Our Eye on Manila: SECRETS TO LONGEVITY OF MY 90-YEAR OLD UNCLE

Roland Casino Siquijor

I grew up calling him Uncle Roland-- my father's elder brother who turned 90 yesterday, October 5.

To me, Uncle Roland is an unforgettable character, not only because he has outlived most of his siblings but because he was a familiar sight while I was growing up in Pasay City. He was a policeman, who would wear that khaki uniform going to work. His wife, my Autnie Marina, was fond of baking those cookies that I fondly remember as a pre-schooler. They have six children-- my cousins Roland Jr. Shirley, Rose, Robert, Susan, and Marlon.

I knew as a child that Uncle Roland was no ordinary cop. He did not man the traffic nor did he chase suspected criminals on the streets. When I was in high school, I would learn that he was a lawyer who made a career out of law enforcement. It was no surprise then that he was appointed Chief of Police of Pasay City, and eventually Head of the Southern Police District-- the position that he held until he retired in 1987.

After his stint in the police service, he devoted himself to his practice as a lawyer. He also attempted to get into politics, he once ran for Congressman in Pasay City. Today, he happily keeps himself busy by attending to "Merville Supermarket" in Paranaque City, together with Auntie Marina and their grandchildren.

When I asked him what is behind his long life, he revealed that there are really no big secrets. As a youth, he would drink alcoholic beverages just for social occasions, he quit smoking early on, and he made sure he had adequate rest. He keeps a daily routine that includes moderate exercise, low cholesterol and low purine diet, vegetables and fruits. He takes his medicines regularly for his blood pressure and elevated uric acid-- conditions that seem to define our family's genetics.

What Uncle Roland did not mention to me was his cheerful and relaxed disposition as can be gleaned from the pictures on this post. Perhaps he was too modest to state it. I have always known him to be smiling and calm. Uncle Roland is not easy to be ruffled, though he is expressive-- he speaks with a commanding voice, powerful yet not intimidating.

Aside from reaching the age of 90, Uncle Roland is an embodiment of several breakthroughs for our family. He is the first and only one in police service, the first and only one to run for an elected position, and the only one who successfully embarked on lawyering as second career at age 60. Uncle Roland represents possibilities that were well lived out to fruition.

Here's wishing Uncle Roland more happy and memorable years ahead of him.