Isang mapagpala’t mapagpalayang araw sa inyong lahat!

About a year ago, I accepted my nomination to the UP Presidency in my desire to lead in the remaking of UP not only as a great Philippine university, but as a great Asian and global institution as well.

I said then that “many of us remember UP as a great university, the best in the country, and a respected center of learning in Asia. Over the years, however, comparative surveys of world universities have jolted us into realizing that UP’s preeminent position as an institution of higher learning has faded”.

When I assumed office seven months ago, I declared that UP’s path can be nothing else than the path, not only to the greatness of its past, but beyond it. This University must seize the leadership in the making of a globally competitive Philippines. But even more urgently, it should be focused on addressing those problems of the country that for decades have resisted solution.

Today, I join all of you as we collectively embark on a journey towards making the University of the Philippines a Great University in the 21st century. I do not profess to make UP great overnight, but I shall mark the path and launch UP towards greatness during my term.

It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce that Ricardo “Dick” Zamora ‘49 joined our Creator at 12:55 p.m. today, September 10, 2011. Farewell brod! Your music, those songs within our hearts live on, your legacy will be forever as the sun!

Dick Zamora’s name, to many Philippine music connoisseurs, is largely and especially associated with, among others, “Aloyan,” – whose melody he conscientiously composed when he was barely in his 20s. This particular piece marked his discovery if not entry into music’s mystifying world where he remains a living icon for over half a century now. For all his low-key personality, Dick has assiduously added to the Philippine musical bank through his numerous and dazzling contributions towards the true appreciation of this art form, classical or Philippine. Playing at first the piano like a virtuoso, he went on to write and arrange loads of novel compositions, cavalcades, and other musical scores. He took time when possible to share his knowledge and skills as a professorial lecturer with college and university students. More so, he was able to teach to and reach out with the masses through the medium of broadcast and television, having been a show director. Not be missed out were his additional efforts at spreading zarzuela appreciation as well as his musical endeavours for the GSP (Girl Scouts of the Philippines).

This is a brief account about the life of this humble but ardent music lover. Presently almost an octogenarian, Dick can look back, with honest glow and pride, at his countless accomplishments in the boundless realm of music, Philippine and others.