99-Year-Old Grandma Steals Show Grand Santacruzan in Albay
SANTACRUZAN – A 99-year-old grandma steals the show at the 2024 Magayon Festival’s Grand Santacruzan in Albay.
Santacruzan is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in the Philippines, particularly known for its vibrant processions and elaborate pageantry. It is part of the Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) festival, which is held throughout the month of May to honor the Virgin Mary.
Santacruzan commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Queen Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, Constantine the Great. According to Christian tradition, Helena discovered the cross on which Jesus was crucified during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the 4th century.
The event symbolizes the triumph of Christianity, which highlights a colorful procession featuring young women and men dressed in traditional and sometimes extravagant costumes.
Recently, a senior citizen identified as Ester Del Rosario, affectionately known as Lola Titin captured the hearts of netizens as she participated as Reyna Emperatriz. Lola Titin celebrated her 99th birthday last April.
Lola Titin is a celebrated figure in her community. She was crowned the first Miss Peñafrancia in Bicol back in 1947 and is also a World War II veteran. Despite her age, her family proudly shares that she remains strong and active, able to walk on her own.
Dancing remains her favorite pastime, showcasing her vitality and joy for life. Her appearance at the Grand Santacruzan left many audiences in awe, impressed by her beauty and strength.
Dorothy Colle, the provincial tourism officer of Albay, explained that the SD Artist Tree, a group of artists from Sto. Domingo, Albay, invited Lola Titin to join the parade. This invitation was especially meaningful since she had previously participated in many Santacruzan events.
The parade featured other notable participants, including beauty queens from Albay. The Bicolana actress Barbie Imperial graced the event as Reyna Elena, adding a touch of celebrity glamour to the festivities.
In another story, a 67-year-old grandma takes entrance exam at state university in Rizal
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