A former soldier in Aurora marked a rare milestone as he celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family.

Vicente Ramos Villar, a centenarian from Barangay Lual in Casiguran, Aurora, celebrated his birthday with his children and grandchildren, some of whom traveled from Metro Manila to join the occasion.

The local government honored him with a cash incentive and a centenarian certificate in recognition of his long life and service to the community.

Despite his age, Villar remained physically strong and said he still had good eyesight. He shared that his secret to long life is proper discipline in eating and strong faith in God.

“Sa mga pagkain, sobrang pag-iinom ng alak mahirap ‘yan. Uminom lang ng katamtaman upang maging masigla ang katawan, huwag sobra. Kahit sa pagkain huwag sobra, masama ‘yan. Pakabusog tayo ng sobra, mahirap ‘yan, karumal-dumal ‘yan sa katawan,” Villar said.

Aside from being a former soldier, Villar also served as a barrio captain for nearly 17 years.