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| Representatives from Newport World Resorts and Creative Travel & Tours International representatives at the GINTONG SIGLA x BONGGA KA ’DAY wellness event held last October 17, 2026. R-L: Raffy Martin Sangco, Lulu Dalisay, Kathy Mercado, Creative Travel and Tours International (CTTI) CEO Rubyrose “Bessie” Rustia, Global Linkages For The Filipino Youths Inc. Marketing Lead Julius Uy CPM (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Creative Travel And Tours International) |
A day of wellness, meaningful connections, and nostalgic entertainment marked the successful staging of GINTONG SIGLA x BONGGA KA ’DAY held last October 17, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Newport World Resorts. Aligned with the advocacy of promoting active aging and holistic wellness among Filipino senior citizens, GINTONG SIGLA brought together health and wellness initiatives, community engagement, cultural entertainment, and lifestyle experiences in one memorable gathering. The event honored the invaluable contributions of older Filipinos while encouraging them to embrace healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives.
Organized by Creative Travel & Tours International (CTTI) headed by its CEO Rubyrose “Bessie” Rustia, the initiative underscored the importance of creating opportunities for senior citizens to connect, celebrate, and enjoy meaningful experiences beyond their everyday routines. Rustia expressed her commitment to making GINTONG SIGLA an annual celebration honoring senior citizens, particularly in the Pampanga region. She also expressed hope that more cities and municipalities would join the initiative in the coming years, expanding its reach and creating a stronger community movement for active aging and senior wellness.
Wellness, Health, And Meaningful Experiences
A key highlight of the event was the participation of Makati Life Medical Center, the event’s co-presenter, which brought preventive healthcare and wellness education directly to participating senior citizens. Dr. Jeremie Kyle Angeles delivered a wellness talk titled “Prevention Starts With You: Simple Steps For A Better Life”, sharing the importance of practical, everyday steps toward healthier living and preventive care. The initiative was complemented by free medical check-ups and consultations, helping make essential health services more accessible to attendees. Special thanks and acknowledgement are extended to President and CEO Dr. Dennis L. Sta. Ana, whose leadership spearheaded the free medical check-up and consultation initiative, and to the Makati Life Medical Center Marketing team representatives, Chester P. Camunayan, Assistant Vice President – Marketing and Business Development, and Eleonor Grace U. Castel, Manager – Marketing, for their valuable support in bringing this healthcare service to the event. Their commitment helped reinforce GINTONG SIGLA’s advocacy for accessible healthcare, preventive wellness, and a better quality of life for Filipino seniors. Beyond the theater experience, participating senior citizens enjoyed opportunities to explore nearby attractions including SM Mall of Asia and Newport World Resorts, adding a memorable leisure and travel dimension to the celebration. The event also supported micro and small enterprises through selected merchant partners of Shop Taytay, showcasing proudly Philippine-made products and offering guests a meaningful pasalubong experience to bring home to their families.
Reliving The Golden Era Of Manila Sound
The celebration reached an exciting high point with Bongga Ka ’Day, a musical production inspired by the vibrant music and dance culture of the 1970s and 1980s. The show brought back the infectious energy of Manila Sound including the iconic music of Hotdog whose songs helped define a generation of Filipino pop culture. Featuring the spirit of the Annie Batungbakal musical, the production invited audiences to relive a golden era of catchy melodies, lively dance numbers, and unforgettable memories. The nostalgic performance created a shared experience across generations, reminding everyone that music, joy, and camaraderie remain timeless.
A Collective Effort For A Meaningful Advocacy
GINTONG SIGLA was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Global Linkages For The Filipino Youths Inc. which supported the advocacy-driven initiative, together with Marketing Lead Julius Uy, CPM, and Partnership Lead Lawrence Sibayan, CPM. The organizing team also recognized the dedication of CTTI officers Tintin, Joan, Vivian, Danica and, Dennis Rustia whose contributions helped ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the senior citizens, invited guests, and partner organizations. Special appreciation was extended to the Golden Hearts Warriors whose volunteer service helped facilitate event activities and provide assistance to participating seniors and guests throughout the celebration.
Recognizing The Sponsors And Community Partners
The success of GINTONG SIGLA was strengthened by the generous support of its sponsors, allied organizations, and local government and education partners including co-presenter Makati Life Medical Center; major partners G. Tamayo Management Institute (GTMI) and Perpetual Cares; minor sponsors Olylife, AA2000, Whitebox Builders and Supply Inc.; and event supporters 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. The organizers also acknowledged the support of their city, municipal, and education partners including Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City, the City of Mabalacat, the Municipality of Guagua, the Municipality of Porac, the Municipality of Santa Ana, the Municipality of San Simon, and the Municipality of Magalang, and the Department of Education (DepEd) Region III Division of Pampanga. Their participation demonstrated the value of collaboration among local communities, private organizations, businesses, and institutions in advancing initiatives that promote wellness, inclusion, and quality of life for senior citizens.
Looking Ahead: A Bigger And More Inclusive Celebration
With its combination of health services, lifestyle experiences, cultural entertainment, and community participation, GINTONG SIGLA x BONGGA KA ’DAY served as a reminder that active aging is not simply about adding years to life, but also about adding joy, purpose, connection, and meaningful experiences to those years. As CTTI looks toward future editions, the organizers hope to welcome more local government units, healthcare institutions, businesses, and advocacy partners to help expand the program’s reach and make the annual gathering an even more inclusive celebration for Filipino seniors. GINTONG SIGLA is more than an event — it is a continuing commitment to celebrate life, champion wellness, and honor the golden generation of Filipinos.
