In this episode of Paco’s Place I sit down with one of the Philippines’ foremost musical luminaries — Maestro Ryan Cayabyab (aka “Mr. C”) — National Artist of the Philippines for Music (2018), composer, arranger, conductor and mentor extraordinaire.We dig into how he got his start in music, the challenges he overcame, and the mindset that has guided his decades-long career in shaping artists and songs in the Philippines and beyond.We also dive deep on his legendary group Smokey Mountain (their origin, the social mission, the impact) and his current project, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS) — who are now touring the U.S. with him. If you’re an artist, producer, creator or simply someone who wants to see how mentorship, craft and vision come together in music, this conversation will give you solid take-aways to apply.What you’ll hear: • How Maestro Ryan’s early years shaped his sound and purpose • The role of mentorship and passing knowledge forward • The creative process behind Smokey Mountain and why it mattered • Why he brought the Ryan Cayabyab Singers to the States, what they’re working on, and what live audiences can expect • Practical mindset-lessons for musicians, songwriters and creators aiming to level upHit Subscribe, leave a comment, and let me know: What lesson from this episode will you apply this week?#PacosPlace #RyanCayabyab #SmokeyMountain