MUSIC LYF: Meeting Mr. Ryan Cayabyab for Philippine Popular Music Festival

As a music blogger, I have met and talked with the people in the industry namely the artists, record labels, producers and managers. But one of the ultimate meet and greet that I have in my bucket list is meeting the person who has inspired, taught and worked with the music community's finest people. And he is Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

This meet up with Mr. C has been one of the events I have been looking forward this year as he also launches the first Philippine Popular Musical Festival, a song writing event that encourges amateur and professional songwriters to write original songs that represent this generation. People nowadays may have been hooked in listening to cover songs that some date back decades ago, Mr. C said that there is the cycle in which people are going back in wanting to listen to original compositions.

The PHILPOP started accepting entries since March 1, 2012 and is now of the last days for submission of entries on May 10, 2012. And admittedly for these kinds of competition, Filipinos would join on the last remaining minutes of the competition. 


Songwriting is also like Blogging, Mr. C compared that in making music, there are elements that should be taken into consideration. Rhythm,  Dynamics, Texture and Melody. Each of these elements must blend in perfect harmony to give the song more than just justice but also the elements that would make them classics.

Orchestrating the competition is no other than Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s prominent songwriter, musician, academic, and the Festival’s Executive Director. Co-presented by the country’s top companies like Maynilad, Meralco, SMART, Sun, PLDT, TV5 and PICC, “Mr. C” plans to bring together the Filipino talents into one grand event.


The event is the outcome of Overall Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Organizing Committee Chairman Ricky Vargas’ desire to help revive the Philippine music industry. "There are two reasons why I'm back in the Philippines after working in Hong Kong for more than 20 years - I missed our religion and our music. You hear God's voice in music." MVP said.


The competition aims to: a.) Provide a channel which Filipino songwriters can create new songs, discover new expressions or genres in popular music; b.) Spark a renewed awareness, enthusiasm, and pride in Philippine music; c.) Start a brand new collection of freshly created Original Pilipino Music; and d.) Discover and promote new Filipino songwriters and singers.


It was indeed a great night with the maestro as it was my lifelong dream to meet him in person. And the night won't end without a picture with him, and also a promise to myself after being inspired with his mini musical session.


Sumbit your entries now before May 10, 2012 and get more inforamtion from their website and facebook page! Here are also some videos with Mr. Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers!