National artist Ryan Cayabyab pays tribute to OPM icon Heber Bartolome

Romar Fernando

November 20, 2021

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  Photo Credits: PhilStar Life / Pilipino Mirror

  The National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab has paid tribute and told some shared moments with the late Heber Bartolome, November 18, Thursday.

  Cayabyab recalled that they used to bump around the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, where he studied music and Bartolome studied fine arts. “I often crossed paths with him at the UP grounds back when I was studying there and I continued to see him when I began to teach,” Cayabyab told the Inquirer.

  “I idolized him for the clarity of his perspective on what a real Pinoy is, and what needs to be done to serve the country,” the national artist added. Bartolome was the folk-rock musician behind the iconic song ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy.’

  The two artists joined the Metropop songwriting contest in 1978. Cayabyab won grand prize with his entry ‘Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,’ Bartolome’s ‘Tayo’y Mga Pinoy’ was a finalist and became a protest song during martial law.

  “It’s sad. Unti-unti nang nalalagas ang mga kinalakhan kong mga musikong manlilikha.” Cayabyab concluded.

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