by Philippine Star
How do you live to be 112?
Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t womanize. Pray.
That is the advice of retired T/Sgt. Tranquilino Cabiling, the oldest living war veteran at 112 years.
Cabiling attributes his longevity to clean living and his faith in God.
“Do not forget to pray to God. He can give you a long life,†Cabiling told reporters in Visayan.
“Do not dance with women in the baile. Do not drink. Avoid vices,†he added.
Cabiling was honored during the Army’s 116th anniversary rites yesterday along with officers, reservists and civilians who helped the military in its mission.
President Aquino and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin left their seats to award a plaque of recognition to Cabiling.
Cabiling’s deep love for the military service can be seen in the way he received the mementos given to him by the Army.
When he was given an infantry soldier statue, Cabiling looked at it intently and did not let go of it.
He was also given an Army keychain, which he immediately placed on his belt loop.
The once strong artilleryman who witnessed the historic Leyte landing and survived the infamous Death March can no longer walk without assistance.
Cabiling, however, appears to be very healthy and even bragged to Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes about his complete set of teeth.
“I do not drink. I do not smoke. I do not have vices. I do not eat meat. I only eat fish and root crops,†he said.
Cabiling was born on July 6, 1900 in Barangay Damulaan in Albuera, Leyte. He joined the service on Aug. 3, 1922 and became part of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).
Cabiling narrated how he served as a gunner in the artillery division and how he helped shoot down a Japanese aircraft.
He was one of the recipients of a certificate of gratitude issued by then US President Harry Truman on Dec. 31, 1944.
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