PNoy's audio collection finds new a home at Ateneo's Rizal Library

The personal audio collection of the late former President Benigno Simeon C Aquino III has found a new home at Ateneo de Manila's Rizal Library.

The family of President Noy formally turned over his audio collection to the Library last 24 February 2022, in a ceremony attended by Ateneo administrators, members of the Aquino family, and some of his closest friends and supporters.

The donation—which includes more than 8,600 CDs, specialized audio equipment and magazines, and the late former President’s handwritten notes and listening chair—covers an impressive range of local and foreign artists, from Apo Hiking Society to Led Zeppelin.

While the original Rizal Library building (aka Old Rizal Library) that PNoy visited when he was a student still stands, the physical turnover of a symbolic batch of CDs was held at First Pacific Hall (aka New Rizal Library), in front of the steps where CDs of Ateneo faculty and alumni are featured prominently.

After all the items for donation are received, and processing and cataloging is finished, PNoy’s CD collection and equipment will be accessible through the Rizal Library’s Multimedia Resources Center, where faculty and students can utilize them for their classes, research, and personal enjoyment.

Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President, recalled that PNoy considered Ateneo as a safe haven from his days as a student up to his days as the country’s leading public servant. Yap promised that Ateneo would also serve as a safe haven for PNoy’s cherished music collection.

After the ceremonial turnover to Rizal Library Director Von Totanes, Dodo Dee, representing the Aquino family, said that he was looking forward to a time when students and listeners would be given “a unique glimpse of a President who built an encyclopedic knowledge [of music] over a lifetime of research, appreciation, and fellowship.”

Two of PNoy’s favorite performers, Ogie Alcasid and Noel Cabangon, performed some of PNoy’s favorite songs, among them “Nandito Ako” and “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.”

Dr Maria Luz Vilches, Vice President for the Loyola Schools, thanked the Aquino family for their generosity and likened the donation of PNoy’s audio collection to a donation of his private self to the institution that he considered his home.

Many of the guests who joined the event, both online and on campus, have been gifted with copies of his favorite CDs while he was still alive. Among the guests present onsite were Rapa and Didi Lopa, JC Casimiro, AJ Ardiente, and Sgt. Solomon Balderama.

The turnover ceremony is among the first hybrid (online and onsite) events held on campus, as Ateneo de Manila gradually opens up to on-site activities.