms and a large swimming pool 

Read as many reviews as you can to have a good balance between the Pros and Cons. People have different tastes. Give emphasis on reviews similar to yours.

Once you have decided on a hotel or resort, give them a call or book your reservation yourself. Don’t do it online through travel sites. They may not be updated and you may not get seniors citizen discount privileges. It happened to me with Expderia.com during my last travel.

5. Make the necessary preparations:

Even if your scheduled departure is weeks or months ahead, it is better to start making preparations. Play them inside your head over and over again. In time, you will add or remove some items from your list of things to bring along.

Make a list of things and garments to bring along. No sense in bringing heavy clothing if you are going to the tropics and vice-versa. Never forget toiletries, undergarments, medicines, telephone numbers of family and close relatives or friends you can call in case of emergency.

Make sure your credit card can cover the trip or your bank account have enough funds to cover shortfalls if any.

Familiarize yourself with the place you are going to, and the hotel or resort you are going to stay. Know the directions in getting there and how. Read about the climate, the food, the culture, and most of all, the people – whether they are friendly and helpful or run away with your baggage. If possible, know the crime rates so you won’t fall victim to scam artists of crime syndicates.

This part of your vacation plans is the most crucial. It can make it memorable or nightmarish.

As people retire, they get bitten by the travel bug. A study was done by the AARP showing that 55% of American retirees want to go on domestic travel, 44% both domestic and foreign, while 3% plan to travel abroad.

It is very heartwarming to know that seniors these days no longer want to lead sedentary lives their counterparts did a few years back had.

Neither should you.

Please help other seniors by sharing this. Better still, subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly update of the exciting and bittersweet life of a senior.

~oOo~

The post Surprisingly Simple Ways to Have that Remarkable Vacation first appeared on Age With Charm.