The Duet of Life and Music

By Keziah G. Huelar

After two deep breaths, Chris walks towards the center stage. He pauses, skims the crowd and finally lifts up his violin – his music fills the Rose Memorial Hall, background lights of blue and green entwine as he plays music that entrances the soul and captures the senses.

Chris John de Guzman was born to a family of medical practitioners. With both his parents as doctors, one might expect that his journey would lead him to the world of human anatomy and lab coats, however the beat of his heart was in sync with a different passion.

Chris learned to play the violin when he was 10 years old. It was a start of a lasting affair with music.  “I took violin lessons at Iloilo Baptist Church with my friends. There was something about playing the violin that made me feel free. It is my form of self-expression. I believe that my skill and passion in playing the violin is a gift from God.”

With persistence and motivation, Chris became the only student in his batch to continue training. His teachers saw his potential and endorsed him to be mentored by the great Ilonggo violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao.

His experience with the great violinist honed his skills to greater heights, his passion was refined with discipline and fervor. “For four years  I trained under the guidance of Mr. Gil Lopez Kabayao. It was truly an honor to be mentored by him. At first I was intimidated because he’s well known as a musician but within a couple of training sessions with him I became at ease.”

Because of his finesse and skill, Chris has performed in various musical events. His talent was also recognized by the global community as he hold three titles of winning gold for playing the violin in the International Student Convention.

After graduating from high school as class valedictorian, Chris was offered music scholarships to study abroad however due to health reasons, he stayed in Iloilo. “I dont believe that me not being able to study abroad is a lost opportunity. I believe in God’s plan and his purpose”.

For his college education, Chris considered a lot of things – eventually it was his passion of bringing out the best in others that made him realize that he wanted to be a teacher. “My parents own a school, and for a year or so, I volunteered as a teacher. There, I realized that I enjoy assisting students and helping them learn. Music is definitely a part of me but teaching is what I want to do.”

Because of this, Chris studied at Central Philippine and took up Bachelor of Science in Special Education. When asked why he particularly chose CPU for his tertiary education, Chris shares that it was the Centralian spirit of faith that made him fall in love with the university. “CPU is known not only for the quality education it offers, but it is more popular for being a Christian university that centers to develop not only skill but knowledge as well.”

Being part of the Centralian community, Chris has been perfoming for almost every Centralian event. His latest performance was in Pasidungog 2017, a tribute to the graduating class. For Chris, every performance is a memorbale event of service to the Centralian community and showcasing his talent for the glory of God. “I believe that I was born to play the violin. This is my God-given talent and I will use this to serve others, for them also to appreciate music.”

When asked what advice Chris would have for young people who also dream of becoming like him, Chris shares that it is hard work and determination that will make them harness their passions in pursuit of excellence. “They should work hard, and be disciplined. Constant practice is necessary and most of all they have to love what they are doing and do it all for the glory of God.” After college, Chris plans to take up Music Theraphy and use his skills in both education and music to help specially-abled children in Iloilo.