MEDIUM RARE

Among other things, he is a Papal Awardee for serving Mother Church through his charity works, as he is also well known near and far for his love of music (and unstinting support for up-and-coming musicians). He sings in church as regularly as he jogs around the ancestral home built by his grandparents in Batangas City. What not many people know, despite that award from Pope Francis, is that he keeps five mistresses in the house, each of them beloved and caressed for the music they produce from 88 black and white ivory keys.
Be that as it may, since “they do not talk back to me,” he is just as famous in his hometown and music circles in Manila as a happy-go-lucky bachelor of 94 years, patriarch of four generations, whether he’s performing with enthusiasm at Sunshine Place in Makati or at home for VIPs, diplomats, and music lovers. His self-effacing sense of humor has endeared Atty. Antonio Pastor to fans young and old of his talents and love of life.
Proof of which is that starting today, he’s Dr. Atty. Antonio Pastor, courtesy of an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree conferred by Batangas State University. Making him a winner in the eyes of Church and State!
As university president Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo puts it, Tony is “worthy of emulation” for his advocacy for justice and peace, public service, philanthropic deeds, and enriching culture and the arts in Batangas.
Speaking of culture, the Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines under Martin Lopez, president, deserve a round of applause for their “Ilustrado” gala held last March 27 at the National Museum to celebrate FCCP’s roster of scholars and, with every guest dressed to the nines in the national costume, to tour the museum’s 29 salons spread out over three floors. Each hour-long tour was accompanied by a live musical performance.
Visitors – many of them first-timers – marveled at the museum’s architecture, last renovated in 2015, and the countless, priceless artworks displayed within its high-ceiling galleries. FCCP’s P3 million grant 20 years ago made the transition to the National Art Gallery possible. Entrance is free. Heartening to hear from Arnie Montemayor, conservator and our guide, that “young people are our most enthusiastic guests.”