RYAN Cayabyab loves bargain-hunting.
Ryan Cayabyab, whom I fondly call “Your Eminence,” is whipping up a magical show once again with the “Akapela Open” finals night on Oct. 25 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.
Organized by the One Meralco Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation and The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab (TMSRC), the nationwide talent search is a vehicle for budding musical groups to showcase their vocal skills.
Tickets (P200) are available at TMSRC in Robinsons Galleria.
With Mr. C at the helm, you can be sure it will be a night of Earepressible musical wizardry.
What makes a great a cappella group?
Great a cappella singing is a triumph of balance … of voices, light and dark tones, rhythms, melody and harmony. Traditional choral a cappella usually brings together a group of 16 people or more, while contemporary a cappella utilizes three to nine singers.
Is it harder to sing a cappella?
It is difficult for those who are not used to it. One difficulty is staying in tune. Contemporary a cappella requires that each singer contributes equally to the total sound. It is not easy when each voice can be heard clearly. With traditional choral groups, certain voices can mask the weaker members’ voices. Still, both forms of a cappella require astute pitch, tempo, dynamics and textural recognition.
If you could sing only one of your songs, what would it be and why?
“Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” because of its significance in my life. I wrote it when I had to choose between finishing my music course in UP or continuing my newfound career as a songwriter.
Among all the world-famous singers, who would you want to compose for?
Sammy Davis Jr. when we were both young. His song interpretations are full of soul. It belonged to a different era, when songs became one with the singer.
What has made your love affair with music last?
I am a slave to the demands of music. I constantly chase it. I understand that it can go on without me, so the constant chase is what makes the romance last.
What can you say about stars who are not good singers but wax records and hold concerts?
They have a special place in the entertainment industry. We all know what happens to novelties and fads. Responsible musicians know where they stand and we know it is our collective duty to create better music and songs, to push to the limit our creativity.
Isn’t this trend frustrating for struggling singers who can sing but are not given the right breaks?
It is frustrating, but this frustration can be the fuel to make them better performers. No one made it to the top and stayed there for decades without passing through turmoil.
What are your cheap thrills?
I like inexpensive but delicious food like good adobo from a canteen! I only buy stuff on sale. I like window shopping at Greenhills’ tiangge. I am not brand-conscious. I am deliriously happy that my power card (senior citizen card) gives me so much joy.
What are the top songs on your playlist?
OPM: “Sana ay Ikaw Na Nga,” “Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan,” “Kahit Isang Saglit,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Tulog Na,” “Rainbow”
Foreign: “Sometimes Your Eyes Look Blue to Me,” “The Long and Winding Road,” “Embraceable You,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “If This World Were Mine,” “Up, Up and Away”
What are the best albums of all time?
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band (Beatles),” “Fifth Dimension: The Magic Garden,” “Make Way for Dionne Warwick” and “Ngayon at Kailanman (Basil Valdez)”
What song won’t you ever get tired listening to?
“Ikaw” by George Canseco and Louie Ocampo (originally recorded by Sharon Cuneta)
What song would you like people to remember you by?
“Sometime, Somewhere,” “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Kailan.” I can’t decide. Each song is significant to me for various reasons.
What’s your brief ode to music?
Sustain me, my friend, till the last note fades out. It sounds like a slum book entry.
Personal
Thanks to teacher Georcelle, Angel and Cha of the celebs’ fave dance studio, G Force Dance Center (Ground Floor, Corporate 101 Building, Mother Ignacia Ave., Quezon City), for graciously accommodating my “Michael Jackson” family for our rehearsals for the MJ Halloween Thriller Night show.
Enroll now in G-Force’s various dance classes. For inquiries, call 7096077 or visit www.gforceofficial.com
Dance like everybody’s watching!