Pablo Macalinao Soledad celebrated his 100th birthday at Williamstown Hospital after a brain bleeding stroke on 29 February 2021. He is recovering steadily and fast.
He originally hails from Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. He moved to Aduas, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija when he married Florentina Castela who bore him five sons, two of whom are now deceased. He has 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
He became a widower in his early 50s and raised his children among the rice fields with other farmers.
1981 would be the turning point of Pablo’s life when he was invited by his youngest son Adriano and late wife Carolina to Melbourne. The visit was brief, but a chance to be acquainted with life in Australia.
In 1984, Pablo returned to Melbourne, Australia as a permanent resident, and became an Australian citizen after two years.
Pablo remarried on 17 February 1990 after meeting Henrietta Horca by Justino Rivera, a co-club member. They were married at a church wedding on 23 February 2001. They have been together for thirty years now.
Pablo is a recipient of various awards as an achiever, community leader, volunteer and best-dressed senior. The most prestigious and significant award that he is proud to be nominated and awarded for was a meritorious award by the Governor-General, for community volunteer work, given on 3 December 2003 at the Victorian Parliament.
