April 27, 2008 — UPAANC Berkeley chapter scholar Mary Louise Macanaya graduated today cum laude at the University Centennial Commencement Exercises held at the University Amphitheater. Em, as Ms. Macanaya is better known, earned her Bachelors degree in Music (Voice) along with a Diploma in Creative and Performing Musical Arts. She was a consistent college and university scholar.
In an email, Em expressed her gratitude to the chapter “for all the financial and moral support.” Em is known to quite a few chapter members since she is a long-time member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Em has visited with the chapter during the Madrigals’ Bay Area stints, the latest of which was the successful September 2007 concert sponsored by the chapter in Walnut Creek.
Currently, Em is teaching piano and voice lessons at her home as well as in a studio in Kamuning, Quezon City. Em is also the conductor of the Shrine of Jesus Children’s Choir in Pasay City. She hopes to build her own studio within the year.
Congratulations, Em! See you at the next Bay Area visit of the Madz!
