Everyone dreams of that one great love. That life changing kind of love. And sometimes, the only way to convey all those emotions is in a love song. One that sends hearts aflutter every time it is played. If there is someone who knows a thing or two about that it would be legendary composer and National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. He says that “Love is really what you make of it. So songs should be able to make you laugh, cry and feel everything between that and more. Like love does.” And his songs do exactly that.

Over the years, Mr. C has wooed us with songs that pierce through the heart. Some make us feel like we are being wooed, while others leave us swooning from all that love. What’s his secret? He writes straight from the heart, with his most beautiful ones inspired by the love of his life, Emmy Cayabyab. “I think I express more emotions in my songs, and my wife knows that the love songs are for her,” he muses.

The Maestro himself chats exclusively with DAILY TRIBUNE about about what it’s like to fall in love, and be in love. And to write music all about it.

How would Mr. C, the person, and Mr. C, the composer musician, define love?

When I was younger, I thought love was having a “crush.” Pure love. At age six, I was so sure this girl and I would end up together forever. Hahaha. My grade 6 crush was the first time I felt that “walking on clouds and butterfly in the stomach” feeling whenever I saw her in school.

I never entertained having any relationships until I was 30, and ready to settle down. The infatuation stage had been long gone, and I was busy pursuing a career and “saving up for life.” The universe led me to my future wife and that is the new story of love. Because, like every other couple, eventually love is what you make of it.

As a musician/songwriter, it is always nice to return to that crush/infatuation stage when I write songs. I think many people also love the romantic stage, and the great emotions that go with it. A bit cheesy, but why not? Because everyone has their own notions about love.

Your show is called ‘Love Letters.’ Were you a love letter writer?

I am not good at writing love letters, but when my wife and I were newly married and when I went on concert tours outside the country, we would write letters to each other. Some were short notes on cards with matching “open letter on…(specific date).” So I’d receive a bunch of letters and cards from her, while I just leave one.

You have written some of the most beautiful Filipino love songs. What, for you, makes for a good love song?

The best love songs are those that are sincerely written. All those expressions of love have all been about my feelings, my imaginations, my thoughts, my hopes, my dreams.

As songwriters, we write about the many stages of love — from the honeymoon phase to the disillusioned phase and even the acceptance/surrender phase. It is a long trip between romantic love and mature love, because, as every couple knows, there are countless challenges along the way.

It really depends on how the songwriter would like to color the story of love in a song.

When it comes to love songs, what is your favorite theme to write about?

I have written about all of it. The infatuation stage (“Kailan,” “Can This Be Love,” “Sa May Bintana,” “Kahit Habang Buhay”), the ideal love (“Tunay na Ligaya,” “Araw Gabi”), the bawal na pag-ibig (“Sometime, Somewhere”), the hiwalayan song (“Now That You’re Gone,” “Hello Joe,” “Goodbye”), love for mother (“Iduyan Mo”), imaginary love (“Iniibig Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang”), love in the splendor stage (“Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka”), love imprisoned (“Paraisong Parisukat”), unrequited love (“Paano na Kaya?”), and so many others, I can’t remember.

Have you ever made ‘harana’ anyone? What did you sing for her?

Only once. When I sang to my future wife “Araw Gabi” and “Tunay na Ligaya” on 21 May 1985 for her last birthday as a single woman at age 24. That was the year we got married, on 21 December 1985.

Did the letter and the ‘harana’ help you win the girl?

Maybe. Maybe. Most probably (the harana).

What are two ‘ligawan’ tips you can share?

First, find out the kiliti of your ka-valentine and experience it together. The farther away from commercial Valentine’s Day date venues, the better.

Second, write a song for her — if not, sing one that she knows and loves. If you can’t play the guitar — ‘di ba ang ganda nun? Picnic tapos sing with a guitar? — bring a minus-one and speaker and just sing for her. Kung limited ang funds, I think the UP (University of the Philippines) Diliman campus has a lot of spots for just sitting in the grass with some food and drinks, plus a guitar in hand.

Maybe I am too old-fashioned. What do Gen Zs think about Valentine’s Day anyway?

Top three favorite love songs you wrote?

“Araw Gabi,” “Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang,” “Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka.”

Maestro Ryan Cayabyab celebrates love and love songs in Love Letters, the second chapter of his Maestro Class series — a tribute to the timeless work of revered songwriters George Canseco, Jose Mari Chan and Willy Cruz. Joining him in the serenade are Basil Valdes, Celeste Legaspi and Ogie Alcasid, with three shows from 13 to 15 February, at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell. Tickets are available via Ticketworld online, or at the Powerplant Cinemas.