SU trustee donates piano to COPVA
SU Trustee, Atty. May Saga Aguilar, gives a few words about the piano she is donating to the College of Performing and Visual Arts.
Silliman University (SU) Trustee, Atty. May Saga Aguilar, turned over her personal piano to the College of Performing and Visual Arts (COPVA) in a ceremony at the COPVA Music Sala on January 18, 2024.
In her speech, Aguilar revealed that the piano was a graduation gift from her mom who thought she was a piano prodigy.
“Parents think that their children are gifted. My mom was no exception. She thought that I was a piano prodigy. I did not want to disappoint her, so I took piano lessons,” recalled Aguilar.
Aguilar said that she had the best piano teachers. In Silliman, she was under the tutelage of former faculty member of the School of Music, Mr. Elman Caguindangan; and Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez, current dean of the COPVA.
According to her, she did not think she had the talent. “The only reason I played so well was because I was a perfectionist and a very intense student who did not want to disappoint her teachers. I did not miss my piano practices, and I aimed for nothing less than a perfect performance at the recital,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar had her piano recital in February 1989. In March that year, she graduated from SU with a degree in political science. When she went home after graduation, there stood waiting for her a piano, wrapped in red ribbon. Her mother told her, “You know, you do not have to work. You can play the piano all day. Your dad and I can support you.”
However, Aguilar had other plans. She was going back to SU to pursue a law degree, and when she did, she only got the chance to play the piano during breaks.
Aguilar was already practicing law in Cebu when her mom was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, her mom shipped the piano to her. Although playing the piano was her least priority amidst life changes that necessitated moving places, she took the piano with her because she knew it was important to her mom.
In 2023, Aguilar noticed that termites were beginning to eat up the piano. She knew it had to be repaired; otherwise, it would be gone. Maintenance is another expense, which she considers a waste since nobody in her household plays it. This is when she decided to donate it to Silliman, where its longevity can be ensured and where it can serve its purpose.
Silliman University receives the piano gift from SU Trustee and her children. (From left to right: Asst. Prof. Joseph Albert Basa, Rev. Jonathan Pia, Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez, Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, Atty. May Saga Aguilar, Gianna Marie Aguilar, and Cris Guiller Aguilar)
“A piano was created to make music, and it is sad if all that it does is sit in a corner in silence. At least here, in Silliman, it can perform the purpose for which it was intended. It will create music, and it will help students become the best pianists they can ever be. Something my mom wished I could become but didn’t,” said Aguilar.
Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, SU president, and Vista-Suarez received the gift on behalf of the University. Vista-Suarez said, “We are grateful, and we hope that this instrument can be used to help the students reach their goals.”
Among the guests during the turnover ceremony were Rev. Jonathan Pia, senior pastor of SU Church; Dr. Margaret Helen Alvarez, dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Diomar Abrio, chair of SU Cultural Affairs Council; faculty and staff of COPVA; and cultural patrons.
Faculty, students, staff, and friends of COPVA attend the turnover ceremony. (All photos are grabbed from Rigel Suarez’s FB account).
