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Top 5 Boogie Woogie Women

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Toma Cayabyab: The son rises

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

Sep 20, 2023 02:16 PM

  

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In music, each note tells a tale and melodies carry feelings.

Also, there exists a legacy that reverberates through generations.

National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, a master whose compositions are woven into the heart of Filipino culture, has nurtured a family of musicians. 

Toma, his son, rises with distinction, carving his own musical journey.

Toma embodies the essence of a true artist as he upholds his father's legacy.

In an interview, he shared his musical journey and talked about the crucial role of conductors in musicals.

According to him, being a conductor involves more than meets the eye.

"Ang conductor hindi lang siya yung nakikita lang ng audience na we're just waving our hands in the air," he said.

He explained that, before the final performance, conductors ensure a unified and synchronized show.

"Ang hindi nakikita ng audience is kami yung nag-e-ensayo. Yung mga sections, kunwari violins, nag-e-ensayo sila on their own; individually or in groups, pero yung conductor, we bring everyone together," he explained.

Toma emphasized that conductors guide and teach the ensemble. They begin by studying the piece, interpreting the composer's intentions, and then bringing their own artistic interpretation to the performance, considering elements like tempo, dynamics, and phrasing.

They set and maintain the tempo of the music, guiding musicians through changes in speed. They communicate their interpretation to the musicians through cues, indicating when each instrument or section should start playing. They also direct musicians on when to change dynamics, articulation, and other musical elements.

During rehearsals, conductors lead by ensuring everyone understands their parts. 

Toma led The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth in the highly-acclaimed Filipino rock opera ballet, "Rama, Hari" at the Metropolitan Theater over the weekend. Of course, he expressed gratitude for the supportive and responsive audience.

The ballet is based on the ancient Sanskrit epic "Ramayana" which follows Prince Rama from his marriage to Sita, their 14-year banishment, and their encounters with the evil Ravana and his sister Soorpanakha.

The production stands out as an exclusive collaboration showcasing the exceptional talents of five National Artists. These luminaries include Alice Reyes for Direction and Choreography, Salvador Bernal for Production Design, Bienvenido Lumbera for the lyrics and libretto (with English Translations by Rolando Tinio), and Ryan for Music.

On the topic of Ryan, Toma was asked about the advice he received from his father regarding work.

He mentioned: Putting in the hard work and finding enjoyment in what you do.

Toma added that this approach has proven to be quite beneficial.

"Kasi some people would say na parang mas stress sila sa work or parang na dishearten, ako, I really totally understand that. Ang ginagawa ko talaga is to keep working and enjoying what I do. If it's a successful kind of production or okay lang, at least ang pinaka habol ko would be the experience," he related.

"Alam mo yung sinasabi nilang 'You only live once.' So for me gawa lang ng gawa. Perform lang ng perform. Enjoy lang ng enjoy ng buhay at magpasalamat sa Diyos na meron tayong opportunity to perform the art, to make music, perform music, ma-touch ang mga lives ng mga tao. Yan ang buhay. Live life."

When asked about the challenge of carrying on the legacy of a showbiz royalty, Toma acknowledged it's not easy. However, he emphasized that his journey isn't about copying his father's notes. Instead, he's creating his own melodies.

"At first, totoo, laging may expectations. Laging nandu'n yung shadow. Actually ang maganda kay Papa kasi hindi niya ako pine-pressure e. Ang pressure comes from other people around us," he shared.

"Kasi yun yung expectations ng mga tao kasi anak. 'Dahil anak ka, ito yung expectations namin sayo.' Si Daddy wala siyang ganu'n. Ang pagpapalaki niya sa amin 'Do what you want to do. Enjoy what you want to do.'"

Due to the familiarity of that impression, he opted to strike out on his own, which led him to initially experiment with film. Later, he returned to music and established his own jazz choir.

"Para lang makagawa ako ng name for myself and for my band," Toma said. "Gumawa rin ako ng sarili kong areglo. Sarili kong composition through my band. So yung mga ganu'n. Itong conducting also... I think it's a good avenue for me to really prove myself and to people that I can be who I can be."

Toma completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication at Ateneo de Manila University in 2013.

After two years, he pursued a Bachelor of Music in Conducting at the University of the Philippines, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Since then, he has had the opportunity to conduct guest performances with renowned ensembles such as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Currently, he is pursuing his master's degree.

"For me, this is something that I enjoy and I want to do," he stressed.

In addition to his role as a conductor, Toma also heads a jazz band called Debonair District, where he is actively involved in composition.

"So in that aspect, du'n ko rin na-hone yung skill ko in performing, making music, singing. Kaya parang hand in hand siya, yung pagko-conduct at pag-areglo, at pag-perform."