A world-renowned tenor, Centralian and friend – Otoniel Gonzaga’s faith and music will continue to live on.
To remember Otoniel Gonzaga, a world renowned tenor, Centralian and friend, the CPU community, together with friends and family, gathered to celebrate his life, love, and music at the University Church on February 14, 2018.
For the opening, liturgist, Rev. Ruth G. Lunasco, read “In Loving Memory” written by Rabbi Jack Spencer Jr., “We sing the song of our beloved, we aspire their qualities of spirit, we take up their tasks as they would have shouldered them.”
Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez, in her message, talked about Otoniel’s love for music and his commitment to share his craft to others. “Singing was in his heart. Toni’s mom, who was a concert artist, inspired his love for singing.”
CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced on how the CPU community came to enjoy the life and music of Otoniel Gonzaga.
For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.
Friend and classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang described Otoniel as a vibrant character whose life was and music touched many.
Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, Otoniel’s cousin, talked about his fondest memories with the opera singer.
Mrs. Sampaguita T. Juarez talked about Otoniel Gonzaga’s love for music.
For the recollection, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles reminisced how the Centralian community enjoyed the love and music of Otoniel. He also thanked the Gonzaga family for their invaluable contributions to the university and their dedication to Central. “When I first entered the portals of this institution, I was only a year younger than Otoniel Gonzaga; thus, I was able to enjoy the entertainment of his music. We have heard his music not only in the university but also all over the globe, during university fundraising events where he was featured as singer and artist. Not only us but also the world had enjoyed his music.”
Dr. Robles went on to talk about the legacy of Otoniel. “We will remember him not because of his music, but of what he and his family meant to the university. The Gonzaga family was one of the pillars of development of CPU after World War II.”
Otoniel’s cousin, Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla, shared her fondest moments with Otoniel, recalling that his heart for music has inspired many others, not only to master the said craft but also to look to God as the author and creator of music. “To many, Otoniel was a talented artist, a world renowned musician, and the first and last tenor to sing Verdi’s Otello in Europe and in Japan. He was, and still is, no less than extraordinary. He will now continue to sing and have a concert with the angels in heaven. I will not bid him goodbye but until we meet again.”
His former classmate, Mr. Alessandro Caipang, remembered him as man who loved all things bright and beautiful—a man who always shared his joy with others. “It is a great privilege to honor a gifted Centralian, an Ilonggo, a friend, a classmate, a world-renowned artist, and a great opera tenor. We were among the first grade 7 pupils of CPU and the campus was our playground. I recall when he was asked to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in class and it was the first sign that he would become a great singer. He was an excellent steward of God’s gift.”
The man behind the music – Otoniel Gonzaga’s life was a melody that inspired others.
After the recollection, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian gave a prayer for the family which was then followed by a musical tribute by the Bahandi Singers.
For the response from the Gonzaga family, Mr. Joel G. Juarez thanked the Centralian community for remembering Otoniel and celebrating his life and music.
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