Epifania Camingawan (right) during the inaugural cash gift distribution on February 26, 2025 at the Tuburan Municipal Court, Tuburan, Cebu. (MSH/PIA 7 Cebu)
A 100-year-old Cebuana credits malunggay for her remarkable longevity.
Epifania Camingawan’s smile, bright and unwavering, illuminated the Tuburan Municipal Court in Tuburan, Cebu. She wasn’t just receiving the P100,000 cash gift from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) under the Expanded Centenarians Act. She was sharing a secret, a humble green secret to a remarkably well-lived life.
“Nalipay ko kay gikaloy-an ko sa Ginoo,” she beamed, her voice carrying the strength of a woman who had witnessed a century unfold. “I will really enjoy the money from the government because God made me reach this age.”
But beyond the well-deserved financial recognition, the real story lies in Epifania’s daily ritual, a simple practice that has nourished her body and spirit for a hundred years.
“Sikreto nako ang kana ra gyud inatwon sud-an kamunggay,” she revealed, her eyes twinkling. “My secret is simply moringa in my meals. And if there’s fish, I mix it with moringa.”
Moringa, the humble malunggay, was her elixir. This leafy green, abundant in nutrients, was the cornerstone of her diet, a constant companion that has kept her strong and vibrant.
She had long ago eschewed pork and chicken, opting instead for the natural goodness of fish and, of course, her beloved moringa. Alcoholic drinks and sugary sodas were simply not part of her life.
“The P100,000 given to centenarians is the government’s way of recognizing those who reached that age because it is difficult to reach it,” said NCSC cluster 4 officer-in-charge Jocelyn O. Tabotabo.
But Epifania’s story wasn’t just about reaching 100; it was about thriving at 100.
Born and raised in Molobolo, Tuburan, Epifania’s independence was as striking as her longevity. While others might envision a centenarian confined to a rocking chair, Epifania was chopping wood, doing laundry, and tending to her home. Her days began early, with household chores and leisurely walks to visit relatives after breakfast.
“Matulog ko og alas otso. Pagka-alas dos makamata ko hangtod na lang buntag. Mubangon nako og magdegamo,” she shared, describing her routine of waking at 2 a.m. and preparing her own meals.
“Nahibong bitaw sila kay tiguwang nako pero mo bugha gihapon og kahoy, manglaba pa, magdegamo. Ako ra gud usa ba pero ngano man diay? Molihok ta oy, buhi pa man ta. Di ta mag-agad sa atong mga apo oy,” she said, her voice filled with pride.
(People are surprised because I am old yet I still chop wood, do laundry, or tend to do things around the house. I do it all myself because, why not? I am still alive and kicking. I do not rely on my grandchildren.)
Her advice to the younger generation was as straightforward as her lifestyle: “Akong sulti sa mga batan-on, byae ninyo ang inom, byae ang sigarilyo, kaon og mga natural. Dili kay mokaon pirme og karne.”
(I tell the young people to stay away from alcohol, avoid smoking, and eat natural food. Don’t just eat meat all the time.)
Epifania’s story is a testament to the power of simplicity. It’s a reminder that longevity isn’t about expensive supplements or complex regimens. It’s about embracing the natural gifts around us, like the humble malunggay, and living a life of purpose and activity.
As she deposited her cash gift into her bank account, ready to access it for her needs, Epifania Camingawan, the centenarian with the bright smile and the green secret, continued to inspire, proving that age is truly just a number, and that a life well-lived is often seasoned with the simplest of ingredients. (MGH/PIA Cebu)
