The Language of the Soul

TThey say that your mind can turn to oblivion, but music alone can resurrect a memory. It can whisper to a part of your brain that, long after decay, cannot hark the words of any other. Yet the soft songs of a bygone time may speak with its subject being Lazarus. Those who may harness the power of music are capable of raising the dead and, thus, are apt to draw on witchery.

Magicians walk the earth by the title of the musician. So where may we meet such an enchantress? First, let’s delve into a place rife with a history that has long shown an aptitude for the arts and birthed dozens of creators whose works still resonate within the hearts of the contemporary. The Pearl of the Orient is a tropical paradise where people sing like sirens from childhood, with voices that cannot compare. Those who compose and chorus make a memory like no other that will stay in the listener’s mind like embossing in stone, to remain there until death.

Enter Louisa “Loy” Afalla Tagudin, a maestro of the musical society who goes by her philosophy that “music is the language of the soul.” A faithful pursuivant of the arts since maidenhood, Loy—the daughter of its guides—spent her earliest days devoted to the study of song.

“The idea,” she recalls, “of being one step higher than our peers if we know music was inculcated in our minds. Men can indeed live without music, but I believe they cannot live as well.” Music, the language of the spirit, is the essence of it all. Loy believes that “once the passion burns within you, it will stay there wherever you go.”

The daughter of the late AFP Captain Anselmo P. Afalla Sr. and Aurora Jurado, Loy has lived a full life, a grand one, which has gifted her wisdom. “At this stage, at age 76, that passion in me is immeasurable,” she says. “Performing and being recognized on stage gives me a feeling of fulfillment to be an inspiration to the younger generation.”

“Music,” says Loy, “is an emotional expression. When I write and arrange repertoire for my choir group, I make sure that my mind is clear and focused on my goal. Music brings people together in any activity to keep themselves happy, active, energetic, and feeling healthy.”

Music is more than vibrations in the air. It is part of a culture. And for a proud Filipino, Loy knows how to embrace it. “In my humble opinion,” the maestro says with pride, “with my experience working with other immigrants in Australia, I honestly believe that the Philippine culture is the topmost, the most beautiful culture ever when it comes to music, dance, drama, poetic interpretation and other works of art. Filipinos are well known in the field of music and the arts. Their kind of music, their choice of costumes, the grace [and] confidence they manifested in dancing and acting, their sense of creativity...superb!”

To spread art—love with the song of a culture— is one of the most beautiful things to someone such as Loy. “There are some ways to spread love by visualizing our own culture,” she explains. “Always remember that the best things in life are the people we love and how we secure them that they are special and important. Solidarity, sincerity, loyalty are strong allies hand[ed] down to us to spread love. By sharing our feeling[s] to someone, letting them feel that they are not alone through your kind of music.”

“Music is a part of my whole being that I cannot live well without it,” she says, “and it’s something that can affect other[s] just as well. In many ways, music reduces stress, especially when overworked. It gives quality sleep and walks one up feeling light and smarter.”

And so it extends to every part of the world. In 1987, Loy traveled to Australia. “I observed that my new country is a melting pot of different migrants [and] of course of different cultures.” It’s hard for anyone to leave their own, but Loy found others like her to keep feeling herself while harmonizing with others.

Loy hosts a yearly concert to “inspire and encourage Filipino-Australians to experience their cultural heritage.” For Loy, remembering your origin is essential, especially when they have their arts. In addition, meeting others and others like you is the most excellent way to improve yourself and your creations.

“My experiences and challenges way back home as a trainer [and] conductor joining in competitions nationwide under the Ministry of Education and Culture have served as a way to make me wiser and turned me into the person I am today. Thanks to the people I have met in my life’s journey who believed in me more than I believe in myself. They are the source of my strength that pushed me to always give my best—the best of [the] Filipino in me. Thus the Sydney Sonata Singers Choir came into existence 15 years to date to help persevere and be proud of the Filipino culture.”

And how does it all help Loy to better a harsh world? “Ultimately, what counts most is the number of hearts we touched, the countless smiles we created, and the love we have shared because of our kind of music.” Essentially music is what betters the world, what connects people, and what reminds one of beauty, art, life, and culture. Music is what makes people share values that they might not otherwise and is a language that anyone can understand. It is a way to spread happiness and love.

“There is a saying,” she says, “that we cannot always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it.” Therefore, it is of utmost significance to dance to your music and be happy along the way. Like Loy says, “Music is love, and it makes the world go round.”