FCC's corporate volunteer programme continues with its series of Friday debates at the retirement home.

On Friday, 13 November, the guest speaker was Gustavo Villapalos, professor of History of Law, former Chancellor of Madrid's Complutense University and Director of Portland Valderrivas.

In his talk, entitled "The phases of life", Villapalos discussed life's various stages, starting in the womb; then youth, when dreams often overtake reality; maturity, when we overcome difficulties, experience crises and value our families; and finally the twilight years, when we accept our limits and our lives as we have lived them.

He highlighted the following values as being characteristic of one's twilight years: ethics, the ability to distance oneself from problems, self-acceptance, loyalty, and gratitude and courtesy towards others; he also underlined the importance of curiosity, respect and hope, and having a good grasp of the passage of time.

The presentation was attended by many residents of Nuestra Casa, in addition to a group from the home in San Agustín de Guadalix, which made a special trip to attend. After his talk, Gustavo Villapalos presented and signed copies of his book, "Historias de Cine".

Felipe B. García, General Secretary of FCC Group, was the guest speaker on 20 November. He began his presentation by thanking FCC volunteers and the Esther Koplowitz Foundation for their work with the home.

In his presentation, "Being in Babia", Felipe García discussed the geographical and anthropological story behind the beautiful Babia region in León, where he was born and raised, and took attendees on a journey through its landscapes, rivers, gastronomy, folklore and culture. He also talked about the various stories that seek to explain the Spanish expression "To be in Babia" (meaning: to have one's head in the clouds).

He discussed the Babian origins of Babieca, El Cid's trusty steed, since the region is known for its great horses.

After his presentation, he treated attendees to a sample of "mantecados", traditional pastries from Babia.

This initiative is one of the various activities that FCC volunteers are undertaking at the Nuestra Casa retirement home in Collado Villalba (Madrid), the goal of which is to provide companionship for residents.