National Artists Ryan Cayabyab & Alice Reyes Holds Aditions For Rama Hari

The creative team behind the Filipino Rock Opera Ballet, RAMA, HARI is searching for new talents to complete the production’s cast of Singers.

A Filipino modern rock opera ballet, RAMA, HARI is an acclaimed collaboration among five National Artists – Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production design, Bienvenido Lumbera for the libretto, and English translations by Rolando Tinio. An adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem Ramayana, this masterpiece features renowned singers in the Filipino music industry and incorporates traditional theatre, song, and dance devices found and shared among Asian nations.  

Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino 2021 goes digital with diverse and inclusive programming

Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) marks its second digital edition this year with a commitment to promoting awareness and appreciation of OPM artists from all over the world through multiple social media platforms.

The weeklong celebration promises a wide variety of music programs that not only cater to a specific format, but also encompasses concerts and gigs, open mic challenges, exclusive premieres, workshops, and a lecture series. 

PhilPop 2021 adapts to the new normal with digital songwriting bootcamp

PhilPop returns this year with a digital bootcamp that puts a spotlight on up-and-coming songwriters and composers in the Philippines.

Now ready to implement a more inclusive but intensive approach to mentorship and training, the country’s premier songwriting institution will be holding a 14-week program for aspiring participants to learn and further hone their skills in the field of songwriting, marketing and branding, recording and arrangement, intellectual property rights, music appreciation, and more.

PhilPop announces finalists from Visayas and Mindanao clusters

PhilPop, the country's premier songwriting competition, has officially unveiled its top 6 finalists from the Visayas and Mindanao cluster. With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, the music institution sets its sights in promoting top-notch Filipino compositions on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

Carefully handpicked from thousands of submissions, the first batch of finalists from PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 recently graced the online media presentation last August 24, 2020 (Wednesday).

In no particular order, the finalists from the Vis-Min cluster include: 

Visayas:

• Jerika Teodorico – “Ayaw Na Lang” (Cebu City, Cebu)
• Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela – “Suyo” (Ormoc City, Leyte)
• Michael Catarina – “Hinungdan” (Cebu City, Cebu)

Mindanao:

• John Cadeliña  – “Akong Bililhon”(Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur)
• Christian Chiu – “Kasadya” (Corandal City, South Cotabato)
• Sherwin Fugoso – “Pahuway” (Jabonga, Agusan del Norte)

According to PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, the entries underwent multiple rounds of selection process until Top 3 per clusters were handpicked. “We wanted our process to be inclusive so the decision making involved local and international representatives from Warner Music, representatives from our regional partner for each cluster, and representatives from PhilPop,” Remolacio shares in a statement. 

The selection committee is headed by Festival Chair and PhilPop Musicfest National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, as well as Foundation Board Members, adjudicators, partners, and Warner Music Philippines Executives such as PhilPop Musicfest Foundation President Victorico P. Vargas, Festival Co-Chair and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Board Member Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Executive Director Dinah A. Remolacio, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Lead Adjudicators Jungee Marcelo and Trina Belamide, Warner Music Philippines Managing Director Ian Monsod, MinPop Musicfest Director and Mindanao Cluster Partner Jeremy Sarmiento, and Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc.

PhilPop is currently wrapping up its adjudication process for the remaining clusters namely: North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila. The finalists representing the remaining regions will be announced next month.

In terms of the selection of finalists from the Mindanao Cluster, MinPop Musicfest Director Jeremy Sarmiento takes pride of how the top three finalists took inspiration from various sources, yet their songs sounded truly ‘Mindanaoan’ in terms of cultural context and identity. Sarmiento also cited the importance of regional representation, and how this platform helps in introducing different stories and diverse experiences through music. “There's no better way to achieve that than giving an opportunity to those in the regions to tell their own stories. Representation provides a reflection of each of their languages, ideals, feelings and that's what we ultimately need to understand each other better, the uniqueness of the Filipinos, expressed through songs.”

Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc is also optimistic about their official picks for the Visayas cluster, citing diversity and universal appeal as two of main reasons that make these songs a standout in the competition. “I think the songs chosen to represent the Visayas are a great representation of the region,” says Gitamondoc. “We have an electronic-infused track, another one that's soulful, and another that's folksy. That pretty much shows how varied the musicality is in the Visayas. We are at the center of the country. We are a melting pot of cultures, influences, and ideas.”

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD, with official partners, Warner Music Philippines, Kadasig, and MinPop.

National Artist Maestro Ryan Cayabyab leads top OPM artists in FREE virtual benefit concert with PLDT Home

National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab top bills the FREE virtual benefit concert of PLDT Home themed “At Home with PLDT: No Learner Left Behind,” in partnership with PLDT-Smart Foundation on July 14, 2020. 

With the aim to raise funds to address the needs of students, teachers, and schools nationwide as they face the new normal in online distance learning, PLDT Home hosts the livestream concert that will gather Filipino musical artists and OPM icons such as, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid alongside husband, Ogie, Martin Nievera, and Pops Fernandez. The concert will be hosted by comedian and theater actor Jon Santos and directed by the award-winning concert director, Paolo Valenciano. Viewers will likewise be serenaded with OPM favorites and timeless music by musical theater artists including 8 Taal Ensemble, Sheila Valderama, Yanah Laurel, Lara Maigue, Gabriela Pangilinan, Gian Magdangal, Arman Ferrer, Flord Tena, and David Ezra.

PhilPop goes global with #MusicBreakingBorders

PhilPop has always been a reliable and trusted platform in fostering appreciation for quality and original compositions that reflect Filipino culture, experience, and identity. This year, the country’s premier songwriting competition plans to continue its mission of promoting homegrown music on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, PhilPop is committed to celebrating and showcasing the diverse appeal of Filipino music through its Songwriting Festival.

Music artists create fund-raising platform vs COVID-19 pandemic

The country's leading music artists are staging a continuing online concert to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched last weekend, the Bayanihan Musikahan concert can be enjoyed on Facebook until April 15, 2020, creating the opportunity for every Filipino to be at the forefront of efforts to help combat the lethal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab at the helm, Bayanihan Musikahan calls on nearly the entire spectrum of the country's musical talents to spur a massive community effort to raise funds for food, protection kits, and barangay quarantine spaces for the most vulnerable Filipinos.

The artists engage online with their fans and new audiences as they rally the fighting spirit of the Filipino: to come together as a nation of song, imagination, grit, and a strong sense of camaraderie. In rousing and uplifting this spirit, the artists ultimately shed light and hope.

Bayanihan Musikahan reveals this week’s lineup for online fundraising concert

Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

After a successful first few days of Bayanihan Musikahan, featuring Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, and more, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region. 

PETA's “RAK OF AEGIS” Season 7, A Tribute To OPM

PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda and PETA President
Cb Garrucho joined by OPM Chairman of the Board Mitch Valdez

The iconic, Filipino musical phenomenon, Philippine Educational Theater Association’s Rak of Aegis makes a much-awaited return from July-September 2019 at the PETA Theater Center in partnership with Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and The PhilPop MusicFest Foundation (Philpop).

Since the show opened in 2014, Rak of Aegis has taken Manila, figuratively and literally, by storm! The original Pinoy musical brought one of the greatest OPM icons, The Aegis Band, to the spotlight by featuring their powerful hits and karaoke favorites “Halik,” “Sinta,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” and more.

Kick off your 2018 with a top-rate experience of the best of Filipino cinema!

“A lavish, absorbing family drama… an elaborate feast of the eyes… Rolando Tinio’s elegantly written lyrics…

Ryan Cayabyab’s affecting soaring score has found its heartbeat” – Oliver Oliveros, Broadway World

“If you’re a fan of #PauloAvelino, I urge you to watch his stellar #AngLarawan.  He doesn’t sing as well as the others, but his acting!

He will be one of the greatest as he continues to grow!” – Lea Salonga, Twitter

“Joanna Ampil, in her first film, has delivered the strongest performance… Her performance at the end of Act 1 alone is heart-rending,

Aiza Seguerra pays tribute to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab in new album

Years ago, Universal Records gathered the biggest rock acts to pay tribute to the APO Hiking Society in the album “Kami NApo Muna.” This was followed by Ogie Alcasid’s tribute to George Canseco (“Ngayon At Kailanman”) and Christian Bautista’s tribute to Jose Mari Chan (“Romance Revisited”).

This year, Aiza Seguerra pays tribute to Maestro Ryan Cayabyab in the album “Araw Gabi: Mga Awit ni Maestry Ryan.” This is Aiza’s first album under Universal Records.

The album, composed of some of the most-loved Ryan Cayabyab compositions, also features Mr. C playing the piano for the first single “Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka.”

“Napaka-special ng album nito kasi binigyan ko ng sarili kong take ang pinakasikat na compositions ni Mr. Ryan Cayabyab,” says Aiza.  “Ang sarap ka-trabaho niya kasi maski Maestro na siya, he listens to my inputs.”

ART IS A BANG: Of OFWs, Saints, and Rock

LORENZO is a musical about the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz

What do you get when you put together an OFW on death row, a fugitive who became a saint, and rock music?

LORENZO is a theatrical production on the life and struggles of two Lorenzos: Laurence (OJ Mariano), an OFW on death row in an Arab country, and St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Lorenz Martinez), the first Filipino canonized as a saint for his martyrdom in Japan.

LORENZO’s executive producer, Christopher de Leon, has assembled a stellar artistic team for the production. The musical’s libretto was written by award-winning writers Juan Ekis and Paul Dumol, with the collaboration of Joem Antonio. The musical’s beautiful melodies were composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. Internationally-trained Gino Gonzales heads production design. And, last but not least, the play is directed by industry veteran Nonon Padilla.

The production is unique in its storytelling; its premise has Laurence dictating the libretto of a musical he has written about Lorenzo Ruiz to a Filipino reporter.

PhilPop 2013 Winners!

The 2013 PhilPop has concluded and we would like to send our congratulations to the PhilPop 2013 winners:

Grand Prize: DATI COMPOSED BY THYRO AND YUMI, INTERPRETED BY SAM CONCEPTION, TIPPY DOS SANTOS FEAT QUEST

First Runner Up: KUNG 'DI MAN COMPOSED BY JOHNOY DANAO, INTERPRETED BY NET DIMACULANGAN

Second Runner Up: PANSAMANTAGAL COMPOSED BY JUNGEE MARCELO INTERPRETED BY SITTI NAVARRO AND JULIANNE TARROJA

Smart People's Choice: KUNG 'DI MAN COMPOSED BY JOHNOY DANAO, INTERPRETED BY NET DIMACULANGAN

Meralco Special Award: SEGUNDO COMPOSED BY PAUL ARMESIN, INTERPRETED BY YAEL YUZON OF SPONGECOLA

MUSIC LYF: Sarah Geronimo - Pure OPM Classics (Album and Listening Session)

It has been a long time since we heard Sarah Geronimo launching a new album despite an unceasing career in showbiz. With a lot of endorsements that prove her status as a trustworthy brand representative, plus also having a lot of concerts, movies and even her own show for herself. Indeed Sarah is a gem for Viva who handled her since her first year in showbiz.

It was great for us to visit Viva Records and their studio to see where the musical magic happens and for which many musical legends had graced and sung to record their timeless classics. Of course, the hottest artist on their line is Sarah Geronimo who also holds a lot of records and even a great following online. She actually holds the record for the longest trending topic in the Philippines which reached worldwide also. 

She is now on a roll again with a great album to be released this november under Viva records, PURE OPM CLASSICS. We will soon post a  listening room album review soon!

May Events Fiesta!

May brings so unexpected events that I am very excited to cover and also be a part of. Aside from the endless fiestas and santacruzans in different parts of the country, May also brings a lot of milestones for the year 2012.

The search for the best songs of this generation will have its champion and will spark a new revolution of creating more OPM songs that will become timeless classics. The deadline of the submission of entries is on May 10, 2012. Also today, is Mr. Cayabyab's Birthday! Happy Birthday Maestro!

The most awaited sporting event in the country bringing the best athletes from the islands of the Philippines cme together in the beautiful province of Pangasinan for the Palarong Pambansa 2012. This Sporting event is said to be the most interactive and digital in the history of the games. This will happen from May 6-12, 2012.

The very first blog conference in the Cordillera Region which brings bloggers from Baguio and the nearby provinces. This will happen on May 19, 2012 at University of Baguio Square Hall.

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.

MUSIC LYF: The First Philippine Popular Music Festival iis Now Open!

There are competitions for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, bands, chefs, even children wanting to be chefs but what about for songwriters?

With a local music scene widely dominated by imported music, the Filipino songwriter has become a stranger in his own land. 

With this in mind, prominent names from various industries have come together to spearhead the creation of the Philippine Popular Music Festival. 

PhilPOP is a songwriting competition open to all amateur and professional Filipino composers. By March 1, 2012, interested composers can start submitting their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph. The deadline of submission is on May 10, 2012. Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form or structure. Each entry must not exceed four minutes. Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator. Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof.