Have a lovelife and live longer

With three of his grandchildren cheering him on, Flaviano ‘Lolo Terbian’ Ompad Sr., Lapu-Lapu City’s fifth 100-year-old resident, prepares to blow the candles on his birthday cake. (Norman V. Mendoza)

Have an active lovelife, eat only fish and vegetables, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Flaviano “Lolo Terbian” Ompad Sr. shared his secrets for a a long life during his 100th birthday celebration last Tuesday in barangay Talima, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City.

Lolo Terbian, who is Lapu-Lapu City’s fifth centenarian, said that his love life had contributed to his long life because it helped drive away his loneliness and life’s stresses.

Lolo Terbian, whose wife passed away a long time ago, admits to having a relationship with a 60-year-old resident of a neighboring barangay in the island.

“It’s okay if he has a girlfriend because it’s just his pastime,” said Lolo Terbian’s 71-year-old daughter, Lina Ompad Daño.

Lolo Terbian, who can still walk without anybody helping him, said he also likes to go to benefit dances with his grandchildren, attend fiestas in the island, and watch cockfights.

He said that he only eats fish and vegetables and avoids oily food.

He never smoked nor drank alcohol and also attributed these as one of the keys to his reaching the age of 100.

Lolo Terbian, who is one of three siblings, said that her 98-year-old sister is still alive and lives in a neighboring barangay.

Lolo Terbian said he was the kapitan del barrio of Talima for 25 years in Talima.

Last Tuesday, most of Lolo Terbian’s 20 children, 96 grandchildren, and 216 great grandchildren, some of whom now live in Palawan, Mindanao, and Leyte, gathered in his house in Olango island to celebrate his birthday.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza also attended the celebration.

Radaza said the city would give Lolo Terbian a cash gift.