This time, they're helping build homes

Nearly a year after Ryan Cayabyab launched the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), the group has undoubtedly created a name for itself. Performing before live audiences all over the country through a string of mall shows, provincial concerts, corporate events, charity fund-raisers and campus tours, RCS has shown it got what it takes to make it in the music business.

Composed of seven talented artists who were chosen after a series of rigorous auditions, RCS is what Ryan calls his “Dream Team” of singers — Anezka Alvarez, Katherine Tiuseco, Kyla Rivera, Irra Cenina, Jaime Barcelon, Poppert Bernadas and Vincent Evangelista. The power soloists are a force to be reckoned with when they sing together as an ensemble.

“These singers are very smart and intelligent,” Ryan says proudly of his one-year-old group. “They are very experienced, too. Their edge are their unique talents and distinctive personalities, coupled with their youthful enthusiasm to perform and conquer new grounds as a group. They know the value of performing. All of them bring something different to the group. They’re a rare breed.”

Some of the members of RCS came from auditions in singing competitions like Philippine Idol (Jaime), Pinoy Pop Star (Irra), Search for Star in a Million (Kyla) and Pinoy Dream Academy (Poppert). All of them share the passion to perform. All members are full-time into singing, although three are still in school — Jaime (Ateneo), Irra (La Salle) and Poppert (UP).

Since RCS carries Ryan’s name, the esteemed composer brings his illustrious 35-year musical experience to the management and training of the members. The young singers were made to undergo training and personality workshops to prepare them for their mainstream salvo in the local music industry.

Since the artists are all solo singers who banded as a powerhouse group, Ryan attests RCS can perform anything and carry out an impressive, varied repertoire — from classical to Broadway, theater, jazz, R&B and pop. “That’s why I enjoy working with them,” the music professor asserts. “They’re the only ones who can do all these music genres because they’re a singing group. Even the jazz artist can back up a Broadway singer and blend well.”

In their concert in Davao in November last year, RCS received six standing ovations for its outstanding performance. It also performed in the Filipinas Heritage Library’s Bravo Filipino concert series at Ayala Malls in Manila and Cebu, showcasing the world-class talents of Filipinos through the country’s own music.

Last June, RCS had its first international exposure when the group performed in a public concert in Singapore, organized by Babes Conde, a Singapore-based Filipino musician and music teacher who was once a member of the New Minstrels. The show was mounted by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Singapore.

RCS also appeared in various TV shows and recently wrapped up the two-month MTV Philippines Campus Crashers tour.

Last December, RCS launched its self-titled debut album under Sony Music Philippines that contains original compositions. Carrier single of the 14-track CD is Let Me Love You Tonight. Ryan wrote eight songs, four of which are remakes.

Ryan notes the young singers naturally want to take the easy path to stardom. “I have to keep on reminding every artist that unless you have talent, you will just be like everyone else who is a flash-in-the-pan. Since they are not big contest winners, they cannot easily command a huge talent fee. But not all contest winners are able to maintain their popularity. I still believe in the fact that a performer should start from the bottom and plow his way to the top.”

Longevity, Ryan points out, is important in this business. “You can develop relationships and know a lot of people in the industry who can ‘travel’ with you as you work toward the same goal. There should be no shortcuts, only hard work. You build a name and a niche on your own, develop your craft and be the best you can be.”

From Oct. 24 to Nov. 16, RCS embarks on a 12-city US concert tour, a first for the group, to benefit Gawad Kalinga, a non-government organization that aims to give better lives to Filipinos by building houses.

The itinerary lists down shows in Las Vegas (Oct. 24), Los Angeles (Oct. 25 and 29), San Jose (Oct. 26), San Diego (Oct. 30), Oklahoma City (Nov. 1), Minneapolis, Minnesotta (Nov. 2), Tampa, Florida (Nov. 7), Houston, Texas (Nov. 8), Paramus, New Jersey (Nov. 9), Raleigh, North Carolina (Nov. 15) and Hampton Roads, Virginia (Nov. 16).

Ryan, who is active with the Gawad Kalinga movement, participated in the actual construction of houses and planting of seedlings for Gawad Kalinga in Batangas prior to the US tour. He informs RCS is not really out to make money in the grueling juggernaut, as the shows are all done for charity to Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries.

“This tour will not be profitable for the group,” says Ryan. “I just want the singers to do it for the experience, the exposure before Filipino communities all over the US and to give them a chance to be able to help Gawad Kalinga in its projects.”

The US concert tour consists of two parts — popular compositions and a historic trip through Philippine popular music starting with kundiman, balitaw and showstoppers from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. It ends with patriotic Filipino songs composed by Ryan like Sabihin Mong Ikaw ay Pilipino, O Bayan Ko and Paraiso.

Ryan joins RCS in the concert tour after returning his Green Card and merely applying for an ordinary performer’s visa to travel to the US. When he returns to Manila next month, he will teach anew music students and enthusiasts in his music school at Robinsons Galleria. It will be a one week course in basic arranging techniques in the style of Mr. C. Classes start Nov. 22.