In memory of Maestro Mil

CEBU, Philippines -  Quiet, kind, unassuming and gentle – just a few ways to describe our father. All our lives, we watched him tirelessly give his all and share the load with our mother to raise nine children. When there was deafening noise, there he was – quiet and waiting patiently for it to die down. When we were sick, he provided room service with tea and crackers. When we cried in pain from punishment, he showed gentleness with 5 or 10 centavos for each of us to buy candy.

And, when the famous and the least known gave him accolades for his musical genius, he remained humble. Dad was the most fair person I knew and he treated all of us equally, even the grandchildren. Outside of our family, he didn’t care what your social stature was in life – he treated you with respect and appreciation.

All of us are born with a gift and Daddy was no different. At the age of 5, he climbed steep ladders to carry paint up to where his father was painting the Boljoon church ceiling with beautiful reflections of angels and saints. It was his brother, however, who mastered the art of painting.

The sound of music called Daddy to a life and career in music that spanned several decades. What was so remarkable was that as he was sharing his gift of music, he provided for us. Times were difficult then, but between Mom and Dad, they made sure we had a taste of many of the pleasures a child could imagine, limited as sometimes they were.  Mom used to ask him why his take home pay was so little. That’s because he would pay his orchestra members first.

His talent did not go unnoticed. Whether he was composing the most compelling love songs or entertaining radio listeners in jamborees, it only seemed fitting that those whom he touched began to call him “Maestro Mil”. Growing up, we always thought Maestro Mil was none other than Daddy.

He gave many Cebuanos the reason to love, hope when there was despair, and the chance to dream for the impossible. We know now that Maestro Mil was no easy title to be earned.

When he retired and moved to Canada, the sound of music reached his ears again. Before long, he was the driving factor in the numerous successful concerts that showcased the Philippine Choral group. The Philippine Choral group honored him with one of the most touching tributes when they sang songs that Dad arranged at the memorial mass to celebrate his life at the St. Thomas More Church in Edmonton, Canada on September 16, 2011.

Through his last days, Daddy continued to share his gift of music. With his passing, he leaves a void in everyone’s hearts that he touched – his family, the churchgoers, and the musical talents that he nurtured.

In his passing, we know in our hearts that in the midst of our sorrow, the blessings are still there for us to find. They are God’s gifts and we must put them to good use, as Daddy did. We know he is with God, shining a light on each of us, showing us the way through our tears and letting us know that he now is living in perfect happiness making beautiful music with the angels and saints.

Emilio Villareal, also fondly called Maestro Mil, by his constituents as well as the talented singers he mentored over the years, is one of Cebu’s most talented composers and musicians.

Among his compositions: Alaut, Angelica, Awit ni Dodong, Bisan Sa Damgo Lang, Bulawan Sa Lapok, Hain Na, Hain Nang Saad, Hinumdomi ... Mohilak Ka Usab, Ikaw, Ikaw Ang Langit Ko, Imo Ako, Inahan Ko, Kahibulongan, Kay Ikaw Akong Gipakamutya, Langit ug Yuta, Lawos Na, May Adlaw Pa, Nahadlok Ako, Nahisulat Sa Hangin, Panamilit, Pasko Sa Kalipay, Patrocino De Maria, Sa Matag Pitik Ning Dughan, San Lorenzo, Unang Panagkita, Usa Ka Higayon, Veronica, and Wa’y Lain Tagiya.

In 2011, he penned his last composition, a final legacy to the Cebuano culture and the arts, titled Awit Ni Dodong, the theme song of Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum with lyrics written by Cebuano newscaster, Leo Lastimosa.