In a landmark moment for Original Pilipino Music, Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater opened its doors to a historic three-night celebration of artistry, heritage, and musical mastery. From Nov. 14 to 16, 2025, audiences were transported into the heart of OPM through MaestroClass: The Songs of Ryan Cayabyab, a concert that brought together three pillars of Philippine music on one stage. National Artist for Music Ryan 'Mr. C' Cayabyab, The Concert King Martin Nievera, and The Nightingale Lani Misalucha.
More than a performance, MaestroClass became a testament to Cayabyab’s enduring genius, his melodies, his mentorship, and his unmatched influence on generations of Filipino artists.
Held at the elegant Proscenium Theater, the first major concert staged in its acoustically calibrated 780-seat space, the event was immersive from the first note to the last. The venue’s natural acoustics, designed so that every nuance rings with clarity, gave Cayabyab’s music the sonic richness it deserves. The presence of Steinway pianos, permanently housed in a Philippine theater for the first time, elevated the experience even further. One of these instruments was played by Mr. C himself, making every moment feel intimate and monumental.
As the spotlight opened to Mr. C seated at the Steinway, the audience instantly felt the weight of history. His compositions, 'Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika', 'Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka', 'Paraisong Parisukat', 'Da Coconut Nut', and dozens more, formed the spine of the evening’s repertoire.
During rehearsals, Cayabyab expressed pure excitement for this project, praising the artists who joined him. He shared how Lani Misalucha brought 'fresh interpretations' to classics like 'Paraisong Parisukat' and 'Magbalik Ka Na Mahal', and how Martin Nievera’s rendition of 'Once Upon a Life' was 'impressive and meaningful'
These insights framed the concert, this was not a mere tribute to his past, but a reimagining of Cayabyab’s work through world-class voices.
Lani Misalucha’s presence was electrifying. Known for her crystalline tone and unparalleled technical mastery, she soared through the Maestro’s catalog with reverence and bold creativity. Her interpretation of 'Magbalik Ka Na Mahal' from the stage musical 'Rama at Sita' with Ariel Rivera, drew audible gasps, each note polished yet raw with emotion.
In her own words, performing with the Maestro was “a dream fulfilled,” especially as this marked their first time sharing a major concert stage together. Her performances were not just showcases of vocal power, they were tributes to a composer she deeply respects.
The Concert King brought depth and warmth to the evening, displaying not only his unmistakable showmanship but also his profound respect for Mr. C’s artistry. His rendition of 'Once Upon a Life', a piece Cayabyab personally praised, was one of the night’s most memorable numbers. Nievera later described the experience as “an honor and a nerve-wracking challenge,” acknowledging the immense legacy of the man whose music he was interpreting.
His chemistry with the Maestro and Lani created an atmosphere of camaraderie and excellence, a rare combination only true icons can achieve.
Adding harmonic richness throughout the evening were the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), a group personally selected and trained by Mr. C. Their precision, vocal blend, and versatility elevated ensemble numbers such as 'Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika' and 'Da Coconut Nut'. Longtime fans of Cayabyab know how integral the RCS are to his modern performances, and their presence here provided both depth and continuity to the musical journey.
Behind the seamless transitions, Rowell Santiago’s elegant concert direction gave the show cinematic pacing, and emotionally calibrated staging. This was the vision of Rowell Santiago, whose directorial sensibilities brought narrative and elegance to the show. Santiago shaped the concert as a flowing tapestry of stories, Cayabyab’s life, his music’s evolution, and the artists’ personal connections to his compositions.
Under his direction, the evening never felt like a mere series of songs, instead, it unfolded like a musical memoir.
MaestroClass was more than a concert, it was a moment of cultural affirmation. It celebrated the depth of OPM, the brilliance of a National Artist, and the continuing evolution of Filipino talent. Fans who attended left with the sense that they had witnessed something rare,
a gathering of icons in a venue built for musical excellence, performing masterpieces that define what it means to be Filipino.
As the Maestro’s final notes faded into the Proscenium’s immaculate acoustics, one truth remained clear... Ryan Cayabyab’s music will continue to resonate across voices, across generations, across the Filipino soul. (Contributed by Jemuel Cainglet Salterio)
