Strumming through Life: The Ruiz's Musical Journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzey9ukyhg8

Vincent and Herma Ruiz, a retired couple, have found a way to enjoy their golden years by making music together. Their shared passion for music has not only brought them closer but also allowed them to inspire others through their involvement in a senior music band.

Vincent Ruiz’s love for music began in his youth when he enjoyed singing and later discovered the acoustic guitar at the age of 17. Without access to lessons, he taught himself to play by studying music books. His guitar travelled with him to college in the Philippines and eventually to the United States when he immigrated.

In his mid-20s, Vincent joined the US Navy, and his guitar served as a way to pass the time, whether alone or in the company of friends. Despite the challenges of military life, his commitment to music endured. 

“It's just having fun, you know, you know, having a little party, and then we just sing song. That's it. Not it's just like a hobby, you said. You know, it's not, like, professionally. I didn't go into that until later,” Ruiz says.

After settling down and raising two daughters, Vincent ensured music remained a central part of his family life, often playing guitar and singing while his daughters played. His daughter, Leslie Laureta, recalls hearing his music throughout her childhood. 

“I remember him specifically sitting in the front room and just playing on his acoustic guitar. He wasn't necessarily playing it for us. He was just playing. So it was just I felt like it was a hobby for him,” Laureta says, while smiling. 

After retiring, Vincent decided to expand his musical knowledge, by taking up the ukulele and bass guitar. His enthusiasm for music proved contagious, as he eventually convinced his wife, Herma, to join him in learning the ukulele. Although initially hesitant due to her being a beginner, Herma quickly grew to enjoy the instrument.

“I was a beginner, very beginner. So your Lolo (Vincent Ruiz) was very encouraging. I said, go go for it. So I said, okay,” says Herma Ruiz. 

The couple took their passion for music to the next level when they joined a local senior music band, the Melody Minstrels, a couple years ago. Now performing regularly with their friends, they say learning music keeps their minds sharp and their spirits high.

The band’s performances have been inspiring to the community, showing that it’s never too late to try something new or pick up an old passion. For the Ruiz’s, music isn’t just a hobby, it’s something that brings fun and harmony to their everyday life.