Music helping Napoleon Abueva slowly recover after stroke, say loved ones

"You can look at disease as a form of disharmony. And there's no organ system in the body that's not affected by sound and music and vibration," leading New York oncologist Dr. Mitchell Gaynor once said.

This may be true for the case of National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon “Billy” Abueva, who is currently confined at the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) after suffering a stroke on May 9.

Since he was well enough to receive visitors, artist friends, musicians, and church choirs—including the likes of violinist Coke Bolipata and Kontemporaryong Gamelang Pilipino (Kontra-Gapi) founder professor Edru Abraham—began visiting him and filling up his room with music.

In an interview with Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Visual Arts Head and family friend Boots Herrera, it was revealed that the Abueva family believes the music has been contributing to their patriarch's slow but steady recovery.

“[Abueva's daughter] Amihan would like to convey that the family is grateful for the support and prayers and visits of family and friends, as well as the extended care of NKTI,” Herrera told GMA News Online. “Especially the artists who have been singing to him. Music has been making a difference, helping him slowly recover.”

Herrera added that the family has been preparing to bring Abueva home by the end of the week.

Abueva suffered a seizure on May 6, and a stroke three days later.  He was confined to the Intensive Care Unit the following day, May 10, and was moved to a regular room on May 12.

“He has been improving since then,” said Herrera. “Vital signs—blood pressure, creatinin—are doing well. He has also been waking up more often.”

Herrera clarified that Abueva does not speak when he is awake; however, he has been able to keep his eyes open for longer periods since being moved to a regular room.

Abueva has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2008. A native of Bohol, Abueva was named National Artist for Sculpture in 1976 at the age of 46. — BM, GMA News