Holy and hearty at 80

Life expectancy for Filipinos is around 72 years, with women averaging 73.9, four years more than men. So when a Lipa-born mother of two, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of one (so far) turned octogenarian yesterday, there was much gratitude for God’s gift of four score, fond memories, family and friendship bonds.

This writer’s mother, Noemi Kasilag Lirag-Saludo, a business leader, church-builder and, recently, organic farmer, turned 80 yesterday, May 8,