It seems like a centenarian can be like a millennial too.
This is the case for Virginia Benigno Malay, who at 100 years old, can still have a virtual college reunion with her former schoolmates from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) School of Nursing.
Image credit: Tato Malay
Lola Virginia, who is also the sister of former Press Secretary Teddy Benigno and former teacher of actress Gloria Romero, was seen on a photo, uploaded by her son Tato Malay, wearing a colorful floral top while preoccupied over a Zoom virtual reunion taking place on a phablet. The photo would touch the hearts of many, including the bosses of Zoom in Manila, Hong Kong, and USA.
After finding out that she used the teleconferencing software program for her most recent virtual college reunion, the managers of Zoom, to show their appreciation, decided to ship a surprise package to Lola Virginia, containing a pair of Zoom shirts, a notebook, and a mug.
Image credit: Tato Malay
On 9th July, Tato posted on Facebook photos of her mom happily showcasing the Zoom shirts and holding the notebook and mug with a caption: “My mother, Virginia Benigno Malay, would like to thank Zoom USA and Zoom Hong Kong for the 2 Zoom T-shirts, mug, and notebook they sent her as gifts when they saw her photo on Facebook who at 100 years old was having a Zoom reunion/meeting with her former schoolmates recently.”
Image credit: Tato Malay
One Zoom shirt is also printed with a line that says “You’re on mute,” a very millennial expression that Lola Virginia can surely say with finesse during her virtual reunions!
Lola Virginia wearing a Nurse uniform during the 1940s, Lola Virgina’s former students from UP-PGH School of Nursing paying her a visit in 2018
Image credit: Tato Malay, Tato Malay
During the 1940s, when the Philippines was at the height of war, Lola Virginia was pursuing nursing at the UP-PGH. When she became a registered nurse, she first worked at the Baguio General Hospital for a year.
After gaining work experience and starting her own family, she then pursued her Master’s Degree in Education to be able to teach in schools and universities, including the UP-PGH School of Nursing.
These days, her college reunions consisting of former students and classmates from her university are special to her, so she makes it a point to not miss one. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no physical reunion that took place last year, but this year, Lola Virginia was able to attend a virtual one through Zoom.
Image credit: Tato Malay, Tato Malay
Lola Virginia celebrated her 100th year on 13th February, according to her son’s Facebook post. To recognize her centenary year, President Duterte and the Department of Social Welfare and Development also awarded her a P100,000 (~USD1,994.30) check and plaque.
It’s indeed no easy feat to live a long life, and to even reach 100 at that!
Achieving your 100th year on earth is indeed a rare milestone that is worthy of celebration. Lola Virginia sets an example of what it is to live a good life filled with memories of people special to her, such as her family, friends, and students.
We wish Lola Virginia many more years and Zoom meetings to come!
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Cover image adapted from: Tato Malay, Tato Malay
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