79-year-old lolo frequents Pangasinan library, charms netizens

In the age of social media and shrinking attention span, a grandfather’s love for reading books charmed netizens online. 

In a "State of the Nation" report, GMA Integrated News journalist Oscar Oida introduced Estanislao Valdez, a 79-year-old man who frequents visits the municipal library in Villasis, Pangasinan. 

In a post by Villasis Municipal Library, Valdez was seen selecting a book from a bookshelf in the library. Netizens admired his diligence in reading physical books despite his age.

According to Merly Zambrano, Librarian III, Valdez visits the library twice to thrice a week and borrows no less than three books at a time to take home. 

Fondly called “Lolo Islao,” Valdez said history reads and literature books, especially the works of Victor Hugo and William Shakespeare, are his favorites.

Aside from helping him pass the time, Valdez considers reading books his secret to keeping a sharp mind. 

“Kung palagi kang nagbabasa, hindi ka magiging ulyanin… Fresh na fresh ang mind mo,” Valdez said.

— Bea Iglesia/LA, GMA Integrated News