THERE ARE many memories from Susan Magno’s Sociology and Anthropology (SA) classes. Sometimes, to her students’ amusement, she would burst into song. Her lectures would also always be coupled with stories from her home province, Albay.

During reports, Magno had the habit of grilling her students, checking if they did the necessary research. “But she also gave us tough love during class presentations when we were unable to answer questions correctly,” said former student Patch Buenaventura, who considered Magno as motherly.

Even with the most unprepared reporter, Magno’s encouraging smile never faltered. It’s difficult to muster a memory of her frowning or being mad, but perhaps, there were none.

“Always calm and smiling, Susan brought ‘lightness of being’ to any situation,” said Professor Emma Porio, Ph.D, former chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She hired Magno in 1999 to teach SA 21 (Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology) courses. Porio was the former chair of the SA Department.

“[Her death is] a big loss to the department and Ateneo de Manila, to the social science community, and to Philippine music,” added Porio.

Magno passed away on July 2 after a yearlong battle with ovarian cancer. She was 52.

Music and students

Magno was once dubbed “the voice of a protest generation.” She sang nationalist songs such as “Babae Ka,” “Nais Ko,” and “Kung Ibig Mo Akong Makilala.” Her lone album, Habi at Himig, which included some of her compositions, was released in 1991.

She was also half of the Inang Laya duo with recently retired Civil Service Commissioner Karino Constantino-David.

In the early ‘90s, she hosted shows on television such as Bulilit and Concert at the Park.

Magno always tried to incorporate music into her lessons. She would even go as far as inviting her fellow performing artists to play in her class.

“[She wanted her] students to know how indigenous musical instruments, such as the kulintang and tubing were integrated into contemporary Filipino music,” said Porio.

Former student Selene Uy said that as a teacher, Magno was firm but good. “Her lessons and tests were always relevant. To make them interesting, she always found ways to make them related to society.”

“There was a certain glow in her face that showed she loved teaching and imparting her stories to the younger generation,” said Buenaventura.

“Susan (Magno) was an ideal faculty,” said Porio, saying Magno was always in search of innovative ways to stimulate her students.

During Magno’s application to the Ateneo, Porio said that her colleague wanted “to contribute in her own small way to Ateneo’s pursuit for critical thinking and socially oriented education.”

Empowering women

Porio said that Magno’s commitment and passion for her students’ learning was only rivaled by her passion and commitment to Philippine music and for the Filipino’s economic liberation and empowerment.

Magno especially fought for women’s and children’s causes. In his column for Manila Standard, Jojo Robles wrote that Magno was never a “fire-breathing, bra-burning, ‘feminazi’ androgyne.” She opted to express her feministic beliefs through her music.

Uy said that her first impression of Magno was that she was a strong woman. “It’s a strange word but I remember her as being ‘dignified.’”

“I can’t forget her passion for society,” said Uy. “You could really see that she was concerned about the Philippines, the Filipinos, and our culture.” Uy added that Magno was also passionate in her desire to incite change.

Uy said that Magno inspired her to become more aware of current events. “I was really surprised when I saw her in the Ako Mismo campaign,” she said. “It’s different when you know someone who’s personally involved, it makes you want to see what it’s really about.”

Love and support

Porio said that Magno was always there when needed. “Despite the demands for her performing talents outside, Susan always prioritized the department’s needs.” Despite other commitments, for example, Magno still attended a particular department party so she could sing.

“Susan was a beautiful soul,” Porio said. “She was so generous of her talent and expertise and of herself.”

She also made herself available for her students’ problems. “She was even open even to stories about my own love life,” said former student Cyril Belarmino.

To help Magno get by, her friend, writer Pete Lacaba, organized a benefit concert for her last year. Among the guest were writers Conrado de Quiros and Jo-Ann Maglipon, and singer Girl Valencia.

The afternoon she died, her good friend and singing partner Lester Demetillo sang by her side.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer was Susan Magno’s former student.