Music of the heart

MANILA, Philippines - “He who sings, prays twice,” proclaimed St. Augustine, one of the greatest Christian theologians of all times. Music, after all, is the language of the soul, speaking through its songs thoughts and feelings that lie beyond the spoken word. Aside from being a line to God, music can also be a balm for the weary, restoring through its rhythm — the crescendo of its notes or the fading away of a melody — spiritual, emotional and mental health. It can even affect a person’s physical well-being.

Known for her beauty and grace, Amy Gustilo-Lopez, the 1969 title holder of the prestigious Miss Caltex pageant — a national competition that people say is more renowned than today’s beauty contests — has always known the power of music and prayer. She was five years old when her eyes — and ears and heart — were opened to the wonders of the piano. The young girl would play Etude No. 3 Op. 10 by Chopin while meditating before an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

She was 19 when, while attending the Associate Music course at the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, Sister Mary Assumption took her under her wing, mentoring her in both the musical and the divine.

Then, while living in New York with her two daughters, Angela and Louise, who were attending The Fashion Institute of Technology and Syracuse University, she found herself without a piano for the first time in her life. One day, filled with a strong urge to play, Amy stumbled upon the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. There, she found one, an unused ornament in the hotel, and poured the music from her heart into the keys of the instrument.

The hotel management complimented her musical skill, and allowed the Filipina to use the piano whenever she wanted to. Later, Amy discovered the piano’s heritage. It was owned by Cole Porter, the Broadway composer and songwriter whose works include I’ve Got You Under My Skin from the musical Born to Dance and Night and Day, the No. 1 hit sung by Fred Astaire.

Now a woman in her golden years — a widow blessed with two grandsons, Massimo and Rocco — Amy continues to sit before her grand piano at home, composing melodies that are, for her, prayers of remembrance, offering and gratitude. She has, in fact, completed three original instrumental albums of meditative pieces, which seek to heal the soul. Like before, the process of creation always starts in prayer. She would listen to the notes that seem to fill her during her conversations with God, and quickly write down the heaven-sent melodies just “like a tape recorder.”

For her debut set, Remembering, the musician recorded eight compositions and one medley that paint the joys of her life. For instance, Naalala Kita recalls a childhood friendship with a girl named Sylvia, while You are a Priest Forever salutes her close ties with Fr. Arsenio Jesena, S.J.

Her second album, Offering, explores the darker themes of hurt, forgiveness and acceptance. Dedicated to the Mother Church in the Year of the Priests, the 12-track set, featuring compositions like Sacred Heart (Kundiman) and The Prodigal Son, seeks to make peace with people that she had wronged and those who have pained her, as well.

Mirroring a journey that has come full circle, from dark to light, from joy to pain, Amy’s latest album, Thanksgiving, is an 11-track tribute to the many people and blessings in her life. Kahidlaw and Palangga Ta Ikaw, two compositions titled in Ilonggo, pay homage to the kindness of her father and her idyllic life in Bacolod. Other tracks like Hearts Burning and Dancing with the Rhythm of the Spirit glorify her faith in God, while A New Life, a composition close to her heart, offers thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary for healing the musician’s cancer. The entire album is also dedicated to the late Fr. Thomas Green, S.J., her spiritual adviser for 25 years.

Amy’s work has not gone unnoticed. Through her cousin, Fr. Francis Gustilo, S.D.B., a member of Pope Benedict XVI’s Theological Commission, her music has reached the ears of the Holy Father. From that exchange, Amy received a reply from the Papacy’s Secretary of State — now carefully laminated — expressing the Pope’s gratitude. “My dream is to play my music at the Vatican one day,” she shares.

Today, the pianist and composer is busy working on a book about the power of music and prayer. The upcoming tome documents the testimonies of people who have recovered from their illnesses by listening to and reflecting on her masterpieces. Amy is overwhelmed by the powerful response to her works, but only credits God, the one source of talent and inspiration, for all her success.

(Remembering, Offering, and Thanksgiving are available at the St. John Bosco Parish, Arnaiz Ave. cor. Amorsolo St., Makati City [894-5932 to 34] and the Tanging Yaman Stores [426-5971 to 72 local 113] at the Jesuit Communications, Sonolux Building, Seminary Drive, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.)