Remembering the maestro and the queen

I may not have encountered them nor experienced fond memories during their prime but their songs remind me of their musical brilliance.

September 29, 2013 at the JRG Halad Museum, the curtain was raised to remember two of Cebu’s music icons. Paghinumdum, a musical tribute to Cebu’s maestro Mil Villareal and the queen of Visayan songs, Ms. Susan Fuentes, was an experience full of music and memories. Both Susan Fuentes and Maestro Mil have left Cebuanos with wonderful musical reminiscences.

Ms. Fuentes recorded and popularized Visayan classics such as Matud Nila, Gimingaw Ako, Usahay, Rosas Pandan and Miss Kita Kung Christmas. She went to Manila but still continued to be proud of her roots and the Cebuano music, until her demise

Emilio Villareal, fondly called by colleagues as Maestro Mil, left behind a legacy of genuine Visayan artistry, and for that his memory must remain immortal, as it deservedly should, just like the countless Cebuano tunes he penned in his decades-long career. In a foreign land, Canada, his incessant love for Cebuano music through concerts and mentorship is unparalleled. 

The present generation has not witnessed and is not familiar with their songs but listening to their songs would bring back the musical glories of the past.  

Renditions of Girlie Lapinid have given life to the songs of Susan and Maestro Mil. Chatting with her, she shared her great admiration for Susan as well as her gratefulness, as a budding singer, for the mentorship she got from Maestro Mil.

Another heartwarming moment was Maestro Mil’s better half, Ma’am Tita who shared their fond memories when they were still young lovers. When Maestro Mil had difficulty of getting the nod of her father, a military man, it was only the intervention of another high-ranking military man who acted as go-between that convinced her father for the much-sought approval. She recounted the wonders of the song The Power of Love that made their bond alive, strong and forever.

When I also had the chance to talk to Susan’s sister, overwhelmingly she didn’t expect how great her sister was only when she heard wonderful stories from people who have been touched by her sister’s songs.

Rendering songs of Susan and Maestro Mil was the internationally-acclaimed UV Chorale. It was indeed refreshing to hear young singers who have been representing and giving honor not only to Cebu but to the whole country.

Superbly crafted was Mr. Leo Lastimosa’s Awit ni Dodong, his first attempt in songwriting. Inspired by Sir Dodong whose gratefulness to his parents is unquestionable and whose love and belief in Cebuano artistry is unequalled. Arranged by the maestro and sung by the UV Chorale, allow me to share few lines: Buhi ang imong saloma/ Ug dila ug kinaiya/ Bantayog sa akong gugma/ Hinaut wa mag-inusara/ Laoming ikaw akong tipigan/ Sa kinauyokan niining dughan/ Matag pitik ikaw pasidunggan/ Halaran sa tanang kadaugan.

Due to audience request, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama sang Allan Jayme Rabaya’s classic Kausa Nabasa ang Tubig.

Such a remarkable experience was made possible in a venue that fittingly holds such wonderful events. The JRG Museum serves as a venue to hold wonderful musical pieces and legacies of great Cebuano singers and musicians. This is so as its mission is to explore and celebrate the enduring legacies of Cebuano cultural heritage as expressed through music. It “dedicates to preserve the dignity of Cebuano artists whose talents and achievements brought pride to their race. Thanks to Sir Dodong Gullas who has truly the heart for Cebuano artists. 

For quite a number of years both Susan and maestro Mil left Cebu but the love for Cebuano music has remained in their minds and hearts. It is just right, this time, for Cebu to give tribute to two of Cebu’s pride. 

It is my fervent hope that the queen of Visayan songs would continue to reign in our memories and the maestro would forever nurture the hearts of the Cebuanos—through their music.   

Indeed, they have given pride to our race. They may not be within our midst anymore but their memories and songs will hopefully be treasured and will live on forever in the hearts and minds of Cebuanos.