A medical consultation and a show featuring the music of Hotdog might seem like an unusual pairing, but both had a place at Gintong Sigla x Bongga Ka ’Day, which brought Filipino senior citizens to Newport Performing Arts Theater on October 17.
Held at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, the gathering combined free health services, a wellness talk, shopping and musical entertainment. It gave participants time to look after their health while enjoying a day out with fellow seniors, with familiar songs from the 1970s and 1980s providing the soundtrack.
Creative Travel and Tours International (CTTI), led by CEO Rubyrose “Bessie” Rustia, organized the event to encourage active aging through opportunities for travel, recreation and social connection. Rustia hopes to make Gintong Sigla an annual celebration, particularly for seniors in Pampanga, and bring more cities and municipalities into future editions.
Making room for preventive care
Makati Life Medical Center, the event’s co-presenter, provided free medical check-ups and consultations, allowing participating seniors to speak with healthcare professionals as part of the day’s activities.
Dr. Jeremie Kyle Angeles also delivered a talk titled “Prevention Starts With You: Simple Steps for a Better Life,” focusing on practical daily habits and the importance of preventive care.
The hospital’s participation was led by President and CEO Dr. Dennis L. Sta. Ana, with support from Chester P. Camunayan, AVP for Marketing and Business Development, and Eleonor Grace U. Castel, Marketing Manager.
Having these services at the gathering made a health consultation part of a social outing, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions about their well-being alongside the entertainment program.
An afternoon with the songs of a generation
The musical production Bongga Ka ’Day brought the gathering back to the Manila Sound era, drawing on the music and dance culture of the 1970s and 1980s.
Featuring music by Hotdog and elements inspired by the Annie Batungbakal musical, the show gave attendees a chance to revisit songs associated with their younger years. Familiar melodies and dance numbers offered a shared point of connection for an audience whose memories of the music extend well beyond a streaming playlist.
The day also included opportunities for participants to explore Newport World Resorts and SM Mall of Asia. Selected Shop Taytay merchant partners offered Philippine-made products, giving guests a chance to shop for themselves or bring home pasalubong while supporting micro and small enterprises.
Community support behind the gathering
Global Linkages for the Filipino Youths, Inc. supported the initiative, alongside marketing lead Julius Uy, CPM, and partnership lead Lawrence Sibayan, CPM. CTTI’s organizing team and the Golden Hearts Warriors volunteers helped facilitate activities and assist senior participants and guests.
G. Tamayo Management Institute and Perpetual Cares joined as major partners, with Olylife, AA2000, and Whitebox Builders and Supply Inc. as minor sponsors.
Additional support came from Bright Care Assist Philippines, Inc., AQA Advertising, Dream Cruises, StarDream Cruises, Star Cruises, Studio PlantMaed, Olofs’ Wife Blue Zone Kitchen, Silver Leaf Aged Care Manor, WCU Skills Academy, Aced Lace, Shop Taytay merchant partners, Reyes Haircutters, and JLMC Creative Ideas Inc.
Participating government and education partners included Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, Mabalacat City, the Pampanga municipalities of Guagua, Porac, Santa Ana, San Simon and Magalang, and the Department of Education Region III–Division of Pampanga.
For future editions, CTTI hopes to involve more local governments, healthcare providers, businesses and community organizations. The aim is to give more seniors access to a similar mix of health services, entertainment and opportunities to spend time together.
Based in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, CTTI offers travel, cruise, educational tour and event services. More information is available on its official Facebook page, while organizations interested in supporting future Gintong Sigla activities may email [email protected].
