You may be wondering what the word “GOR” means. Well, that is the new term we’re now using for the old people in Cebuano dialect. I really don’t know where this word came from. Did millennials take it from the word “tigolang” (Bisaya word of old people)? Obviously, that doesn’t contain the letter “r”, right? Maybe my cousin was really right that it was taken from the word gorgeous (but still, that doesn't make any sense).
Anyway, our little barrio has been consistent in facilitating an annual Christmas Party for our senior citizens, and that’s every New Year’s Day. I think it already started even before I came into this world and since then, it’s one of the events that we always look forward to aside from Christmas, New Year’s Day and even fiesta.
Why is it so important to us?
Our place was actually called “Negatib”. It was derived from the word itself, “negative”, because the people who had negative leprosy, I mean cured, were sent there. These people are the ones who first settled in this place and struggled to secure the lot from being dangerously owned by the government. I mean dangerous to be demolished by the government.
As the fifth commandment of God says, “Honor your father and your mother”. And yes, they are our fathers and mothers and so, we honor them. We dedicate this day for them to show our love, appreciation and compassion to them.
During this day, these elderlies are facilitated with seats and tables with various foods for them provided by any households who want to share. They are entertained by talks, performances and games that are taking place.
During the Party
The party includes an inspirational talk to all. The speaker usually talks about the rough history of the town. He sometimes also includes reminders, addressed to us (the young people, the millennials) to be respectful,caring and compassionate to the elders. Second part is appreciation of the elderlies, calling them one by one, greeting them a Happy New Year with wishes of good health and longer life.
Third part is the games. Organizers ask the not-too-old generation to participate in different games like the Trip to Jerusalem, Paper dance, apple dance, limbo rock and many more!
Trip to Jerusalem, one of the most common but still enjoyable game, as always! Who could stop laughing when we see Titas broke their shared chair?
See the video!
I think this is what we call the “Tomato Dance”, right?
Then this game happened!
I don’t know what’s the name of this game, but the criterion is: The man should eat and finish the apple placed at that location of the woman without using their hands.
We really couldn’t stop laughing. Hahahaha. Good thing though, this Tita at the left picture (let’s just call her Tita BB from now on, shall we?) wasn’t there! Hahaha. See? Uncle Johnny looks like he wants to throw up, doesn’t he? Haha, Just kidding!
There were also dance competitions. I honestly had a hard time in choosing the winner among them when I was asked to judge them. Hahaha. You know what? I chose my pap’s close friend, uncle Johnny! Hahaha.
And lastly, the main event of that event was the gift distribution. By God’s grace our barrio has generous professionals and millionaire businessmen. Our elderlies received goods and cash from those blessed people.
Why I made this blog?
I made a blog out of this event for me to tell our fellow Steemains and even the whole world that it is essential to give a day for them to feel special. No, not just a day, but as much as possible every single day, every single time. We must always let them feel that they are loved, they are respected, and they are not forgotten.
Know what? Honoring them has a blessing. The commandment of the Lord I quoted was taken from Exodus 20:12 and its continuation is this: “..that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”