Cecilia Henson Basa: 102 years of gratitude
Faith, family, friendships and Dove soap are among the ingredients of the recipe for long life Cecilia Henson Basa still enjoys. These, unlike the ingredients of her specialty “Russian Salad,” are no secret.
“Her fountain of youth comes from, aside from her faith, her wit and her sense of humor,” says daughter Betsy Tenchavez.
Cecilia’s son Louie Basa says his mom’s youth comes from her being “always game,” even in children’s parties. Her daughter Melissa Lamug says the most important lesson she learned from her mother is to be sociable. “Spend time with people. Make every day enjoyable.”
“She does not dwell on the negative,” adds son-in-law Bong Cruz.
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Born in Intramuros, Manila on Dec. 10, 1922, Cecilia is the fifth of 10 children of Jose Henson and Encarnacion Martinez. She was educated at Our Lady of Loreto College and Assumption Convent. She lived through World War II and, during the Japanese Occupation, worked in Escolta as a secretary for Mitsubishi under a Japanese superior. Contrary to the harsh image of the era, she recalls her Japanese employers as kind and well-educated.
It was during this period, at the wedding of her eldest brother Enrique M. Henson, that she met Mario Guidote Basa—the man who would become her husband.
Cecilia and Mario shared 38 joyful years of marriage until his passed away from an aneurysm in 1983. Together, they raised nine children: Jose, Betsy Basa Tenchavez, Flory Basa Montalvan, Sari Basa Lugay, Ceci Basa Cruz, Corinna Basa Ocampo, Mario Jr., Louie, and Lissa Basa Lamug.
Soft-spoken and graceful, Cely, as she is fondly called, is also well-traveled. Over the years, she has embarked on several cruises and explored destinations across the United States, Europe, and various countries in Asia where her children live.
“Her passport is as full as her heart—proof of a life richly lived,” says family friend Yett Montalvan Aguado.
“Now 102 years old, what continues to astonish those around Cecilia is her remarkable mental clarity. While many expect centenarians to struggle with memory loss or cognitive decline, Cecilia remains as sharp as ever. She can effortlessly recall and name all her siblings in chronological order: Socorro Henson Limjap, Consuelo Henson Virtucio, Enrique Henson, Gregorio Henson, Antonio Henson, Teresa Henson Villanueva, Lourdes Henson Inocentes, Luis and Rosita Henson who passed on at an early age,” says Yett.
The late Mario Basa was a talented landscape artist affiliated with Ayala Corp. Among his most notable projects was the Ayala Aviary in Greenbelt, a lush sanctuary that once housed a variety of bird species in a beautifully landscaped, natural habitat—on the very grounds where Greenbelt Chapel now stands. Another legacy of his artistry is the Ayala Triangle.
According to Betsy, her mother gave her this piece of advice a day before her own wedding:
“My Mom advised me to stay quiet during fights — so I don’t say something I might regret later.
I realize now that she probably practiced that in her own marriage. So growing up, I thought my parents never argued. Or maybe they did handle things quietly and that shaped how I saw relationships.”
For many years, Cecilia was an active member of the Ladies of Charity, a lay Catholic organization devoted to serving the poor and elderly. She volunteered her time and care for the “Lolas of Libis” elderly women in need of compassion and companionship. As a member, she helped in Bible sessions, provided merienda, and facilitated various activities designed to uplift their spirits and promote their well-being.
What is Cecilia’s day like?
“Her days consist of shared meals with her daughter Betsy and her family, peaceful afternoon siestas, and moments of spiritual reflection while listening to Fr. Dave’s homilies. She enjoys quiet afternoons in the garden and looks forward to the highlight of her evenings: the Family Rosary,” shares Yett.
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Cecila is a doting lola to 27 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
“Aside from her faith, I believe the source of her fountain of youth is her love, for and of, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” believes grandson John Montalvan.
“Her house is open to everyone who just wanted to drop by either for lunch, for a snack or simply to hang out. She would always make time when someone arrives.”
“Lola is always loving and welcoming,” agrees grandson Bobby Tenchavez. He is tickled pink that his lola tells him “You’re my favorite.”
Granddaughter Billie Reyes recalls, “I remember when I was young and wanted to take coffee, my Lola would make me coffee with lots of milk. But she would add a spoonful from her coffee to make it brown.”
“Another beauty secret of hers was her Dove soap that she would bring home from her trip in a balikbayan box,” adds Billie.
When asked the secret to her longevity, Cecilia is generous. According to her family, she says unequivocally that it is her relationship with God.
Says granddaughter Bern Tenchavez. “Her beauty secret is that she’s so well loved, she knows it, and it shows.”
When her Lola Cecilia’s sister Tessie Henson Villanueva passed away last March, Billie told her Lola, “If Lola Tessie shows herself in a dream and asks you to join her, don’t”
To which her Lola replied, “Of course not. I still have a lot of children.
You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.
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