The music of Mr. C

When a piano is united with a musical genius, endless possibilities happen. Unspoken feelings are conveyed through wonderful melodies that are spot on.

In the Philippines, we are fortunate to experience the unique gift of Ryan Cayabyab, the Filipino musical genius who possesses the ability to bring the audiences closer to the magic and power of music throughout the decades.

In 1988, ABS-CBN’s Ryan Ryan Musikahan immediately gained popularity and featured performances from the biggest artists across generations. The show also received notable recognitions and awards and was dubbed as one of the best shows ever produced on television.

Through Jeepney TV, the cable network that is home to timeless Filipino shows, Ryan Ryan Musikahan found its way back on air in 2012.

The show was warmly welcomed by loyal fans and has captured the hearts of a new generation of Filipino televiewers.

In celebration of the unique legacy of the iconic show, Jeepney TV revived Ryan Ryan Musikahan with a Christmas special in time for the cable channel’s second anniversary titled Ryan Ryan Musikahan: Home for Christmas.

The Christmas spirit was felt during the concert as Maestro Ryan played classic Christmas songs that were sang beautifully by some of the country’s top artists. Mr. C, the name associated with the musical genius, added a twist to the songs that were reminiscent of the season’s spirit of joy, hope, peace and love.

The concert’s theme, Home for Christmas, was a perfect fit since Mr. C’s guests were a group of artists who previously participated in Ryan Ryan Musikahan episodes and those whom he wished could have been guests had the show continued to air new episodes.

Singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra sang a beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Someday at Christmas followed by a mash-up of her greatest hits, Pagdating ng Panahon and Kailan which transported the audience to the music of the early 2000s.

Rock icon and The Voice of the Philippines coach Bamboo proved he was the entertainer of the night when he went down from the stage to interact with the audience as he sang God Only Knows by the American band, The Beach Boys. Bamboo also sang his heartfelt version of My Wish and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Consistent to its theme of fusing the old and new, former guests of the iconic musical program were welcomed home to Ryan Ryan Musikahan. Broadway star Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo who appeared in Ryan Ryan Musikahan’s 105th episode in August 1990 wowed the crowd with her version of the songs, Being Alive and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano’s stunning performance of Pasko Na Sinta Ko pierced right through the hearts of the audience. Gary V. was a guest of the pilot episode of Ryan Ryan Musikahan and was part of one of the Christmas specials of the musical variety show.

New breeds of talent were also seen during the concert. The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) brightened the event with their catchy version of the timeless Filipino caroling song, Kumukutikutitap which they performed with musical director Gerard Salonga while the Advertiser’s Chorale composed of employees coming from different advertising firms performed Heto Na Naman.

As a tribute to Ryan’s contribution to Philippine music, Gerard surprised Mr. C when he announced that the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth would perform Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, a popular piece composed by the maestro.

Overall, it was an enchanting night brimming with optimism for the incoming year as love and hope were felt during the concert through the performances that Maestro Ryan prepared together with his guests.

The concert was a reminder of Mr. C’s brilliance. It was truly a splendid evening filled with quality Christmas songs and top caliber performances from talented artists.  The Christmas special had a simple purpose that was achieved with his musical prowess with the piano: to make everyone feel at home during the season that is all about loving and sharing.

(Ryan Ryan Musikahan: Home for Christmas premiered last Dec. 14 on Jeepney TV and it will air its replays on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. and Jan. 1, 9 p.m. For your dose of memorable episodes of Ryan Ryan Musikahan, catch the show on Jeepney TV, Channel 9 on Skycable and carried by leading cable systems nationwide, every Saturday from 11 p.m. to 12 midnight.)