CEBU, Philippines - Emilio Villareal, also fondly called Maestro Mil by singers he mentored over the years, is one of Cebu’s most talented composers and musicians. Born in Boljo-on, Cebu in 1920, Maestro Mil started as the school Band Director of the University of San Carlos (1946 – 1948). He moved on to becoming a staff pianist and eventually, the Musical Director of Cebu Broadcasting Company (1948-1982).
With the advent of television, he was picked as the Musical Director of Channel 7’s “Sali Kami” (1983-1988). During this time, he was also the Band Leader of the Aristocrats Orchestra and DYRC Orchestra. During this time, his reputation for composing some of the most memorable songs in Visayan history flourished. Among the most unforgettable ones was Bisan sa Damgo Lang, a song popularized and sung by Pilita Corrales, the Philippines’ foremost female ballad singer.
Now based in Canada, Maestro Mil continues to lead the Visayas/Mindanao Association (VISMIN) choir in Edmonton where various activities are organized by Filipinos, most notably, the Sto. Niño fiesta. During these events, Mil composes songs for the group to sing, most recently, the very heartwarming song titled “Panamilit” dedicated to the Sto. Niño.
Maestro Mil is also one of the past recipients of the Halad Awards by The FREEMAN chairman Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas for his invaluable and enduring contributions to Cebuano music. He recently visited Dodong Gullas, who is the founder of the JRG Halad Museum along V. Gullas and Jakosalem Sts., which serves as a repository of some of his memorabilia as well as that of other notable Cebuano composers and musical artists.
During his recent visit, Maestro Mil presented Gullas his composition “Panamilit”. Gullas said they were so moved by the gesture and the song that a choral arrangement by Anna Piquero, UV Chorale choirmaster, will be specially made for the song, to be performed by the UV Chorale.
Gullas said this is to only show their continued appreciation for Mil Villareal’s gift of music.
The Halad Museum is currently holding a Halad theme song competition, open to professional and amateur composers, and with a cash prize of P50,000 for the winning music (lyrics are already provided by the Halad Museum). For inquiries on mechanics and other information, call 268-2579 or email halad.museum@gmail.com, and address your queries to JRG Halad Museum director Audrey Tomada. (FREEMAN)