Why Music Master and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab Stopped Writing Love Songs
The thing is, people on top of their game, such as National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, never feel they know it all. In fact, they're always studying the world around them in order to learn more.
Every step Cayabyab has taken in his very interesting life has been done in the pursuit of mastering music, in particular how to tickle the ivory keys.
When he was very young, he'd spend one peso on a jeepney ride (50 centavos), a hamburger (25 centavos), and Coke (15 centavos) just to play the piano at Rhapsody Music House. And when he was a little bit older, he explored the possibilities of music, making the decision to say goodbye to becoming a concert pianist in order to be a composer, the man behind the melody.
Today, Cayabyab remains excited about music and lyrics, so much so that he went on stretches of playing the piano and singing tunes during our interview with him.
And as for the reason why the music master—the author of immortal love songs such as “Tuwing Umuulan At Kapiling Ka” by Basil Valdez and also Regine Velasquez, “Nais Ko” also by Valdez, “Kailan” by Smokey Mountain, and so many more—says he can't write sappy love songs anymore, you'll have to watch the clip below.
In this story: Produced and styled by Clifford Olanday • Photographs by Joseph Pascual • Interview by Sarge Lacuesta • Grooming by Muriel Vega Perez • Production assistants Kyle Lorenzo Subido and Ednalyn Magnaye Garcia • With thanks to Steinway Boutique Manila, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing • Clothes by Van Laack, Greenbelt 5.
