Ryan Cayabyab and Moy Ortiz interview: The state of Filipino music

We combat the post-festival depression in an intimate talk with the curators behind the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival this year

Music gathers people together—whether in private gatherings or huge festivals. Musician and The Company singer Moy Ortiz always believed in this power. So, when he was asked by the Bonifacio Arts Foundation what he wanted to do for a project, he was quick to propose a music festival that would feature Filipino music that embraces all ages. Thus, the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023 was born.

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Regardless of whether the songs came from the past or today, whether they may be the swing revival of the ’90s or the electronic dance music (EDM) of the present, everything is welcomed and is already a huge contribution to the field.

“[You know], I don’t say OPM (Original Pilipino Music),” starts musician and composer Ryan Cayabyab. “When you say OPM, there is somehow a handle that identifies the music from a certain period only. I say Filipino music instead, which means music from the past or the way to the future.”

Above The Pinoy Playlist Music Festival

That’s what the festival aims to promote: that Filipino music doesn’t only encompass eras, but all ages and people, too. “It’s both a nod to tradition and legacy,” adds Ortiz. “It is also a collective movement to bring our culture forward, and in this case, the manifestation of that culture is Filipino music. [Let’s] bring it to the future and ensure its progress.”

The festival caters for everyone, all genres for all ages—as long as it is created by our countrymen. “It doesn’t have to be a Filipino who is from Manila, or even a Filipino from the Philippines. You can be a Filipino anywhere in the world. As long as you create music, you are welcome to this festival,” explains Ortiz.

Above The audience enjoying the festivities

From the solo performances and bands to pop, theatre and campus acts present during the festival, it is obvious how Filipino music has diversified as of late. “[Moreover], Philippine jazz is now asserting its personality, and even our hip-hop and rhythm & blues (R&B) too,” says Cayabyab. In every sense of the word, “Filipino music is becoming more diverse.”

It helps that our local music is being put into the spotlight also.

Above The festival boasts a series of high quality performances

For the past few years, our musicians have been promoting regional Filipino music. Regional writers can contribute a lot, according to Cayabyab. Everywhere we go now, whether in Bicol, Ilocos, or Pampanga—a few famous regions in Luzon—or even the lands that make Visayas and Mindanao, there is a potential to achieve a rich culture in music (if they still haven’t, that is).

“We ask them to write in their language because the language of each region has their inflexion and their natural melodies,” says Cayabyab. However, they are encouraged to use standard popular music, structures, and styles. “Because if they do, the young people can enjoy it also.” So, they encourage songwriters to write in the language that is second nature to them, to express more of what they naturally feel.

Above Moy Ortiz

Above Ryan Cayabyab

Ortiz, in a way, agrees. Hyperlocalism is the “way to go” for Filipino music to be recognised. “The more authentic you are when you show up in your music, culture, or art, the more you will stand out in the world,” he adds. “The only way to do it is by totally embracing who you are with no apologies.”

The musician says that it’s what the Brazilians did with bossa nova at the end of the 1950s. They didn’t try to sound like Americans or Europeans. They showed up as themselves, like what the Koreans did as well.

“They showed up as they are, and that’s what we should do: show up as a Filipino. We are a good mix of the East and the West,” says Ortiz. “And I’m not saying to be a purist, no. Come as you are, but never forget your roots.”

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Credits

Interview

Christofer Palentino

Images

Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc.

Topics

Pinoy Playlist Music Festival 2023 OPM Filipino Music Ryan Cayabyab Moy Ortiz

Tatler Asia

To our memories and future: In conversation with OPM icons Ryan Cayabyab and Moy Ortiz