‘Now I just want to give back’
By Anna Sobrepeña
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:54:00 07/21/2008
MANILA, Philippines - Music soothes the soul,” Imelda Cojuangco says quietly. “If everybody listened to music, this would be a better world.”
The chair for “Beloved Encore,” Cojuangco lends her support to a unique musical performance to benefit the Virlanie Foundation Inc. and the Liver Foundation.
On Oct. 17, performers from the Metropolitan Opera of New York will share the stage with Martin Nievera and Louis Ocampo at Makati Shangri-La. (See related story on page D1)
Known for her charitable works, Cojuangco is happy to be involved in two things close to her heart. A love for music and the desire to help others bring her to the fore of yet another project. The woman, who studied piano and appreciates a good opera, also enjoys Filipino ballads.
At a lunch she hosted to announce the fundraising, she was moved when Nievera sang a Tagalog song. The pathos of the lyrics and his delivery brought her close to tears.
What affects her more deeply is the plight of the disadvantaged. She lauds the work of Fr. Dominique Lemay, who has given 20 years of his life caring for them with the help of volunteers both here and abroad. The children are brought into a family environment and housed in a setting that becomes their home, complete with family members. It is a ministry she hopes will continue particularly because it addresses the children’s plight.
Cojuangco is not given to speak about her acts of kindness. She is quick to point out the good that others do, and mentions friends who spend time and energy visiting calamity victims or marginalized sectors.
“I want to do what they are doing,” she says.
However, her health has restricted her movements. She was seriously ill a couple of years ago but recovered through what she attributes to the prayers of many. It would be understandable if she chose to spend her days resting and recovering at home, but no matter how delicate she seems, the lady does not hesitate to participate in worthwhile endeavors.
“I feel so blessed,” she says, referring to the reversal of her medical condition. “Now, I just want to give back.”
Those who know her are the first to declare that she has always been generous and enabled many indigent and needy persons recourse to assistance.
“Even before her sickness, she was helping many people,” says one longtime friend.
“I feel it is not enough,” she says. “When I see the others actively doing works of mercy for the sick and the poor, I want to do more.”
However, a bad back and her frail health keep her close to home, doing regular therapy. She lives with her condition, maintaining a pleasant disposition despite the pain, and music helps alleviate some of the discomfort especially during her therapy sessions.
Knowing first-hand what music can contribute to a person’s well-being, she accepted the invitation to support “Beloved Encore.”
Cojuangco hopes this musical offering will not only bring pleasure to the listeners but will also provide something for their soul.
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