MANILA, Philippines - On Feb. 28, 2013, just past midnight, Noel’s beloved wife, Angelica “Anggê†Alday-Soriano, passed away. Anggê had gone into a coma just a few days earlier. She went very fast, without a fuss. As a friend put it, “... a headache and then into the arms of angels.†This left Noel in grief, but with a heart full of love they have shared since they were students at the University of the Philippines in the ‘50s, and nurtured with 17 years of “Anggê Therapy†since his stroke in 1996. This joyful therapy included lots of singing and laughing! It is because of Anggê that Noel’s paintings sing!
Emanuel “Noel†Valdez Soriano, former president of the University of the Philippines and National Security Director of the Philippines, had a massive stroke on July 14, 1996, which took away his speech almost completely, and paralyzed his right side. He had just returned to the world of management education and advising NGOs when his journey took a sharp turn from a life of action to passion. In 1998, Noel began art therapy sessions with Maria Abulencia. His paintings, framed by Johnny Soriano, are now with family and friends.
Featured with Noel’s cards in this collection is Anggê’s painting, The Heart That Cannot Be Contained, done when she joined Noel in one of his art therapy sessions with Maria Abulencia. It is the heart that continues to inspire Noel as he moves on with his healing journey through the arts. It is a healing path he invites all of us to share.
Noel is deeply grateful to the community of doctors, nurses, and staff of the Philippine General Hospital, led by Dr. Carissa C. Dioquino-Maligaso and Dr. Sharon D. Ignacio, for taking care of the dwelling for his soul and spirit.
(For more information, e-mail noel-angge@surfshop.net.ph.)