What SB19’s Stell learned from working with Ryan Cayabyab

SB19’s Stell with Ryan Cayabyab. Images: X/@stellajero_, Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

SB19’s Stell Ajero admitted he felt a lot of pressure when he was chosen as one of the performers in the tribute show for National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, but having the opportunity to represent himself and his group was a “surreal” experience for him.

Stell was one of the guest performers at Cayabyab’s two-day tribute show in Makati City on May 11, where he did his own rendition of the song “Sometime, Somewhere.” Also present on Day 1 were Regine Velasquez, Karylle, Belle Mariano, Dilaw, Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, Nyoy Volante, Nonie Buencamino, John Arcilla, Basil Valdez, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, just to name a few.

Performing on Day 2 are BINI, Julie Anne San Jose, Juan Karlos, Vice Ganda, and Janella Salvador, among others.

“Kahit sabihin nating I’m a part of SB19, but I’m here alone. Dala ko ang buong group at ang buong team with me,” he told INQUIRER.net in a chance interview. “Sobrang nakakapressure to perform with amazing artists, but proud ako sa sarili ko kasi never ko na-imagine na magkakaroon ng ganitong opportunity. Never ko na-imagine na maisip ni Mr. C na kunin ako, or mag-perform ng mga gawa niya.”

(Even if I’m part of SB19, I’m here alone. I carry the group and the whole team with me. Performing with amazing artists is a lot of pressure but I’m proud of myself because I never thought I would have this kind of opportunity. I never imagined Mr. C would choose me or even perform his songs.)

IN HONOR OF MR. C 🎶

Some of the biggest names in the music industry gathered to pay tribute to National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab as he celebrated his 70th birthday in May 11.

Among the artists who performed Cayabyab’s songs were Regine Velasquez, Belle Mariano, John… pic.twitter.com/jlBtf70iin

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 12, 2024

Stell, who shared it was Cayabyab who selected “Sometime, Somewhere,” said the National Artist reminded him to stay true to himself and “his own story” in breathing new life into classic hits.

“Ang pinakanatutunan ko kay Mr. C is to be your own self. Huwag ko raw isipin na dapat gawin ko siya kung paano ko siya napanood or inaral. Kung anong emosyon ang na-feel mo or paano mo siya gustong i-deliver, that’s your own story. It’s your own experience. Kailangan mong ipakita ang rawness mo,” he said.

(What I learned from Mr. C is to be your own self. I shouldn’t delve into how I watched or saw past performances. The emotion that I felt or what I wanted to deliver, that’s my own story. It’s my own experience. I have to show my rawness.)

READ: SB19 on new single ‘Moonlight,’ expanding horizons with Ian Asher, Terry Zhong

On Mr. C, hopes for OPM

The SB19 member then recalled his working relationship with Cayabyab, saying he’s “easy” to learn from but he’s also “very transparent” at the same time.

“Noong na-meet ko siya, nainspire ako na huwag matakot. Sabi ko [before performing], kinakabahan ako pero kapag nagpadala ako sa takot at nagkamali, [ire-regret ko ‘yun] forever. Kaya enjoy lang. Nakita ko si Mr. C [during my stage], naka-smile siya [sa’kin], at nawala ang kaba ko. Na-enjoy ko talaga,” he said.

(When I met him, I was inspired to not get too ahold of my fears. I told myself before performing, I could be nervous. But if I allow myself to be overcome with fear and make a mistake, I will regret it forever. So I enjoyed myself. I saw Mr. C smiling at me during my stage and my nervousness was gone. I enjoyed myself.)

SB19’s Stell with Ryan Cayabyab. Image: X/@stellajero_

Aside from Stell, BINI is chosen to represent the new generation of artists to represent P-pop and OPM in Cayabyab’s show. Touching on the topic, he hoped that artists wouldn’t lose the “heart” in creating music that’s uniquely Pinoy.

“Huwag talagang mawala ‘yung puso and experiences namin [bilang artists]. Hindi lang bilang Pinoy, pero kung paano kinalakihan ang music natin,” said Stell. “For OPM, ang winiwish ko is umingay pa at mas suportahan pa. Kasi sabi nila, ito ang time nating mas makilala ‘yung Pinoy dahil alam natin na ang mga Pinoy ay napakatalented.”

“Huwag tayo matakot ipakita kung ano pa ang kaya nating ishare not only in our country but also around the world,” he further added.

(Don’t lose the heart and our own experiences as artists. Not only as a Pinoy but also how we grew up with the music around us. For OPM, I hope it will be more well-known and earn more support. It’s time for Pinoys to be more known as we’re very talented. Let’s not be scared to show what we can do not only in our country but also around the world.)

Stell, along with his bandmates Pablo, Josh, Ken, and Justin, are set to hold the two-day “PAGTATAG!” finale concert on May 18 to 19 at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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