Tears of Gratitude
The Philippine music community mourns the passing of Prof. Lourdes de Leon Gregorio, former principal harpist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, esteemed pedagogue, and a towering figure in Philippine classical music. She was the wife of the late baritone Emmanuel Gregorio. Together, they were giants in performance and teaching—a true power couple whose influence shaped generations of musicians.
Mrs. Gregorio was not only a harpist. She was also a remarkable piano prodigy and a formidable authority in the art of piano accompaniment. She was a harp teacher—my harp teacher. But she was so much more than that to me.
When I moved to Manila in 2000, I carried very big dreams but had almost no formal training and no resources. I was fortunate to be one of the forty students admitted to the UP College of Music that year. Sir Manny Gregorio became my voice teacher for my minor, and he continued to teach me even after I had completed my required voice credits. In my final year, I composed a mini opera based on the biblical character Job for him. Sadly, this was also when his health began to decline.
Sir Manny was a favorite among voice students because he was the total package: a legendary performer, an innovative and generous teacher, and someone who went far beyond what was required. He arranged and transcribed pieces by hand (computers were not yet part of our world) and together with Ma’am Lourdes, ensured students were never left unsupported. She accompanied recitals and even recorded piano accompaniments on cassette tapes so students could practice properly. They were deeply affectionate with one another and endlessly generous to their students, friends, and family. Sir Manny even supplied me with vitamins when I called in sick more than once.
When I first met Ma’am Lourdes, she was serious and no-nonsense. Many people expressed interest in learning the harp, but very few actually came to the PPO School at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Yes, there was once a PPO School. At the time, you either owned a harp or travelled to CCP for practice and lessons. I did exactly that, faithfully, until I left for harp studies in Germany in 2010.
Sometimes, Ma’am Lourdes and Sir Manny would take me home to Bacoor so I could stay overnight, as it was closer to CCP than my UP dorm. There were always delicious home-cooked meals prepared by Stel—their ever faithful and loyal all-around help. There we long conversations around their round dining table, conversations that shaped me as much as any formal lesson.
To many in the orchestral world, Mrs. Gregorio was “manang.” To some, she was “tita.” But to me, she was and always will be “Ma’am Lourdes.” Even as I became like family to her, my respect for her authority and my awe of her talent never diminished. She was the most patient person I have ever known (Sir Manny and I often agreed on this) and the most generous teacher. When my sponsorship for harp lessons ended after a year, she quietly made me her personal scholar until I completed my course at UP.
I could list countless acts of kindness that she and Sir Manny extended to me. But the greatest gift of all was her faith in me. That faith carried me forward, opened doors, and led me to people and places I could never have imagined.
Ma’am Lourdes continued to encourage me during my years of study in Germany. When I returned to the Philippines and opened a harp school, she became a shining presence in our recitals and harp appreciation events. She only needed to arrive, and the room would instantly be filled with light. She was a profound inspiration to my students.
After my relocation to Sydney, I last saw her in September 2024. She was already ninety, and her memory had begun to be clouded by dementia. Yet she still carried the sweetest smile and the most positive spirit. When I learned of her passing, only one word came to mind: Home. Home is where she is now—with God in heaven. And home is also who and what she has been to me: safe, nurturing, loving, generous, and inspiring. Oh, how blessed I have been. And how blessed I still am because of her impact on my life.
The Philippine community of musicians mourns the loss of someone truly special. Tears are flowing—yes—but not only from grief. They are tears of gratitude: for a life poured out generously, for excellence offered in humility, and for a legacy that will continue to resonate in every student she shaped and every life she touched.
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job 1:21
