A Story of Faith, Strength, Love—And Lupus

‘Some things are beyond our control. We like to help, to do, to fix. But lupus reminds us that not everything depends on human capacity. And that’s okay. There is hope. There is grace.’

- By Melody Samaniego

On the afternoon of May 27 at SM Aura, the "Hope for Lupus" exhibit opened not just its panels but a portal into the world of courage, chronic illness, and quiet love. As the exhibit drew curious passersby, supporters, and medical experts, its founder, Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, stood calmly, composed and, in a rare moment, emotional.

"I thank my husband Mark," she said with a warm glance at the man before her. "For everything he has been in my life. For the strength, the peace, and the unwavering support."

It was a sincere and soft-spoken confession from someone who does not often dwell on the personal in public. Yet, in that moment, it was clear: This was a lived story—a love story shadowed by lupus but brightened by faith, knowledge, and something remarkably ordinary: dependable love.

"No reason to be scared of it. Understanding it helps you live a happy, normal life. It’s not a death sentence," spoke Senator Mark Villar.

The Great Imitator
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease often called “the great imitator”—its symptoms mimic many other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. For Em, as she is fondly called, the journey to diagnosis was years in the making. Her driven nature, shaped by a childhood with an autistic sister, made her resilient but also accustomed to putting others first and soldiering on. She excelled in school, entered law school with clear intent, and threw herself into social causes as early as her days at St. Scholastica’s College, De La Salle University, and UP College of Law.