Ryan Cayabyab creates music for new folk song about fruits
Every wondered why the song 'Bahay Kubo' is only about vegetables?
The classic Filipino folk song was created to celebrate the bounty of the Philippines. However, it fails to mention any fruits.
'Bahay Kubo' was written by National Artist for Music Felipe Padilla de Leon. It was popularized in the 1960s through movies and renditions by famous singers like Sylvia La Torre. The song has since been taught to Filipino children in schools and is now a part of the education system like the alphabet song.
Recently, another national artist has released a new folk song that is all about Philippine fruits, kind of like a counterpart to 'Bahay Kubo.'
National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab and writer/film producer Noel Ferrer paired up to create 'Prutas Pilipinas,' a song about the fruits of the Philippines. The song is performed by OPM group, The Company.
'Prutas Pilipinas' is now available on Spotify
“Nature, music, and science come together in our song 'Prutas Pilipinas'. What better way to celebrate life than to sing a song about our fruits that give us life!” says Ryan Cayabyab in a statement.
The song is like 'Bahay Kubo' but this time listing down the many fruits found in the Philippines, both native and non-native species. Some of the fruits included in the song are: calamansi, guyabano, mangosteen, Sampaloc, atis, aratiles, langka, lanzones, camachile, makopa, and even strawberry and mais.
Noel Ferrer wrote the lyrics and he says it's an opportunity to promote a healthy Philippines through the song.
“I thought that it would be a good opportunity to start from basic fruits and expand it to a collective push for a healthy nation--para sa masigla, magaling at masayang Pilipinas. The genius of our National Artist Mr. Cayabyab, as shown in the excellent music, and the exceptional vocal quality and harmony of The Company made the song truly fun, dynamic, and meaningful,” shares Noel Ferrer.
The song is also more contemporary and upbeat. The Company brings its signature flavor and vocals to the new folk song.
“'Prutas Pilipinas' is that rare moment in OPM where we get to tick all of the right boxes. This contemporary folk song is entertaining, educational and edifying. Transcending merely sensory enjoyment, this song becomes a pro-active participant in nation-building,” adds The Company founding member, Moy Ortiz.
The Company
The song is an initiative of local juice brand Locally and will have three versions. The first version is now available on Spotify while the second version would include a “bugtungan”. The third will be a shorter version intended to be shared nationwide through the Department of Education.