99-year-old war vet’s wish: To reach 100
LINGAYEN—Ninety nine-year old Perfecto Mondala, the oldest living veteran who attended Monday’s 67th anniversary celebration of the Lingayen Gulf Landings, has one wish: mark his 100th birthday on May 12.
It will be a “bonus”, said Laki Itong, as he is he fondly called by family and friends, in an interview.
Mondala, from Barangay Bantokaling in Mangatarem town, served as a soldier of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East during World War II.
Stationed then in Mt. Samat, Bataan and later imprisoned in Capas, Tarlac, Laki Itong said he is proud to have served his country during the war.
When the war was over, he turned to farming until old age.
Though now hard of hearing, Laki Itong remains mentally alert and remembers memories of the war.
Asked if he knows who the current governor of Pangasinan is, he had to pause and think but easily blurted out, “Governor Amado Espino”.
And Laki Itong has not lost his sense of humor either.
He narrates that he has 10 children, seven of whom are still alive, and countless grandchildren but only one wife who has passed away.
“I never remarried because I believe there is no second glory,” he said in Pangasinan laughing.
On his long life, he said there really is no secret to longevity but what’s important is to observe discipline in one’s body by eating more vegetables, fish and fruits and less meat, plus nourishing the soul.
“God gave us a mind to think and decide which is right from wrong. So if you know it is wrong, don’t do it anymore because it’s not good for you,” he advised.—Eva Visperas
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