Ryan Cayabyab

Born:May 4, 1954
Birthplace:Manila
Race:Asian
Field:Composer
Warmly known as Mr. Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab born on May 4, 1954 in
Manila, Philippines. Ryan's mother was an opera singer; she died when he was only 6,
while his father fight to sustain him and his three siblings. His mother's wish was that
no one of her children would make music as a line of work; knowing how tough life is for
a musician with insufficient income.
Ryan Cayabyab firstly took up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in the
University of the Philippines, Diliman. But at the same moment, he searched for an
employment to sustainhis studies, and sooner join with then-Senator Salvador Laurel as
accompanist for the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Chorale Ensemble.
Noting his incomparable abilityon the piano, the Senator presented him a scholarship
that would allow Ryan to alter his course and hold learning in music.
Cayabyab afterward graduated from the UP College of Music earning a Bachelor of
Music, Major in Composition degree. Following that, he became a complete professor
for the Department of Composition and Music Theory in the UP Diliman for about two
decades.
At the twist of the century, he was about to take his family and transfer abroad, but
when presented by Danding Cojuangco, President of the San Miguel Corporation, a
authority post thatwould give him full way in producing and performing new music
that would carry out a new wave to the Philippine music scene, he acknowledged the
proposal.
Ryan Cayabyab is a prominent Filipino musician and the existing Executive and Artistic
Director of the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts. His works vary from
specially made full-length ballets, theater musicals, choral pieces, a crowd set to
unaccompanied chorus, and orchestral pieces, to salable recordings of popular
composition, film scores and television specials.
Now, he is presently in his 7th year as Executive and Artistic Director of the San Miguel
Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Discography
GREAT FILIPINO LOVE SONGS.
Track List:

Bato sa Buhangin

Maalaala Mo Kaya

Ikaw

Minamahal Kita

Dahil Sa Iyo

Hindi Kita Malimot

Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig

Buhat

Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal

Ikaw ang Mahal Ko

Katakataka

Minamahal, Sinasamba

Saan Ka Man Naroroon

Lahat ng Araw

GREAT ORIGINAL PILIPINO MUSIC BY RYAN CAYABYAB

All songs in the album composed and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab. All songs recorded in
2001, except tracks 5, 8, and 9, which are SMMC a capella tracks and were recorded in
2004. This album received three nominations in the 18th Awit Awards aside from
winning Best Musical Arrangement for Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka. Under SonyBMG Pilipinas.

Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka (winner, 18th Awit Awards, Best Musical

Arrangement)
2

Iduyan Mo

Kahit Ika'y Panaginip Lang

Paraisong Parisukat

Tunay na Ligaya

Nais Ko

Liman-Dipang Tao

Tsismis

Da Coconut Nut

Iniibig Kita

Paraiso

Awit ng Pagsinta (Epithalamium) - from Ryan Cayabyab and Bienvenido

Lumbera's pop-ballet Rama Hari; lyrics by Lumbera
Hibang sa Awit - lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes

PASKO I

Kampana ng Simbahan

Heto na Naman - music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab

Namamasko

Tuloy na Tuloy pa rin ang Pasko

Sa Paskong Darating

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon (Ang Pasko ay Sumapit)

Kumukutikutitap*

Mano Po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang

3

Noche Buena

Heto na Naman ang Pasko**

Maligayang Pasko**

Pasko na Naman

PASKO II

Ngayong Pasko*

Pasko Na Sinta Ko

Paskong Walang Hanggan*

Himig Pasko

Miss Kita Kung Christmas

Isang Taong Lumipas*

Ang Aking Pamasko

Ang Mahalin Ka**

Anong Gagawin Mo Ngayong Pasko - music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab

Ang Naaalala Ko**

Munting Sanggol - music and lyrics by Ryan Cayabyab

Payapang Daigdig

THE FILIPINO CLASSICS

Diyos Lamang ang Nakakaalam

Babalik Ka Rin

Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak

Bituing Marikit

Kung Nagsasayaw Kita

4

Madaling Araw

Sa Ugoy ng Duyan

Bakas ng Lumipas

Sapagka't Kami ay Tao Lamang

Lagi Kitang Naaalala

Bayan Ko

Mahiwaga
Nicanor Abelardo
Born:1893-02-07
Birthplace:San Miguel, Bulacan
Died:1934-03-21
Race:Asian
Field:Composer
Famous for:Kundiman songs

Nicanor Abelardo is a Filipino composer who composed over a hundred of Kundiman

Songs especially before and during the World War II. Born in San Miguel de Mayumo
(now is San Miguel, Bulacan in February 7, 1893, Nicanor Sta.Ana Abelardo was
introduced to music when he was five years old, when his father taught him the solfeggio
and the banduria. At the age of 8, he was able to compose his first work, a waltz entitled
"Ang Unang Buko," which was dedicated to his grandmother. At the age of 13, he was
already playing at saloons and cabarets in Manila. At age 15, he was already teaching in
barrio schools in San Ildefonso and San Miguel Bulacan. All of these happened even
before young Abelardo finally took up courses under Guy F. Harrison and Robert
Schofield at the UP Conservatory of Music in 1916. By 1924, following a teachers
certificate in science and composition received in 1921, he was appointed head of the
composition department at the Conservatory. Years later, he ran a boarding school for
young musicians, and among his students were National Artist Antonino Buenaventura,
Alfredo Lozano and Lucino Sacramento. In the field of composition he is known for his
redefinition of the kundiman, bringing the genre to art-song status. Among his works
were "Nasaan Ka Irog," "Magbalik Ka Hirang," and "Himutok."He died in 1934 at the
age of 41, leaving a prolific collection of more than 140 works.
As a composition major at the University of the Philippines, he also composed
the melody for the university's official anthem, U.P. Naming Mahal.

The building housing the College of Music in UP Diliman (Abelardo Hall) is named in
his honor
Komposisyon

A Study in Kumintang - (for piano and string quartette)

A Summer Idyll
A Visayan Caprice - (trio for piano, violin, and violencello)
Academic Overture
Akibat
Alma Mater UP
Amarosa - (foxtrot)
An Old Love Song
Ang Aking Bayan
Ang Anak na Malawak (barcarola with words)
Ang Binatang Pilipino
Ang Dakilang Pagyayakap - (paso doble)
Ang Likha ni Pierrot/Batik na Kabihasnan - (tagalog operetta)
Ang Mestisa
Ang Sarap mong Umibig (duet in Tagalog Zarsueal by F. Ballecer)
Ang Unang Buko - (waltz)
Ave Maria (tenor/soprano)
Ay Kalisud (nicanor)
Ay Kalisud (foxtrot arranged for orchestra)
Ayaw sa Pusa - (street song)
Balitaw - (Visayan ballad)
Banaag at Lakas
Bato-bato at Siniguelas - (duet in Tagalog Zarsuela)
Bibingkat Langgonisa
Bituing Marikit - (1937) isinapelikula ng Sampaguita Pictures - titik
Bonifacio Song
Buhay ng Dalagat Binata
Bunyng M.H. del Pilar
Canto del Viajero
Capriccio Espagnole
Carola
Cavatina
Cinderella (overture for orchestra)
Concerto in B Flat Minor
Conservatory Commencement Hymn
Coronation March
Dakilang Punglo
Emilio Jacinto
Fifes and Castagnettes (bolero for flute and piano)
6

Filipino Boy - (2 step)

First Nocturne - (Piano Solo)
First Quartette in F major
Fughetta in C on a Theme
Grand March
Halika, Magandang Mestisa - (serenade for tenor)
Himig ng Bayan
Himno Masonico - (tenor serenade)
Himno Plaridel for Full Orchestra
Himutok
Historical Pageant
Honor and Arms
Hoy-Hoy
Ikaw (Argentine Tango)
Ikaw Pa Rin - (1948) titik
Ikaw Rin - ! (Sola Tu!) - titik
Initiation Song - (Rizal Center Fraternity)
Intermezzo (for symphonic band)
Into Your Eyes (ballad)
Levi Celerio
Born:April 30, 1910
Birthplace:Tondo, Manila
Died:April 2, 2002
Race:Asian
Field:Composer

Levi Celerio is a Filipino composer and lyricist, born on April 30, 1910 in Tondo, Manila,
Philippines. He received a free education to the Academy of Music in Manila and
became the youngest affiliate of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. He was a creative
songwriter, with more than 4,000 songs to his acclaim including Filipino folk,
Christmas, and love songs that are popular pieces, which many consider to be immortal.
Famous for being a lyricist, his songs treasure life; express nationalistic sentiments and
complete grand philosophies. At one instance or another, no Filipino can miss the song
or lyrics of Levis Christmas songs namely Pasko na Naman, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit ,
and Misa de Gallo.
He is probably best recognized for being a leaf-player, an achievement where he was
place intothe Guinness Book of World Records.
He wrote a huge number of songs for local movies, which gained him the Lifetime
Achievement Award of the Film Academy of the Philippines.

He was awarded as National Artist of the Philippines for Music in 1997. He died on April
2,2002
Among his songs are:
Saan Ka Man Naroroon?, Kahit Konting Pagtingin, Kapag Puso'y Sinugatan, and Ikaw,
Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak, Bagong Pagsilang, and Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang, while his
folk songs include Tunay na Tunay, Itik-Itik, Waray-Waray, Pitong Gatang, Ako ay May
Singsing, Alibangbang, Galawgaw, Caprichosa, Dungawin Mo Hirang, Umaga na
Neneng, Ikaw Kasi, and Basta't Mahal Kita. Celerio also wrote nationalistic songs such
as Ang Bagong Lipunan, Lupang Pangarap, and Tinig ng Bayan.
His compositions:
1. O Maliwanag na Buwan
2. Alembong
3. Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
4. Bakya mo Neneng
5. Gaano Kita kamahal
6. Ang Pipit
7. Tinikling
8. Ang Tapis Mo Inday
Julio Nakpil
Born:22 May 1867
Birthplace:Quiapo, Manila
Died:2 November 1960
Race:Asian
Field:Composer
Julio Nakpil was born as one of twelve children from a well-off family in the
Quiapo district of Manila. His parents withdrew him from Escuela de
Instruccion Primaria after two years and had him take over the family stable, making
sure that their coachmen and stable boys were doing their work smoothly. Julio
educated himself at home and eventually learned how to play the piano, as was proper
for traditional families during that time. His passion for music was largelyself-taught.
Although he took violin lessons from Ramon Valdes and piano lessons from Manuel
Mata, he spent more time practicing alone with these instruments, giving him the ability
to interpret the music of classic legends like Johann Strauss, Emile Waldteufel, Philipp
Fahrbach, and Josef Kaulich, among others.
In his desire to continue learning, he read Spanish books, novels, history books, the
writings of Jose Rizal, and music discourse. His skill in playing the piano earned him
an audience among the affluent, becoming a regular pianist Malacaang social
functions. On April 27, 1888 he composed his first short polka piece for the piano called
"Cefiro," which was followed with other pieces such as "Ilang-Ilang," "Recuerdos de

Capiz," "Pahimakas," "Pasig Pantayanin," and"Biyak-na-Bato," to name a few. Nakpil

later became a piano teacher and composed regularly.
Many of his compositions during this time were directly inspired by the Revolution. His
composition "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan" was a candidate to become the
Philippine National Anthem, and was personally preferred by Bonifacio, but was
ultimately rejected byGeneral Emilio Aguinaldo in favor of Julian Felipe's "Lupang
Hinirang". He later revised his piece and entitled it "Salve Patria". After Aguinaldo
allegedly ordered Bonifacio's execution, Nakpil claimed to have received threats on his
own life, as did General Antonio Luna, who ended up being betrayed and executed by
Aguinaldo's men.
Among his expository works were "Luz Poetica de la Aurora," "Recuerdos de Capiz" and"
Exposicion Regional Filipina," all of which were given a diploma of honor from the
Exposicion Regional Filipina in 1895. He was also awarded a diploma and bronze medal
from the Exposition of Hanoi in 1902, a diploma and silver medal from the St. Louis
International Exposition in the U.S. in 1904, and a medal and citation from the Civic
Assembly of Women in1954.
In 1963 he was given a posthumous award by the Bonifacio Centennial Commission in
recognition of his patriotism. In 1964, a memoir entitled Julio Nakpil and the
Philippine Revolution was published by his heirs.
Historicaly inspired musical pieces of Julio Nakpil:

La Brisa Nocturna - Habanera

Ecos De Visayas - Danza for piano
Noche Tempestuosa - Polska de Salon
Ilang-Ilang - Mazurka
La Brisa Aurora - Habanera
Lulay
Recuerdoz de Capiz - Habanera
Luz Poetica de la Aurora
Exposicion Regional Filipina - (in celebration of the 1st Regional Exposition in
the Philippines)
Sueo Eterno - (funeral march for Gen. Antonio Luna)
Danza Campestre - Habanera de concierto
Teatro Luisa - Polka Brillante
Clotilde
Amor Patrio
Kundiman
Armamento
Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan
9

Pahimakas - (an orchestra & band funeral march inspired by Rizals execution in
Bagumbayan)

Eleandre Basio Buendia

Born: 2 November 1970
Birthplace: Naga City, Philippines
Race: Asian
Field: Composer/Singer

Eleandre Basio Buendia, popularly known as Ely Buendia, and also once
adopting the stage name, Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura, (born November 2, 1970) is
a Filipinowriter and musician who gained fame as guitarist, songwriter, and lead
vocalist in the popular Pinoy rockband The Eraserheads. His compositions gained
success and critical acclaim, topping various music charts, and are now considered
classics. Widely regarded as one of the most respected music icons in the country, he
currently performs as guitarist and lead vocalist for Pupil.
Born in Naga City, Ely first learned Kundiman from his mother while he started playing
the guitar at the age of 7 years old. Buendia studied Elementary in St. Martin Tech
(University of Life) in Pasig City and High School inUniversity of Perpetual Help Rizal.
10

During Elementary, Buendia won in a singing contest where he sang "Doon Lang" by
Nonoy Zuniga. Buendia later enrolled to University where he formed his bands Bluidie
Tryste, Sunday School and The Eraserheads.
Buendia has two children, Una Aurea, with his first wife, Vicky Cayago, and Eon Drake,
with Pupil co-manager Diane Ventura. He had a relationship with Andi Trinidad of
Mega Magazine and presently with Shawn Yao of News5.
In December 1989, Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy
Zabala formed the Eraserheads in their collegiate school, the University of the
Philippines, Diliman, where Buendia was a Film major at the College of Mass
Communications (he started his first year of college in 1987). The band found that they
weren't good at covering other people's hits, so they concentrated on writing their own
material instead. "After all, if we committed a mistake no one would recognize it since
they don't know the song, right?," Buendia explained. Performing their original songs
live soon earned them a cult following in the University, which gradually spread outside
the campus. One of the songs, a pop song entitled, Pare Ko, which Buendia wrote,
became very popular, partly because of the lyrics which included a few swear words.
On Sunday, January 7, 2007, Ely Buendia suffered a heart attack or infarction secondary
to arterial blockage. It began when Buendia complained about finding it a bit hard to
breathe while they were on the way to a gig in Laguna. But he dismissed it as
mere heartburn. After some time, Buendia was reportedly in the middle of a song during
a gig in Calamba, Laguna when he felt a sudden pain in his chest and left arm. He was
rushed to an Intensive Care Unit at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in
Alabang, Muntinlupa. "It turns out that he'd been having a heart attack for the last five
hours."
according
to ex-eheads manager Jessica
Zafra.
Doctors
performed
an angiogram on the front man and it confirmed the heart attack as two of
his arteries were blocked. Buendia's condition was confirmed stable after an
emergency angioplasty operation headed by Dr. Benjie Luna during the same night.
According to Dok Sergio, Ely is fine, successful lung surgery last night. (Last night's
surgery was a success).

Track listing
1. "Overdrive" (5:05)
2. "Alapaap" (4:22)
3. "Ang Huling El Bimbo" (7:29)
4. "Ligaya" (4:31)
5. "With A Smile" (4:37)
11

6. "Harana" (6:04)
7. "Kailan" (3:14)
8. "Magasin" (4:08)
9. "Pare Ko" (5:25)
10. "Torpedo" (4:17)
11. "Toyang" (3:49)
12."Minsan" (4:14)
13."Huwag Mo Nang Itanong" (4:11)
14."Fruitcake" (4:37)
15. "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka"

(4:43)

12

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano

Born: 4 May 1954
Birthplace: Meycauayan City, Bulacan
Race: Asian
Field: Composer/Singer, Musician, Arranger, Record
Producer, Musical Director

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano (better known as Rey Valera) (born May 4, 1954
in Meycauayan, Bulacan,Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, music director, film scorer
and television host from the Philippines. He wrote and produced songs that were
recorded by various singers, most notably Sharon Cuneta. He currently hosts the variety
noontime show Pilipinas Win na Win along side Rico J. Puno, Nonoy Zuniga and Marco
Sison.
Reynaldo Valera Guardiano is the second of three siblings, and the surname Valera was
derived from his mother's maiden name.
He still lives in Meycauayan City, Bulacan with his family. He has a son and three
daughters.
Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a
group called Electric for seven years. He waved his first single as a solo singer songwriter with the songAko si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno.
His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the
same time hired him as one of Vicors in-house producers.
Rey also made songs for other artists such as Rico Puno's Sorry Na, Pwede Ba, Daigdig
Ng Ala-ala; Geraldines Pangako; Pol Enriquez Ayoko na Sa Yo and many more. While
he made songs for his peers, he made albums for himself such as Naaalala Ka, Rey
Valera Vol. 2, Walang Kapalit, Hello, The Rey Valera Christmas Album, Gabay Mo Ako,
Rey Valeras Greatest Hits Vol. 1,Rey Valeras Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Pirapirasong Ala-ala,
Sa Kabila Ng Lahat, Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli, FM Ka, AM Ako, Home Sweet Home, Ang
Mahalaga, etc. Most of these albums made golds and platinums.
Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their
library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40 year
anniversary.

13

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayors daughter
named Sharon Cuneta. It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out
what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be
given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.
The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite
composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.

Songs Composed of Rey Valera:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Baka Sakaling Mahalin Mo Rin Ako

Kamusta Ka Kung Kailangan Mo ako
Kung Tayoy Magkakalayo
Maging Sino Kaman
Naaalala Ka
Pangako Sayo
Tayong Dalawa
Walang Kapalit
10. Maging Sino Ka Man
11. Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko
12. Pangako
13. Walang Kapalit
14. Naaalala Ka
15. Kung Kailangan Mo Ako
16. Ako Si Superman
17. Tayong Dalawa
18. Kumusta Ka
19. Sorry Na, Pwede Ba
20. Malayo Pa Ang Umaga
21. Sinasamba Kita

14

15