Ryan Cayabyab, often affectionately called “Mr. C”, is one of the most celebrated and influential figures in Filipino music history.
As a composer, conductor, arranger, and teacher, his work has shaped Original Pilipino Music (OPM), musical theater, sacred music, and orchestral compositions.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab
- Stage Name: Ryan Cayabyab
- Born: May 4, 1954
- Age: 71 (as of 2025)
- Death: – (he is still living)
- Birthplace: Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino
- Occupation: Composer, conductor, arranger, pianist, singer
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Parents: Mother: Celerina Venson Pujante; Father: Alberto Austria Cayabyab
- Siblings: He grew up with three siblings.
- Spouse: Emmy Punsalan (married in 1985)
- Children: Two — Cristina María and Antonio María
- Net Worth: Estimated between US$5 million and US$7 million
Early Life and Education
Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab was born on May 4, 1954, in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines. His mother, Celerina Pujante, was an opera singer and professor at the University of the Philippines’ College of Music, which exposed young Ryan to music very early. He grew up in an environment immersed in music, often accompanying his mother to rehearsals and immersing himself in the rich traditions of choral and operatic music.
Cayabyab eventually enrolled in the University of the Philippines College of Music. He completed a degree in Music Theory and Composition in 1983. Later, he joined the UP faculty and taught compositional theory and music for nearly two decades, strongly influencing a generation of Filipino musicians.
Rise to Prominence
Early Milestones
Ryan Cayabyab’s career gained real momentum in the late 1970s. In 1978, his song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop), becoming a key anthem in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) movement. That same year, he was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in the Philippines.
Smokey Mountain and Pop Hits
In the 1990s, Cayabyab formed the youth group Smokey Mountain, which became iconic in the Philippine pop scene. Among its hits was “Da Coconut Nut”, a novelty song composed by Cayabyab that remains popular to this day. He also composed classics like “Paraiso” and “Kailan,” which became staples of the OPM catalog.
Musical Scope: From Pop to Ballet
What sets Ryan Cayabyab apart is the incredible diversity of his musical oeuvre. He hasn’t confined himself to one genre — his compositions stretch over:
- Musical theater: Notable works include Rama Hari, Katy!, El Filibusterismo, Noli Me Tangere: The Musical.
- Full-length ballet: He has written ballets that are critically acclaimed.
- Sacred and choral music: He has composed Mass settings, oratorios, and unaccompanied chorus pieces.
- Orchestral pieces: His work isn’t limited to voice; orchestral arrangements and symphonic works are a part of his legacy.
- Television and film scores: He contributed significantly to Filipino cinema and TV, providing scores and musical direction.
Television, Mentorship & Influence
Cayabyab has also been a familiar face on television. He hosted the long-running show “Ryan Ryan Musikahan” from 1988 to 1995, which introduced audiences to both local and international artists.
He served as Executive and Artistic Director for the San Miguel Foundation for the Performing Arts, pushing for high standards in musical performance and production.
Beyond performance, he’s deeply committed to mentorship. He leads the PhilPop MusicFest Foundation, helping support emerging Filipino songwriters and fostering national musical identity. He’s also associated with Elements Music Camp, providing free workshops to young talents.
Awards and Honors
Ryan Cayabyab’s career is studded with prestigious awards:
- He was awarded the Order of National Artist for Music in 2018, one of the highest honors for Filipino artists.
- In 2019, he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award, given for his invaluable contribution to Philippine music and mentorship.
- He also won the Onassis International Cultural Competition in Greece in 2001 for his composition MISA 2000.
- Other awards include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Awit Awards and the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining.
- In 2013, Pope Francis awarded him the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, a high papal honor for his religious compositions.
Personal Life
Ryan Cayabyab married Emmy Punsalan in 1985, and they have two children. He is a devout Roman Catholic, and his faith has deeply influenced his work. He has composed a number of sacred works, including church masses and religious songs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he revisited his passion for visual arts and held his first solo painting exhibition in 2023.
Legacy and Impact
Ryan Cayabyab is more than just a composer — he’s a cultural institution. Over nearly five decades, he has:
- Elevated OPM through timeless compositions.
- Mentored countless young musicians, helping shape the next generation.
- Bridged classical, pop, sacred, and theatrical music with a uniquely Filipino voice.
- Acted as a champion for Filipino musical identity, both locally and internationally.
His body of work continues to resonate across generations, and his influence remains a driving force in Philippine arts.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: When was Ryan Cayabyab born?
A: He was born on May 4, 1954, in Santa Cruz, Manila.
Q: What is Ryan Cayabyab best known for?
A: He is best known as a composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher. His work spans OPM (Original Pilipino Music), opera, musicals, choral music, and orchestral pieces.
Q: What are some famous songs by Ryan Cayabyab?
A: Some of his famous songs include Da Coconut Nut, Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Kailan, Paraiso, Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka, and Araw Gabi.
Q: What major awards has he won?
A: He was named National Artist for Music in 2018, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2019, and has received other prestigious honors such as the Onassis International Cultural Competition, Awit Awards lifetime achievement, and a papal award.
Q: Does he teach or mentor young musicians?
A: Yes – he has taught at the University of the Philippines College of Music, and is deeply involved with the PhilPop MusicFest Foundation and Elements Music Camp.
Q: What genres has he composed in?
A: His range includes pop, musicals, ballet, opera, choral music, sacred music, orchestral music, and more.
Q: Is Ryan Cayabyab still active today?
A: Yes. He continues composing, conducting, mentoring, and even painting, showing his enduring creativity and influence.
Conclusion
Ryan Cayabyab’s life is a testament to passion, versatility, and dedication. From a young boy attending his mother’s rehearsals, to becoming a National Artist and international awardee, his journey highlights what music can do — not just entertain, but uplift and unite. His compositions have become part of the Filipino identity, and his mentorship has shaped thousands of budding artists.
He isn’t just “Mr. C” or the Maestro — he is a cultural beacon, a living legacy, and a continuing inspiration for the future of Philippine music.
