A gracious elderly professor celebrates 95th birthday

CEBU, Philippines - “Maintain a positive attitude in life” is a statement often heard when one asks about Conchita´s secret to longevity.

Conchita Escanilla Misa was born on August 2, 1916 in Bogo, Cebu. Celebrating her 95th birthday with relatives and a few friends at her present residence at Corona del Mar in Pooc, Talisay, Conching was quite up to entertaining her guests.

Conchita was an Associate Professor teaching Mathematics at Cebu Normal College when she retired at the age of 63. She immigrated to the USA and spent the next 30 years as a widow in Santa Ana, California. Working for two years as an Accounting Clerk for the City of Santa Ana, Conching heard of the Foster Grandparent´s Program of the State of California. These are Senior Citizens who spend four hours each day in quality time with physically and emotionally disabled wards of the State. Conchita “volunteered” to this Program for over 20 years with minimal compensation. She enjoyed it as this offered opportunity for a daily socialization among the grandparents. Conchita worked with two youngsters who were both severely brain damaged. She walked with them around the gardens and read them stories. A reciprocal relationship developed through the years. This gave her a sense of fulfillment.

During the years that Conchita lived in the USA, she made regular visits to Cebu. Conchita loved traveling and she toured Europe once. She visited Switzerland four times, making side trips to London, France and Italy. Three years ago, Conchita moved back to Cebu. Residents of Corona del Mar Subdivision recognize the small figure taking late afternoon daily walks by the sea. Conchita Misa has come home.

Conchita talks of a happy childhood. She liked active play with boys and preferred them as playmates. She was a constant figure at school contests, winning the Spelling Bee and Arithmetic competitions. She remembers being regularly assigned to recite Jose Rizal´s “Last Farewell” on the December 30 celebrations of Rizal´s death. Conchita graduated valedictorian of her class. In the 1920s, only one secondary school, the Cebu High School, was available for the whole Cebu province. Conchita passed the entrance examination and moved to live in the city. She said there were 50 sections per class. In the first year, she was placed in Section 16. By the fourth year, she moved up to Section 1, one of the very few females in that class. Conchita graduated top of her class. As a Math major, she finished a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Santo Tomas; and a Master´s degree, cum laude, from USC. After a few years’ teaching at Abellana National School, Conchita stayed with Cebu Normal College until retirement.

Conchita survived her husband, Ismael Misa, who died when she was 50 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Misa have four children: Winston (deceased), Chester, in Las Vegas with wife Letty; Annabelle, in Switzerland with husband Walter; and June, in San Carlos City with husband Anacleto. Conchita has nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Conchita tells interested listeners that she attributes her long life to a happy childhood, as the basis of your life ahead, taking trials in a lighter way and feeling basically strong to overcome difficulties. She shares: “Give your children a happy childhood – offer them security, love them unconditionally without spoiling their capacity to believe in themselves. Let them grow up believing in a Higher Power bigger than themselves.

“Help them to approach life positively, always looking forward; and to forgive a painful past.”

Deep wisdom from a 95-year-old ever happy lady. (CONTRIBUTED)