IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
Last Saturday, November 1, the sanctuary of the First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California, was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Filipino musical heritage. Headlined by Ryan Cayabyab—the Philippines’ National Artist for Music, conferred in 2018—and his acclaimed ensemble, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), Musikahan 4.0 was more than just a concert; it was a living journey through time, honoring decades of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) while bringing together the Filipino community in a spirit of pride and nostalgia.
From the moment the maestro himself took the stage, the evening radiated warmth and artistry. Known for his versatility across pop, choral, theatre, and orchestral works, Cayabyab opened with a trip down memory lane through songs from the ’80s—Tunay na Ligaya, Araw Gabi, Tuwing Umuulan, and Paano na Kaya—melodies that stirred deep emotion among the audience. The program then shifted into the ’90s, with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers performing Sineskwela, a mesmerizing a cappella rendition of Kailan, and the crowd favorite Limang Dipang Tao, one of Cayabyab’s most iconic and rhythmically dynamic songs written in the ‘80s.
The San Gabriel Academy Orchestra added a beautiful orchestral interlude with their moving performance of Paraiso.
One of the evening’s highlights was an interactive segment where the audience joined in singing beloved OPM classics: Dahil Sa ’Yo, Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal, Manila, Di Bale Na Lang, Never Say Goodbye, and Christmas In Our Hearts. The spirit of Filipino camaraderie filled the venue, turning it into one grand community choir.
RCS continued to dazzle with tributes to legendary songwriters and performers. Their renditions of George Canseco’s greatest hits—popularized by Basil Valdez—such as Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo, and Ngayon At Kailanman, captivated the audience. The group also performed award-winning movie themes by Willy Cruz, including Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap, Pangarap Na Bituin, Bituing Walang Ningning, and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, before segueing into a tribute to the love songs of Louie Ocampo. Nica Tupas charmed the crowd with Tell Me, while Poppert Bernadas delivered heartfelt interpretations of Closer You and I, You Are My Song, and Say That You Love Me.
The show also paid homage to one of the most celebrated OPM groups of all time, APO Hiking Society, with lively renditions of Pumapatak na Naman ang Ulan, Mahirap Talaga Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba, Panalangin, and Yakap Sa Dilim. The presence of Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz further elevated the event’s significance, highlighting Musikahan 4.0 as not just a concert but a cultural homecoming for Filipinos in Southern California. In a touching personal moment, a special request by Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz for his wife Catherine brought forth the timeless ballad Ikaw, evoking smiles throughout the hall. Annie Nepomuceno and Poppert Bernadas offered a poignant tribute to the legendary singer and vocal powerhouse Louie Reyes and the late OPM icon Eugene Villaluz with their stirring duet of Nothing I Want More, originally performed by Jun Latonio and Tillie Moreno.
Adding a special touch to the evening was a showcase of promising young talents who had trained in a masterclass under the guidance of Ryan Cayabyab just four days before the concert. The segment featured Imogen Atangan, Christian Ylagan, Lyndon Apostol, Liana Montenegro, Alyssa Mabasa, Mark Mabasa, Maxx Krickler, and Ysabella Loyola—each bringing their own distinct artistry to the stage and representing the next generation of Filipino musical excellence. Notably, Ysabella Loyola earned her place in the masterclass after winning a singing competition organized by SoCal Filipinos, an opportunity that culminated in her powerful performance during Musikahan 4.0
The concert’s nostalgic journey continued through the ’60s and ’70s with tributes to icons Yoyoy Villame, Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos, Eddie Peregrina, and Victor Wood, as well as performances of Boy Mondragon’s Rain and Didith Reyes’ soulful hits. The night culminated with a tribute to Rico J. Puno through May Bukas Pa, before closing with Cayabyab’s own anthem of musical pride, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika—the award-winning song that first solidified his reputation as a master songwriter, and a fitting finale that reminded everyone why he remains one of the most revered figures in Philippine music.
Musikahan 4.0 was produced by Music Arts Events Inc., Tang & Java, and the JIR Foundation, with generous support from an extensive roster of community sponsors including Island Pacific Supermarket, Philippine Airlines, Asian Journal, TFC, SoCal Filipinos, the Law Offices of Chris Navarro, Megaworld International, Miss Philippines USA, Grace Palliative Hospice Care, Monet Salon, Huggie Bag, LA United Home Health Care Inc., Barry Libed, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), San Gabriel Academy Chorale and Orchestra, Lucky Brides, Auntie Dees, Oasis Beauty and Wellness Spa, Noble Creations, Starlink Promotions, the Filipino American Chambers of Commerce of Greater Pasadena, Greater Los Angeles, and South Bay Los Angeles Area, San Fernando Lodge, Luigi Audio and Visuals, and JollyBox Global.
The Ryan Cayabyab Singers—composed of Celine Fabie, Anthony Castillo, Poppert Bernadas, Rollie Lasam, Nica Tupas, VJ Caber, and Kaye Tiuseco—demonstrated the hallmark precision and vocal unity that have made the group a respected ambassador of Filipino artistry worldwide. Formed in 2007 under Cayabyab’s direction, the ensemble has since released multiple albums and performed internationally, continuing the maestro’s tradition of cultivating world-class Filipino vocal talent.
This concert was also a bittersweet milestone for Poppert Bernadas, marking his final performance with the Ryan Cayabyab Singers. His farewell on stage, filled with emotion and gratitude, added an extra layer of poignancy to the evening—a reminder of how deeply connected RCS members are, not only through their music but through years of shared artistry and friendship.
As the final notes of Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika echoed through the hall, the audience rose in applause and brimming with pride The night felt like more than a performance; it was a reaffirmation of Filipino identity and a celebration of musical heritage that transcends generations.
Under Ryan Cayabyab’s masterful direction, Musikahan 4.0 became a living archive of sound and soul—proof that the beauty of Filipino music endures, evolves, and continues to inspire.