These twins from Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya amazed netizens with their strong bond for the past nine decades.
According to their grandson, William Andres Tanael, Lola Inang and Apong Bibing were not even separated after they were born in 1933.
“Noong bata pa po ako, ‘yung communication nila [constant] Ganoon po talaga ‘yung tandem nila. Hindi na-break ‘yung bonding nila. Lagi silang magkasama. Kahit na mag-kabilang baryo po sila, nagpapasyalan po sila lagi, nag-uusap po sila lagi,” William told The Philippine STAR.
William witnessed the solid closeness of his lolas in the province. For decades, the twins made sure to be together in all aspects of life.
“Parehas po silang malambing. Although nag-grow na sila ng kani-kanilang angkan, nando’n pa rin sila ‘yung koneksyon nila na dalawa,” he said.
Melinda Quidit Andres, daughter of Lola Inang, shared the twins’ “secret” behind their long and healthy life.
“Lagi pong kumakain ng gulay, nage-exercise sila. Paglalakad, pagtatanim kasi ‘yun ang trabaho nila. Hanggang 78 [years old], nagtatanim pa rin ‘yung mga nanay ko. Nung naglalakad pa ‘yung mother ko, lagi silang makasama. ‘Pag pumupunta ‘yung mother kay Auntie ko, magdadala pa rin siya ng mga gulay. Ganoon din si Auntie ko,” she recalled.
In 2017, Lola Inang and Apong Bibing wowed netizens for hiking Banaue at the age of 84.
“Umakyat po kami ng Banaue, naglakad pa po sila, nag-hiking. May mga nakakasabay kaming foreigner dati, nagpapa-picture ‘yung mga foreigner kasi kitang-kita silang magkambal na naglalakad,” William said.
At 90 years old, Apong Bibing has an active lifestyle while Lola Inang’s movements are a bit limited due to injury.
“Nakakalakad pa po. Actually, nakiki-party sa mga senior na events. Ang Lola [Inang] ko kasi almost two years ago napa-slide siya, pagkagising niya ng umaga, naaksidente po siya. Parang nabalian ‘yung sa bewang niya. Nakakaupo pa rin po siya, nakakalakad, pero pagka-ano, inaalalayan na lang po siya. Aside po roon sa bali niya, okay naman po. Ayos naman po, nakikipagbiruan pa. Nakakausap po diretso,” William said.
William said that up until now, he commends his lolas for maintaining their good relationship since birth.
“They can serve as a very good example sa mga magkakapatid, na hindi talaga sila nag-iwanan. Lagi nilang kinakausap ‘yung isa’t-isa, kumbaga nagtutulungan po talaga sila,” he said.
William and his family are praying for the continued good health of Lola Inang and Apong Bibing.
“Although mahirap naman po ang mabuhay talaga, pero ‘yung makaabot sila nang ganoong dalawa silang buhay, ‘yun ay achievement na po talaga sa amin. We are hoping and praying na humaba pa at maabot nga sana ‘yung 100 years,” he said.
“Maraming-maraming salamat. Syempre kung wala sila, wala din kami. Nagpapasalamat kami sa pag-aalaga at saka ‘yung example na ibinibigay nila, ‘yung bonding na ibinibigay nila sa isa’t-isa,” he noted when asked about his message to Lola Inang and Apong Bibing.
