Eight tips to make your travel rich with love and laughter

Yesterday, June 29, I turned 60. Yes, I am now a certified senior citizen—and proud to be one!

- WITH PAT-P

I can now avail of the mandatory 20 percent senior citizen discount and enjoy priority lanes at airports and various establishments. These are perks I happily welcome.

But with this milestone also comes a fair share of fears and insecurities. My greatest fear? Mortality—and the manner of death. I pray fervently that I will not succumb to a debilitating disease that will bring intense pain and be a financial burden to my family.

Then there are my insecurities, particularly in the context of work. I fear being easily replaced—perhaps by younger talent, or worse, by AI (artificial intelligence). If I had my way, I'd continue doing the work I love—hosting both my daily and weekly shows—until I'm 70, or even beyond. In broadcasting, maturity is a strength; it brings experience, depth and credibility. And to me, work doesn't feel like work. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I consider it a privilege to be able to do it for as long as I can.

Work also affords me a lifestyle I'm grateful for. I've learned a valuable financial lesson from my cousin, Risa Nepomuceno, a retired banker: it's not how much you earn, but how much you spend. It's not just about living within your means, but below them. That principle has guided many of my decisions.

As I grow older, I realize more than ever how priorities shift. Life becomes about simplicity and clarity. The line between wants and needs becomes sharper. And if there's one profound lesson I've embraced in this new chapter, it's this: I now choose to invest more in experiences than in possessions—particularly through travel and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Every summer, my children and I take a two-week break (except during the pandemic) to recharge and reconnect. Travel has been one of my greatest teachers, and our bonding moments are priceless.