Ryan Cayabyab, APO Hiking Society, Mitch Valdes topbill 'naRyan nAPO Kami'

Ryan Cayabyab, Mitch Valdes, and APO Hiking Society's Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo will share the stage in “naRyan nAPO Kami,” the fourth installment of the MaestroClass Concert Series, on December 4 to 6 at the Proscenium Theater in Makati. 

They will be joined by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) for a concert featuring songs that have become part of the Filipino music landscape.

A National Artist for Music, Cayabyab has built a decades-long career as a composer, arranger, and musical director. His works include OPM classics and novelty hits such as “Kailan,” “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” “Kumukutikutitap,” and “Nais Ko.” 

His composition “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the grand prize at the inaugural Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978 and the 1978 Seoul International Song Festival. The Seoul fest win was a milestone for the Philippines as  it became the first Filipino composition to get an international award.

Meanwhile, Paredes and Garrovillo are the surviving members of APO Hiking Society. Originally a trio, the group was formed in 1969 with the late Danny Javier. 

The group  was a mover and shaker of the OPM movement with hits such as “When I Met You,” “Panalangin,” and “Batang-Bata Ka Pa." The upcoming concert will mark Paredes and Garrovillo’s first performance at the Proscenium Theater.

Valdes, a veteran singer formerly known as Maya Valdes, is also an actress and comedienne. She brings her wealth of experience in music, theater and comedy to the lineup. 

She has collaborated with Cayabyab in musical theater, notably in the original 1988 staging of “Katy! The Musical,” which featured his compositions. Valdes and Cayabyab have worked together for decades in landmark OPM concerts and musical productions.

Tickets for “naRyan nAPO Kami” are available through the Proscenium Theater website and at the physical ticket booth at Power Plant Cinema. Prices are from ₱7,000 to ₱12,000.