BAHAGHARI’ – Must congratulate the people behind “Bahaghari,” the CD showcasing traditional Filipino folk songs. With no less than new National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and our very own international star Lea Salonga collaborating on “Bahaghari.”
The album is a production of Curve Entertainment headed by Narciso Chan and GLP Music.
If you ask me, “Bahaghari” is timeless, forever. It should be distributed to all schools and libraries in the country. A must-listen even to ordinary people like you and I.
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WHILE HE’S STILL – People are glad that Ryan was named National Artist while he’s still alive and kicking. His imaginative heart and mind can still produce more beautiful music. He can enjoy the laurels and perks that go with the honor.
Ryan is most prolific. Consider some of his compositions.
“Manila, Manila: As time Goes By,” “Bituin,” “Rama Hari,” “Kapinangan,” “Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin,” “La Revolucion Filipina,” “Katy,” and “Larawan.”
They are as varied as they come.
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HOW ABOUT – Yes, how about Lea Salonga, the collaborator of Ryan in “Bahaghari”?
When will she be proclaimed National Artist? Hopefully soon and not when she’s using a cane or a wheelchair.
Lea’s achievements as stage star is formidable. Oliver awardee on West End and Tony awardee on Broadway, both for Miss “Saigon,” which she originated.
After “Miss Saigon” came many other stage roles and concerts here and abroad. And recordings, the latest of which is “Bahaghari” in collaboration with Ryan.
But unlike Ryan, who was educated at the University of the Philippines from grades to college, Lea has no UP connection. Still the bigwigs behind the National Artist Award, said to be mostly from UP, ought to judge her on merits and merits alone.
