Concert marks SEA Games opening rites

Rivermaya and Ryan Cayabyab have been selected to make the SEA Games 2005 a musical experience.

On hand at the glittering ceremonies tomorrow at the Quirino Grandstand will be the 100-piece San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the 40-person San Miguel Master Chorale, under Ryan Cayabyab.

"It’s the first time ever that a full-piece orchestra is fused with rock music on such an immense scale. I am really excited to work with Rivermaya on this project," says Ryan.

Rivermaya will perform three of its biggest hits, Awit ng Kabataan and Alab ng Puso at the request of the Philippine Sports Commission and the new hit Posible, with the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra at 5:30 p.m. followed by a free Rivermaya concert at 8 p.m. at Quirino Grandstand.

Rivermaya was commissioned to do the official theme of the Southeast Asian Games 2005. The song’s anthemic rhythms and patriotic message have made it a nationwide favorite.

A pyro-musical will cap Rivermaya’s appearance followed by a 45-minute full concert. The band will perform for free in support of the Filipino athletes in the SEA Games.

"While other countries have focused on the hi-tech side of the ceremonies, I am proud to say that at centerstage will be the artistry, talent and originality of Filipino music. We will offer the best of Filipino music," Ryan adds.

Also included in the program is child prodigy Julia Abueva known for her angelic voice.

The first part of the program will carry the theme "One Heritage, One Southeast Asian," which will feature the masterful arrangements of the 11 countries’ most memorable songs. "We want people to listen and sense that everything is from a common root," explains Ryan.

"We are not spending anything close to what the other countries have spent before – but I can promise that what we will not have in special effects, we will have in talent with a capital ‘T’," he goes on.