Emilio Villareal

Emilio Villareal (December 21, 1920 – September 12, 2011), also called Maestro Mil, was a Filipino composer and musician.

Born in Boljoon, Cebu in 1920, Mil was from a Chinese-Spanish family of musicians.

He started as the school band director of the University of San Carlos (1946–1948).

He moved on to becoming a staff pianist and eventually, the musical director of Cebu Broadcasting Company (1948–1982).

With the advent of television, he was picked as the musical director of Channel 7's Sali Kami (1983–1988).

He was also the Band Leader of the Aristocrats Orchestra and DYRC Orchestra.

During this time, his reputation for composing some of the most memorable songs in Visayan history flourished.

Among the most unforgettable ones was "Bisan sa Damgo Lang", a song popularized and sung by Pilita Corrales, the Philippines' foremost female ballad singer.

Mil's nine grown children and grandchildren reside in Europe, the Philippines, the US and Canada.

Mil and his wife, Enriqueta, moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1990.

Although already retired from the Philippine musical circle, Mil continued to offer his services and musical genius to the Philippine Choral group in Edmonton where, as musical director, he mentored and provided musical assistance, even composed songs, for their annual concerts from 1991 to 2000.

He also led the Visayas/Mindanao Association (VISMIN) choir in Edmonton where various activities are organized by Filipinos, most notably, the Sto.

Niño fiesta.

During these events, Mil composed songs for the group to sing, including "Panamilit".

In his later years, Mil continued to entertain and fulfill his musical drive.

In Halad 2010, he was one of the honorees.

In 2011, he penned his last composition, a final legacy to the Cebuano culture and the arts, titled "Awit Ni Dodong" the theme song of Jose R. Gullas Halad Museum with lyrics written by Cebuano newscaster Leo Lastimosa.