The National Commission for Culture and the Arts submits its shortlist for the Order of National Artists to the Malacañang Palace, sources say

A true champion of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Ryan Cayabyab is set to receive the highest national award for Filipino artists. After finishing his Bachelor's degree in University of the Philippines College of Music, Cayabyab then pursued teaching and became a full-time professor at his alma mater. 

Mr. C, as he is affectionately called, was able to make waves not only in the theatrical stage, but also in film scoring and popular music scene. Considered as a musical genius, his pure talent and dedication to his craft earned him multiple accolades as a composer, musical director, conductor, and accompanist. The biggest of which is the 2001 Onassis International Cultural Competitions, where his composition – Misa 2000 used in Douglas Nierra's Metanoia – was named best Original Music Composition for Dance. 

Pushing OPM to greater heights, Cayabyab is also the current executive director of Philpop MusicFest Foundation Inc., giving aspiring Filipino songwriters an avenue for their music where their original compositions are being interpreted by today's generation of artists.

Other notable artists receiving the prestigious recognition are: Francisco Mañosa (Architecture), Kidlat Tahimik (Cinema), Ramon Muzones (Literature), Resil Mojares (Literature), Larry Alcala (Visual Arts), and Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio (Theater).

For more updates regarding the National Artists 2018 Proclamation follow ncca.gov.ph