National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s advice to aspiring musicians: ‘Be top of mind’
Ryan Cayabyab headlines “Gen C,” a two-night concert on May 11 and 12 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. | Image: Jessica Ann Evangelista, INQUIRER.net
After his star-studded two-night concert celebrating his 70th birthday and his notable career in the music industry, national artist Ryan Cayabyab was enthusiastic to extend advice to aspiring musicians whose hands hold the future of Philippine music.
In a quick interview backstage after the Day 2 of his concert on Sunday, May 12, the Maestro was still in a “surreal” or “couldn’t believe moment” being able to wrap up a concert that united the big OPM artists and rising stars in the current generation of music.
“It was awesome. Hindi ko iniiexpect. I didn’t know na pwede pala gawin ‘yung ganiyan to invite all these big names and young stars; for me, it was eye-opening. Pwede pala ‘yon,” the maestro, reverently called Mr. C in entertainment circles, told INQUIRER.net.
READ: What SB19’s Stell learned from working with Ryan Cayabyab
WATCH: Julie Anne San Jose sings “Kailan” for the Day 2 show of Ryan Cayabyab's “Gen C" concert. | @JessEINQ pic.twitter.com/eKOvPF5QaC
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 13, 2024
WATCH: Janella Salvador sings “Can This Be Love” at the Day 2 show of Ryan Cayabyab's “Gen C" concert. | @JessEINQ pic.twitter.com/r9212hRpk6
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 13, 2024
When asked what advice he could give to musicians who are aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Cayabyab insisted that aside from learning everything they can as musicians, they should try to always be on top of people’s minds.
“I always say to aspiring musicians that if you want to stay, it’s easy to come in. To stay and have a sustainable career, you have to always improve yourself, and you have to strive to be the best or to be the origin in your group,” he said.
“Laging try to be top of mind. Marami naman kayong pwede maging top of mind, but you have to aspire for yourself like that and learn everything you can,” added the legendary composer.
Cayabyab credited his love for music as a secret to staying youthful. During the day 2 concert, he also shared in a part of his conversation with fellow musician Celeste Legaspi that the future of Philippine music is secured, and the two-night concert proves that.
The concert, titled “Gen C,” featured a lineup of stellar performers. Day 1 artists include Regine Velasquez, Belle Mariano, Stell of SB19, Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, Basil Valdez, Bituin Escalante, Dilaw, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Nyoy Volante, Phi Palmos, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Ateneo Chamber Singers, The Company, and The Ryan Cayabyab Singers.
Aside from Velasquez, Mariano, and Stell, all the artists returned for the second night of the concert, among them Ben & Ben, BINI, Janella Salvador, Juan Karlos Labajo, Julie Anne San Jose, and Vice Ganda.
WATCH: National girl group sensation BINI performs their pre-debut single "Da Coconut Nut" during the Day 2 show of national artist Ryan Cayabyab's “Gen C" concert. | @JessEINQ pic.twitter.com/ExdZg52cbK
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 13, 2024
WATCH: Juan Karlos performs “Paraiso” on the day 2 show of Ryan Cayabyab's “Gen C” concert. | @JessEINQ pic.twitter.com/6HJEMOuiB5
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) May 13, 2024
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