Margarita D. Magsaysay

Since her college days, Margarita had a profound interest in art, leading her to minor in Art History. She dreamed of a career in a museum, but circumstances prevented her from following that path. Known affectionately as Marga, she lived abroad for most of her life. During a year-long stay in Manila, she took the opportunity to join Sanfo 101's painting, paper restoration, and conservation workshop in April 2024.

The painting she brought each week was a treasured piece from her grandmother, Luz B.  Magsaysay, the wife of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. Marga was enchanted by this painting since childhood, displayed in her grandmother's house and later in her father, Senator Ramon B. Magsaysay Jr.'s den. One day, her father commented that the painting was too dark, and he didn't appreciate it. Marga, already attending Sanfo 101's workshop, offered to clean it. Her father consented, unaware of the significant impact this would have.

The painting had accumulated years of dirt and had spots where paint was missing, which Marga initially mistook for stains. Closer inspection revealed they were areas where the paint had flaked off.

After weeks of diligent work, she presented the restored painting to her father, who was astonished and delighted by its transformation.

Her batch's graduation took place on June 16, 2024. When asked a month later about the benefits of attending the restoration workshop at Sanfo 101 every weekend, her response was a resounding "Absolutely worth the time and effort!"