Almost every student who has lived in Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) at the University of Macau (UM) knows Thony. A friendly and approachable security guard, Thony is not only a welcoming presence, but also a dedicated protector who ensures the safety of the college and instils a deep sense of security among faculty and students. Originally from the Philippines, Thony considers UM his second home, a place where he has encountered genuine warmth and kindness.
A smile that builds bridges
Thony’s full name is Anthony Caparos, but he warmly invites everyone to call him Thony. In the Philippines, he studied fisheries and became skilled in the artificial reproduction of catfish. However, this expertise alone was not lucrative enough to support his family, so he made the difficult decision to work abroad. For over a decade, he moved between various countries, often changing environments every two to three years. During those years, Thony believed he was destined for an itinerant life of constant wandering and loneliness, with no place to call home. But that changed when he arrived at UM.
In 2017, Thony began his journey as a UM security guard, joining CYTC. Reflecting on his early days in Macao, he shares, ‘I didn’t know any Chinese at all. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do the job well and might have to leave at any moment.’ But the support of the college master, resident fellows, and students quickly eased his worries. ‘They were so kind and warm, which made me feel close to them,’ he recalls. Their friendliness gave Thony the confidence to adapt to his new environment and the determination to persevere in his role.
Thony’s friendly interactions with students are evident as he patrols the college. Students enjoy chatting and joking with him, often sharing drinks and snacks as a gesture of friendship. ‘I recognise almost all the students I’ve met here over the years,’ Thony says proudly. His warmth extends beyond CYTC students—those from other residential colleges, exchange programmes, and summer programmes also remember him. One of his fondest memories is of a 2017 graduate who recently returned to UM. Spotting Thony in the crowd, the alumnus walked over with open arms and hugged him warmly, a moment that left them both pleasantly surprised.
Security work is often tedious and demanding, and Thony’s duties range from lobby security checks and visitor registration to patrolling public areas and inspecting or repairing college equipment. Despite the heavy workload, Thony greets everyone with his brightest smile, leaving a lasting impression on countless students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty and anxiety gripped the campus, Thony remained on the frontlines. He patiently explained entry rules to students and followed regulations strictly, all while maintaining a cheerful demeanour. His reassuring presence helped ease students’ stress and made their adjustment to new rules and arrangements much smoother.
For Thony, being a security guard is not about intimidating those who break the rules; it is about protecting everyone’s safety. This belief inspires him to approach his duties with a cheerful and approachable attitude rather than a stern expression. His professionalism and positive demeanour have not only made him a beloved figure among students but have also earned him the trust and recognition of the entire college community.
Showcasing talent on the purple stage
Outside of work, Thony is a familiar face at CYTC’s flagship event, Purple Dating. His journey as an entertainer began when former college master Prof Chung Ling discovered his talent for playing the guitar and invited him to perform. Initially, Thony thought he would only need to play and sing one song. However, his performance captivated the audience so much that they demanded an encore. Since then, his performances have become a cherished tradition, with current interim college master Prof Wong Seng Fat inviting him to take the stage every year. During the event, Thony’s voice fills the college with music, creating a romantic and joyful atmosphere that faculty and students eagerly anticipate.
Thony’s love for music began long before his time at UM. In the Philippines, he was an active member of his church and developed skills in playing various musical instruments. He was pleasantly surprised to discover that, even in his role as a security guard, he was given the opportunity to share his musical talents on stage and enjoy moments of laughter and fun with students—almost as though he was growing up alongside them. Reflecting on these experiences, he says with a smile, ‘Some students even share their singing experiences with me, which helps me improve. CYTC even lent me a ukulele to practice in my spare time. Now I’ve learned a new instrument! In other places, a security guard may be just a security guard. But at UM and CYTC, I feel like I’m part of the community.’
Guarding through the storms: From Hato to Ragasa
Reflecting on his time at UM, Thony says his most unforgettable experiences have been during typhoons. In 2017, not long after starting his job, Super Typhoon Hato struck Macao with devastating force. After completing typhoon preparations, Thony remained steadfast at his post, frequently patrolling the college to ensure everyone’s safety. As the storm intensified, with torrential rain and powerful winds battering the area, he worked tirelessly to scoop away rainwater that threatened to flood the ground floor. Amid the chaos, an urgent call came through his intercom—Prof Chung was trapped in her office on the fifth floor. Without hesitation, Thony rushed to help. Outside the building, several heavy machines swayed dangerously in the gale, threatening to fall at any moment. Overcoming his fear, Thony focused on the rescue. He climbed into the office through a small air vent, exerted all his strength to break the door lock, and successfully brought her to safety. Before he could catch his breath, Thony hurried to the main entrance to assist students who had ventured out to buy food during the storm. After the typhoon passed, he stayed to help clear fallen branches and debris to prevent injuries. In his haste, however, he fell from a height and fractured his ankle. Despite his injury, Thony was grateful that no faculty or students were harmed. Reflecting on that day, he says with characteristic humility, ‘It’s my duty.’ If faced with a similar situation, he insists he would do it all over again without hesitation.
Not long ago, Macao faced another super typhoon, Ragasa, which brought back vivid memories for Thony. He also recalls Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, when UM escalated its typhoon prevention procedures. CYTC and the security team held meetings to prepare supplies and coordinate their response. ‘I experienced what solidarity truly means,’ Thony says. ‘In addition to the college faculty and staff, students cooperated, too. There were no accidents or injuries—only some roof damage, which was quickly repaired.’ This experience boosted Thony’s confidence in handling Ragasa.
By the time Ragasa hit, the college’s preparations had become even more efficient. ‘This time, there wasn’t even any damage,’ Thony says with a smile. Thanks to seamless teamwork between college staff, students, and the security team, sufficient manpower and resources were in place. Thony carried out his patrol duties as usual, reporting the status of the college every three hours. When he noticed a ceiling panel becoming slightly loose, he acted immediately, dismantling and replacing it to eliminate potential danger.
A community’s support in times of loss
One might wonder if Thony, after living abroad for so many years, ever longs to return home for good. In July this year, tragedy struck when his sister passed away in the Philippines. Overwhelmed with grief, Thony yearned to return home but worried about the impact his absence might have on his work. When his colleagues at CYTC learned of his loss, they rallied around him, helping him request leave from the security company and doing everything they could to support his return home. ‘In that sad moment, I was so grateful for the college’s selfless support,’ Thony recalls.
The last time Thony took a long leave to visit home was in 2022. This time, however, it was to attend a funeral, and the thought of staying in the Philippines and not returning to Macao briefly crossed his mind. Yet his family, knowing how much he enjoyed his job in Macao, encouraged him to return to work after the funeral. To his surprise, the days following his return to UM were far less difficult than he had worried.
‘The students knew I was on leave for family matters. When I returned, they all expressed their condolences,’ Thony shares, visibly moved. He reflects that the best way to overcome grief is often to carry on with life as usual. CYTC’s staff and students welcomed him back with warm conversations and laughter, helping him regain a sense of normalcy and easing the pain of his loss. ‘I believe my decision to come back was the right one. Seeing those smiling faces gave me strength. I’ve calmed down a lot now,’ he says with gratitude and peace.
Finding a sense of home at UM
Over the years, Thony has worked alone in Macao while his family remains in the Philippines. Though he misses home, he rarely feels lonely. In April this year, Prof Wong and a group of college staff surprised him with a birthday celebration. Prof Wong arrived at the college lobby with a cake in hand, presenting it to Thony as everyone gathered around.  Surrounded by applause and hearty laughter, the 46-year-old Thony felt as though he was among family. His smile, as bright as a child’s, lit up the room. ‘I’ve always gotten along well with the college staff, and we always help each other. They remind me of my brothers and sisters,’ he says warmly.
Thony’s kindness and willingness to help extend far beyond the scope of his job. Years ago, a resident fellow found herself in a difficult situation: she needed to bring her child to work. While she was busy, the child grew fussy and began to cry. Observing the situation, Thony gently picked up the child and hummed a lullaby. Despite his stiff security uniform, the child settled into his arms and soon fell asleep. ‘That little child is turning nine years old now and still visits UM often. I’ve watched him grow up. It feels like he’s half my own child,’ Thony recalls with a tender smile.
Thony’s own daughter, now 20 years old, is about the same age as the students at CYTC. Having left his hometown to earn a living, he deeply misses her, but he channels that longing into the care he shows the students. Thony’s kindness and sincerity resonate with them, and they enjoy chatting and spending time with him. During graduation season, students often bring cameras to take pictures with Thony, and he is always happy to offer his best wishes for their future. Drawing from his own life experiences, he shares heartfelt advice with students, as though speaking to his own daughter: ‘In both learning and work, people will inevitably face challenges. But if you can find joy in the process, you can overcome any obstacle.’ Thony applies this same philosophy to his work. He also believes that this attitude is something everyone can apply to their own journey.
Gifts that speak to the heart
Nearly eight years have flown by since Thony began working at UM. Over this time, he has received countless tokens of appreciation from students—birthday gifts, travel souvenirs, medicine, and a thick stack of postcards and photographs—all carefully preserved. Whenever he flips through these mementos, he rereads the heartfelt messages and relives the warmth of the friendships they represent.
‘At UM, I’ve had the chance to meet students from so many different nationalities,’ Thony reflects. He fondly recalls a Korean student who invited him to a Korean restaurant before graduating and students from the Portuguese summer programme who taught him a few words of the language. But what excites him most is his growing connection to Chinese culture, which he speaks about with enthusiasm and a sparkle in his eyes. ‘In June, there are rice dumplings; in October, there are mooncakes. All the traditional Chinese festival foods are absolutely delicious,’ he says. His favourite, however, is glutinous rice balls (tangyuan) during Chinese New Year. Their sweetness and symbolism of reunion leave a lasting impression on not only his tongue but also his heart.
For Thony, a photograph or a tangyuan is more than just a gift; it is a symbol of the countless meaningful experiences he has had at UM. The people he has met and the moments he has shared have become cherished memories, etched into his heart as the most treasured mementos of his many years at CYTC.
Chinese Text: Stella Kuan, UM Reporter Yaya Fan
Chinese Editor: Gigi Fan
English Translation: Bess Che
Photo: Student helper Mengyu Chen, with some provided by the interviewee
Source: My UM Issue 147