A woman in Ilocos Sur has lived up to the record set by her parents - reaching 100 years old.

“Kung may awa ang Dios, dadagdagan niya pa ang buhay ko,” says Juana Racoma, a resident of Barangay Paratong in Vigan City.

She turned 100 on August 21, 2023.

Despite her age, Racoma remains active. She is not used to doing nothing so she continues to sweep her garden, day after day.

She has been working since she was young when she was forced to stop school at Grade 6 during the Japanese occupation. She learned how to farm, make pots, and sew.

She also continues to keep an eye on her four children and continues to give them pieces of advice.

“Matatanda na kami pero pinapayuhan pa rin niya kami gaya ng huwag masyadong namamasyal at nag-iiinom… pagpasensyahan mo ang mga anak mo, nawa’y humaba pa ang iyong buhay,” her son, Pablo, tells GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon.

Her secret to long life - choosing to be happy.

“Masayang pamumuhay, may hirap, may ginhawa pero bahagi ‘yun ng buhay,” Racoma says.

She also advised young people not to rush with life, to live one day at a time.