Voices that build a nation

MANILA, Philippines - At the recent Gawad Kalinga (GK) summit in Singapore, the audience almost dropped their jaw upon hearing the knockout voices of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) doing their own rendition of Broadway classics such as Les Miserables.

Barely three years in the industry, the RCS was formed by Ryan Cayabyab in 2007 as a group that will sing his OPM (Original Pilipino Music) masterpieces.

Like so many talented Filipino singers, the RCS easily stood out because of their melodious voices and superb performance.

But far from being just a singing band or group, the RCS sings for the Gawad Kalinga cause.

They’re not just trying to make a name for themselves in the music industry but are out to make a difference in the lives of the Filipino poor through GK.

“GK made us realize that sharing our talent to help the less-fortunate is such a wonderful and amazing experience. We are not just singing because it is our passion or to be famous but we are sharing our God-given talent to help people,” says one of the members, Miguel Mendoza.

Aside from Miguel, the other members are Poppert Bernadas, Erwin Lacsa, Anton Antenorcruz, Anezka Alvarez, Kaich Tiuseco and Celine Fabie whose ages range from 18 to 25.

They got involved in GK through their mentor, Prof. Ryan who is a staunch GK volunteer.

 Cayabyab has performed in various GK events here and abroad and would bring with him the RCS to spread GK’s good news through music.

The group has performed in Singapore and the US where they’ve personally witnessed how GK is inspiring a lot of Filipino-Americans and expatriates abroad to help and reach out to the poor in the Philippines.

“As we immersed ourselves into the GK work, we realized how wonderful it is to give back and be part of a cause that empowers the poor,” enthuses Anton during a recent interview.

“And for us, this is just the beginning, we see ourselves doing work for GK and the poor, we want to be very active in spreading the good news about GK,” says Erwin.

Kaich agrees, stressing that it gives them a sense of accomplishment whenever they are able to share their talent for a good cause.

“It’s a great, awesome feeling kapag nakakatulong ka,” she says.

 “It gives us a sense of fulfillment and mission.

Cayabyab held a nationwide audition for a musical group he was planning to form three years ago. A total of 200 singers auditioned but only seven were chosen, four boys and three girls.

After the group was formed, they immediately set out to sing in events and even launched an original all-Filipino album, with songs composed by Cayabyab himself.

Throughout all their performances, the most memorable for them was whenever they would sing for GK supporters because they would feel how Filipinos in the US and in other countries radiate love for their less-privileged fellow Pinoys.

In 2008, they did a tedious 30-city US tour for GK with Cayabyab and the late Filipino painter Joey Velasco to raise funds for GK. A highlight was singing Paraiso,  a song composed by Cayabyab and used as the theme song for a GK movie of the same title, which made a lot of Filipino- Americans emotional.

 “It was an amazing experience,” says Kaich.

“They were so passionate about lifting our country out of poverty.The patriotism and love for country, God and countrymen have rubbed off on us. We were bitten by the GK bug as well,” shares Anton.

In helping the poor, they said singing has become much more meaningful.

“Mas masarap kumanta when you are singing for a purpose,” shares Anezka.

The RCS also said it’s been very rewarding for them to go to GK sites and do the actual construction of homes.

“We have built homes in Batangas, Baseco and QC. We painted the walls, mixed cement wall, the works. We also did some community service. We taught the children how to sing,” Poppert and Anezka proudly say.

The RCS said they feel privileged to have the opportunity to be GK advocates.

“It’s giving without expecting and a special bonus is that blessings come back to us in many ways. We feel very blessed that there would be performances and gigs. The GK advocates are wonderful, just to hear their encouraging words makes us happy,” Anezka says.

For Miguel, GK inspires him to be the best for his kababayan.

“We are constantly inspired by the GK mission, we are touched that we are able to give hope to other people through our songs, that we are able to make use of our God-given talents for a good cause,” says Miguel and Anton.

Poppert said he has learned how to count his blessings and helping doesn’t mean you have to move mountains.

“You can contribute in your own small way. Sharing your talent is in itself a big contribution as long as you do it from the heart,” says Poppert.

For Erwin, he realized that with the overwhelming support that Filipinos here and abroad show to better the lives of their fellow Pinoys, there is hope that the country can rise out of poverty by 2024, GK's goal to end poverty in the Philippines.

"GK has taught us the value of unity, that there is a sense of unity in this mission," the RCS singers said.