QC club pays members to reach 100 years

A seniors’ club in Quezon City has put up a P100,000 reward for members who reach the ripe age of 100 years.

“Our basic rule is simple – no death and no sickness,” said retired Supreme Court justice Emilio Gancayco, who chairs the 500-strong Century Club, whose members are senior citizens, retirees, and professionals from the private and public sectors.

He said although most of their members are elderly, they welcome members regardless of age, the younger the better.

Gancayco and former vice mayor Charito Planas were given tributes by the Quezon City government for their efforts to transform the 26-hectare Quezon City Memorial Circle from a neglected landmark to a center of art, culture, sports and ecology awareness. Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed them plaques of appreciation during a ceremony.

Gangcayco, 87, said the ultimate objective of their club is to reach the age of 100, which is 40 years more than the average lifespan of Filipinos. “We already have two members who breached the 100-year mark” and received P100,000 each, he said.

Gangcayco said members who have reached 90 years are still very active participants in the club’s activities. – Perseus Echeminada