NATIONAL artist and multi-awarded composer Ryan Cayabyab and Palanca awardee Floy Quintos will mount the production numbers in what promises to be a spectacular opening program for the 30th SEA Games on Nov. 30 at the 50,000-seat Philippine Sports Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“I did the same thing on my own for the 2005 SEA Games but this time it will be a collaboration with younger local composers,” Cayabyab said yesterday when the 30th Games theme song “We Win As One” was launched and rendered by renowned international singer Lea Salonga.
Cayabyab composed the music while Quintos penned the lyrics of the inspiring four-minute song that Salonga sang in public for the first time at the Grand Bar and Lounge of the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.
Gracing the occasion were House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano in his capacity as PHISGOC chairman, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay Rep. Bambol Tolentino.
“The feeling is fantastic. It feels wonderful. Hopefully, it represents the best of who we are,” said Salonga. “Hopefully, the song inspires our athletes, win or lose.”
The celebrated singer-composer said this was not her first time to sing in a sports competition, recalling her experience as the singer of the 2006 Asian Games closing ceremonies in Doha, Qatar.
“We made sure that this song was tailor-made for Lea, to fit her to a T,” noted Cayabyab, revealing that he made revisions to the song once it was confirmed that Salonga would sing it.
“Lea has the gravitas and worthy to sing this song,” he added.
As an artist who made a name for herself in such popular Broadway musicals as “Miss Saigon,” and “Lea Miserables,” Lea had a message for the country’s SEA Games campaigners.
“Just always bear in mind that you are not representing yourselves but your country. So even if you lose, huwag pikon. That should be your mindset,” she stressed. “Be gracious no matter what happens. I wish everyone the best.”
Cayabyab said he’s eyeing three to four musicians who will collaborate with him for the opening ceremonies “kasi marami talagang magagaling diyan.
“Within the context of the opening ceremonies, a lot of it will be ethnic and include hip-hop. I will be supervising the entire music.”
