Entertainment

WATCH: Ryan Cayabyab explains changes in music industry

August 20, 2019 | 9:31am

MANILA, Philippines — National Artist Ryan Cayabyab believed that modern technology has democratized the entire music industry as anyone now can write and sing a song, and put it up on the Internet for anyone to hear.

In a recent interview with Philstar.com, Cayabyab, also fondly called "Mr. C," said that the music industry is connected through technology.

“In the music song writing industry, there are a lot of creative people. The song writing industry is nakakabit sa technology eh kaya any change in technology ay nagpapass-down sa whoever is using that technology,” Cayabyab said.

“Before, 'yung technology lang natin ay nagkaroon ng radyo so more people are able to write songs for radio. Then nagkaroon ng TV, more people started using television as a medium. Now with technology, it has democratized the entire field of music,” he added.

He explained that though technology is good for the industry, there are always two sides of the coin.

“Anyone can write and sing a song and put it up there for the world to hear. The upside is anyone can do that whatever they have. The downside is anyone learned doing it. Meaning to say, kung akala mo ikaw lang, sandamukal kayong nakikipag-compete with everybody else,” Caybyab said.

“So in a way, a laki ng plus ang laki ng minus. Why malaki ang minus? Kasi now the industry is trying to look for a conduit to funnel kung ano ang sasabihin natin 'ito ang pakinggan niyo, ito yung mga bago.' You can do anything but you're in competition with everyone. It's good. Swerte kaming mga nauna,” he added.

“MaestroRy: A Tribute to Ryan Cayabyab” will be held at the Theatre at Solaire on August 31. This one-night-only concert will interweave through storytelling and song, the life, the music and the legacy of arguably the most celebrated Filipino composer-artist, living legend, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Fusing together stellar performances by the best of Philippine music to honor Mr. C’s 50 years in the industry - from OPM Icons such as Kuh Ledesma, Basil Valdes, Cocoy Laurel and Celeste Legaspi with contemporary hit makers Morisette, Nicole Asensio, Thyro, Bleu Rascals, Auto Telic, Urban Dub and IV of Spades, to treat listeners to special renditions of various Mr. C classic compositions such as “Kay Ganda ng AtingMusika," “Paraiso,” and “TuwingUmuulan.”

There will also be a premium showcase by original members of Smokey Mountain and by the children of Mr. C, Krina Cayabyab with her singing group BaiHana and Toma Cayabyab with his band Debonair District.

"MaestroRy" will be hosted by multi-talented performer Jon Santos and directed by Paolo Valenciano, with musical direction by Mel Villena and with the special participation of Mr. C himself.

The concert is a major fundraiser for the high school Silver Jubilarians of St. Scholastica’s College (SSC) Manila. Proceeds will support SSC Manila HS 95, Inc.'s Homecoming and charitable efforts including various programs being run for and by the Benedictine sisters.

"We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with the industry's finest to honor a National Artist for Music and newly-minted Ramon Magsaysay awardee," said Garlic Garcia, speaking on behalf of SSC Manila HS ’95.

Out of kinship and friendship with Mr. C, Audie Gemora and Gina Godinez of Solaire, Twinky Lagdameo, Jay Block of Outbound Asia, Nicole Asensio and SSC High School Manila 95’s very own, Garlic Garcia, came together with the Scholastican batch to celebrate the music of the Maestro with a truly unique cast. Never before has such a diverse group of performers collaborated to celebrate the music of one. It will truly be a night to remember as generations of music lovers come together to honor the music of the one and only, Mr. Ryan Cayabyab.

Tickets for “MaestroRy” are now available at Ticketworld outlets and are priced from P1,680 (Silver) to P11,200 (VVIP inclusive of cocktails).

MaestroRy: A Tribute to Ryan Cayabyab” is presented by Solaire and St. Scholastica’s College Manila High School 1995; and brought to you by Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation.

For media or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Jill Elicano-Tan, [email protected] or 0917-8565455. — Video by Erwin Cagadas Jr.