IDUYAN MO (Ryan Cayabyab and Ateneo Chamber Singers)

144,428 views Feb 7, 2017

IDUYAN MO by Ryan Cayabyab Conductor: Jonathan Velasco Piano: Ryan Cayabyab From THREE Esplanade, Singapore.

Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika （How Beautiful is Our Music) — University of Mindanao

665 views Aug 3, 2024

by Ryan Cayabyab Congratulations to the University of Mindanao Chorale for winning the Grand Prix of 2024 Taipei International Choral Competition. 2024/8/2 National Concert Hall, Taipei

Regine Velasquez - Ryan Cayabyab Medley (2007)

AUDIOJUNKIE: 'One Christmas': Palarang bituin

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Dec 11, 2023 06:57 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Originally, “Kumukutikutitap” was written for a musical called “Bituin (The Star Of Bethlehem)” by Cayabyab with Jose Javier Reyes’ lyrics and was supposed to be used as a contest piece for a big choral competition back in 1983 that got canceled due to the aftermath of the Ninoy Aquino assassination.

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Ryan Cayabyab (Facebook)

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Pinoy yule classic “Kumukutikutitap” returns and makes its much-awaited debut on streaming platforms with the release of the “One Christmas” album.

As one of the most adored Pinoy Christmas songs ever, it’s hard to believe this tune has been missing in action on music streaming platforms until now.

Originally, “Kumukutikutitap” was written for a musical called “Bituin (The Star Of Bethlehem)” by Cayabyab with Jose Javier Reyes’ lyrics and was supposed to be used as a contest piece for a big choral competition back in 1983 that got canceled due to the aftermath of the Ninoy Aquino assassination. 

The song then found its way into a fund-raising event where it was sung by The Singers’ Foundation choir, which included some of the biggest OPM acts as its members at the time.  As recounted by Mr. C in an interview after its debut, all the choirs that heard “Kumukutikutitap” asked for its choral score. Ever since, the song, with its trademark a cappella arrangement, has become a staple of choirs’ Christmas setlists every Yule season.

However, singer Joey Albert first recorded and released it in 1984.  And while her take was equally cheery, her version had instrument accompaniment.

It took the future National Artist seven more years before he recorded it for “One Christmas” (released in 1991 under the Telesis Recording label). This record served as the Cayabyab’s follow-up to his successful solo album “One.”  And just like the latter record where Cayabyab is the single performer of all the vocals he also arranged, he did the same for “One Christmas.”

'One Christmas' official album cover

“Kumukutikutitap” is a bouncy tune that starts off with an instrumental nod to another enduring Pinoy carol in “Pasko Na Naman Muli” before it turns into an a cappella affair as the main song kicks in. The all-vocal style is a Cayabyab trademark by this time and his arrangement on this one easily shows why he’s a master.  

And this is just one of the many highlights on said album.

The Cayabyab-written “Heto Na Naman,” “Ano’ng Gagawin Mo Ngayong Pasko” (with its “Pasko Na Naman” nod) and the lovely “Miss Kita Kung Pasko” are easy favorites and mixed with old favorites such as “Ang Aking Pamasko” by Antonio Velarde and Levi Celerio, “Noche Buena” by National Artists De Leon and Celerio, “Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon” a.k.a. “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit” by Vicente Rubi and Celerio, “Himig Pasko” by S.Y. Ramos, and “Payapang Daigdig” also by De Leon.

These, plus a “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” cover complete the collection. “One Christmas” was produced for Telesis by Cayabyab and the late Margot M. Gallardo.  It was recorded at the now-defunct Greenhill Sound Productions studio and sound-engineered by Monching Payumo.

“One Christmas” was almost relegated to analog obscurity if not for the recent acquisition of its distributor Ivory Records by Viva Music, which has now made it easily available on all digital platforms.

So, if you’re thinking of rehashing the same old Christmas songs this Yule season, you’re better off dusting these holiday classics instead. And not just anybody’s cranked-to-death Yule tunes, but a whole record’s worth of Pamasko-themed songs from Ryan Cayabyab himself.

“Koronahan mo pa nang palarang bituin!”

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."

MSO's Tribute to Ryan Cayabyab: Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka

MSO performs one of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab's most beloved compositions, "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka", at its tribute concert for Mr. C last June 9, 2019 at the Arete, Ateneo De Manila University. The concert was the season opening of MSO's 2019-2020 Season Concert Series: Live Music Lives, and the first tribute concert staged for Mr. C since his proclamation as National Artist for Music in 2018.

Iniibig Kita

Great Original Pilipino Music by Ryan Cayabyab The San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra The San Miguel Master Chorale

Ryan Cayabyab Classic Pop Hits Medley

IDUYAN MO (Ryan Cayabyab and Ateneo Chamber Singers)

124,775 views Feb 7, 2017

IDUYAN MO by Ryan Cayabyab Conductor: Jonathan Velasco Piano: Ryan Cayabyab From THREE Esplanade, Singapore. December 2014.

Smokey Mountain Reunion 2020: Paraiso/Better World

Smokey Mountain Reunion 2020: Paraiso/Better World

1,149,680 views  May 4, 2020  The members of the group Smokey Mountain reunite virtually for Bayanihan Musikahan on May 3, 2020 with a medley of "Paraiso" and "Better World."

Composed and Arranged by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab

Video Editing by Stephen Viñas

Vocals by:

James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Tony Lambino, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Jayson Angangan, Chedi Vergara, Star Santos, Anna Fegi-Brown

Don't forget that you too can join in on our fight against COVID-19 in the safety of your own homes. By sending in your donations, you restore the bayanihan spirit. Please Connect through: 

pymy.co/pbsp 

(Mastercard, Visa, JCB, PayMaya) 

donation.ph/pbsp 

(BPI Credit/Debit cards, GCash, GrabPay) 

give2asia.org/pbsp 

(Donate in US Dollars) 

Know more about Bayanihan Musikahan through our official website: bayanihanmusikahan.org 

DSWD SB-SP 00016-2020

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS

With National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab at the helm, Bayanihan Musikahan gathers Pinoy musical artists online through marathon singing, as a way to bring the nation together in the spirit of bayanihan, and to direct it towards aiding our most vulnerable communities.

#SmokeyMountain #Paraiso #BetterWorld

Philippine Madrigal Singers: Paraiso

Philippine Madrigal Singers: Paraiso

170,069 views  Premiered Jul 2, 2022  Paraiso

Ryan Cayabyab, Philippine National Artist for Music

composer

Christopher Borela

Ryan Cayabyab, Philippine National Artist for Music

arranger

Philippine Madrigal Singers 2022

Mark Anthony A. Carpio, choirmaster

"And if I could see a single bird

What a joy!

I try to write some words and create

A simple song to be heard

By the rest of the world"

excerpt from Paraiso with words and music by Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music, and arranged by Chris Borela

Paraiso is one of twelve songs featured in ALPAS: Awit at Letra ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining. ALPAS: Awit at Letra ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining is brought to you by Sentro Rizal of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Performed by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the album features the music, lyrics, and arrangements of selected National Artists of the Philippines. It carries these beloved works to the present with brand new recordings of some of the most beloved Filipino works.

Listen to Paraiso among many others in ALPAS, available on all major streaming platforms now!

MSO's Tribute to Ryan Cayabyab: Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka

ARETÉ - ATENEO'S CREATIVE HUB

MSO's Tribute to Ryan Cayabyab: Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka

18,971 views  Oct 15, 2019  MSO performs one of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab's most beloved compositions, "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka", at its tribute concert for Mr. C last June 9, 2019 at the Arete, Ateneo De Manila University. 

The concert was the season opening of MSO's 2019-2020 Season Concert Series: Live Music Lives, and the first tribute concert staged for Mr. C since his proclamation as National Artist for Music in 2018.