56-Year-Old Man Joins Beauty Pageants to Support Mom’s Medication
A 56-year-old man has been joining beauty pageants and collects scraps to buy medicine for his mom with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a condition that leads to memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities.
Over time, people with Alzheimer’s may struggle with simple tasks, have difficulty recognizing loved ones, and experience changes in mood or personality. The disease worsens over time, and there is currently no cure.

However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. Alzheimer’s mainly affects older adults, but in rare cases, it can also develop in younger individuals.
For the past 24 years, 56-year-old Rizalino Nano, also known as “Zoraida Ek-ek,” from Nueva Ecija has been joining beauty pageants to afford medicine for his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
Since his sibling got married and moved out, he has taken on the full responsibility of caring for their family, especially his ailing mother.

Joining pageants has become a way for him to earn money, as he uses the cash prizes to buy medicine and other necessities. However, when there are no competitions, he turns to scavenging for recyclable materials to make ends meet.
Rizalino collects plastic bottles, metal scraps, and other reusable items to sell, ensuring they have food on the table every day.

Despite the struggles, he remains determined and hopeful. He embraces every opportunity, whether on stage or in the streets, just to support his mother. His story has touched many hearts online.
Life has not been easy for him, but his sacrifices prove how strong his love is for his family. Whether through beauty pageants or collecting scraps, he continues to fight for his mother’s well-being.
In another post, a freelance photographer hoping to gain clients to support his son’s medication
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