First there was the Smokey Mountain, the pop quartet that launched the singing careers of Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Chedi Vergara. Then came 14K, where the likes of Jolina Magdangal, Rhada of Kulay, Arnee Hidalgo and the late Ten-Ten Muñoz started.
There was also the San Miguel Master Chorale (SMMC) which was considered one of the premier choral groups in the country, formed to complement the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra (SMPO).
Just when everyone thinks Maestro Ryan Cayabyab has ceased discovering singing talents, he recently lent his name to launch the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), which came out with its self-titled debut album under Sony BMG Music.
“It’s always a joy to work with choirs and singing groups,” said Ryan, who is fondly called Mr. C in the music industry. “I woke up one morning and I realized I wanted to form a new singing group again and discover more talents.”
He lost no time in auditioning singing hopefuls starting last June, when he got nearly 200 talents who were later trimmed down to 37 for the callback auditions. The aspirants were further narrowed down to 18 and were made to undergo more rigorous auditions until the final seven were chosen to comprise the group.
“They were supposed to be eight, but one Fil-Am girl got a scholarship at Rutgers University (New Jersey) after she was taken in, so she had to give up being with the group,” Ryan explains. “Everything happened so fast. By July, the group was formed. By September, they were already recording for the album.”
The seven — Anezka Alvarez, Katherine Tiuseco, Kyla Rivera, Irra Cenina, Jaime Barcelon, Poppert Bernadas and Vincent Evangelista – were made to go through training and personality workshops. Some were also hopefuls in other singing contests like Philippine Idol, Star in a Million and Pinoy Pop Superstar, according to Ryan.
“Dream team,” is how Ryan proudly describes his new talents. He couldn’t be any happier with his new powerhouse group. “They are very experienced singers,” he beams. “It’s rare that I find these kinds of talents. All of them are unique in his/her own way. Two are very R ’n B, one is very pop, two are very stage-musical trained, while another pair are choristers with classical training. Their edge is their unique talents coupled with the enthusiasm to perform and conquer new grounds as a group. They know the value of performing.”
Like Smokey Mountain, Ryan envisions RCS to be a showcase of his original songs. But unlike Smokey Mountain which was mostly teens when they were launched in the early ’90s, Ryan wanted a more mature group for RCS. He adds that since the group bears his name, he will personally handle the members’ training to give them a taste of his illustrious 35-year musical experience. Meanwhile, Merwin Tee, nephew of Sony BMG Music managing director Rudy Tee, acts as manager for the talents.
Ryan also lends his distinct musical touch to the debut album of RCS, which contains his original compositions. Carrier single of the 14-track debut album is Let Me Love You Tonight.
“The group’s music is actually my music,” Ryan informs. “I have written eight tracks, four of which are remakes. The selections are eclectic like me, but without any classical bent. There are a couple of pseudo-dance cuts, a few R ’n B-inspired tracks and even a jazz-swing track.”
The album is clearly just the beginning for RCS, as Ryan is lining up other plans and projects for his new talents. He wants them to go on a performance tour, not just locally but also internationally, as shows abroad are already in the pipeline.
Ryan is aware that although presented as an ensemble, RCS is certain to produce solo performers who are out to eventually graduate from the group and pursue a solo career path. “Anyone who wants to go solo in the future, they can learn everything they want to learn now,” Ryan says. “I really want them to fly. I’ll give my blessing to anyone who wants to leave the group when he or she is ready to go solo.”
RCS under Sony BMG Music contains the tracks Call Me, Ayoko Na, Let Me Love You Tonight, I’ll Make You Smile Again, Pahamak, Hideaway, Ito na nga ang Pag-ibig, Ba’t Di Mo Sinabi?, Hibang sa Awit, Hiling, Hello Joe, Goodbye and Paano Na ‘To?