debut single "Seryoso"

Reyn Callao and his passion for Ilonggo music

Singers are born. Popstars are made. But one thing remains clear in the world of music: it is about passion. Ilonggos are natural music lovers and their distinct affinity for music often revolves in the concept of romance. No wonder, their beloved noble city of Iloilo is culturally identified as the city of love. Paris in France may be far way but their home city is the home of sweetest and affectionate people- the Ilonggos.

For Reyn Callao, a musically-gifted 20-year-old guy who hails from Iloilo City, he has been breathing music and performing for as long as he can remember. He is passionate in what he does best: singing and aspiring to give a shot for music. After all, music runs in his veins since his father used to be a band member in his younger years and able to play any kind of musical instruments. His siblings are musically-inclined, too. His older brother loves to sing ballads and perform with his rock band in different bars in Manila for several years.

Reyn never miss any extracurricular activities that involve music and singing in school. He even performs with a willing heart in every community fiesta that he is invited to and even in their local parish church. His patience and perseverance seems to be a consistent attitude that earned the admiration of his family, friends, and even young girls who can’t seem to leave without noticing his charming personality on stage. For him, giving his best performance is what matters most even if it’s just a small or big event. I guess a real born singer like him find joy and contentment in expressing himself through his passion to sing. His musical inclination became more intense when he tried his hands in writing his own distinct lyrics in Ilonggo by using the melodies and tunes of popular pop songs. In fact, he already composed his own original songs kept in his small notebook waiting to be unveiled, discovered, and turned into recorded songs someday.

Reyn credited his musical style through his popular singing idols like American singers Chris Brown and Neyo who popularized many RnB songs today. He would often sing to his heart’s delight wherever he is. Either relaxing at home or attending parties or events, he is always asked to perform and entertain people with his singing prowess. Throughout his years of performing independently, Reyn developed his unique style in music that defined his own musical artistry. His personal attempts to elevate his talent led him to create an Ilonggo version of Chris Brown’s global smash hit song “With You" in 2008. The remake song he used to hum while lying in his bed and listening to the radio inspired him to entitle it “Seryoso.” The song is an outburst of sentiment and emotional attempt to express his good intention to a girl whom he fell in love with. But he chooses to hide his feelings and in turn pour out his emotions to pen a touching poetry that came alive through music.

His lyrics of “Seryoso”is full of zip and has a suave flow of expression that reveals his romantic nature as an Ilonggo singer. He chooses to be realistic, transparent, and sincere in his attempt to woe the girl through the song. If you’re the girl in the song who happens to hear it, you would feel the depth of sincerity, the raw emotion, and catchy lyrical poetry he infused to persuade a doubtful heart. After all, from stanza to chorus, there’s a big heart in it and it shows how easy to hum over the lyrics, a soulful serenade to a lot of lonely souls.

This is what passion means for “rslphoenix Muzic,” an independent team of Ilonggo musical artists who happened to took notice of Reyn’s inspiring patience to keep his music alive. The group has decided to convince him to record the song and make it a single. “Seryoso” is his first independent single to be released in local radio stations in Iloilo City in hopes to gain the affinity of radio listeners who love sincere and good music. Since the song is in Ilonggo, it coincided with rslphoenix Muzic aspiration to being back the interest of listeners for Ilonggo music and revive the trend sensationalized by Bombo Radyo, a leading AM radio through Ilonggo Music Festival way back in the 1990s. Amidst the massive popularity of Manila-based and international music, there are a lot of Ilonggo singers who never forgets their distinct music written in their regional vernacular. After all, music defines the romantic and warm nature of the Ionggos.

Starting March 2010, Rey Callao’s first independent single “Seryoso” can be heard and will be played in local radio stations to inspire not only radio listeners but to infuse in their heart the passion for Ilonggo music that will not fade away.

Support Ilonggo music and request for “Seryoso” in your local radio stations now. You may check this webpage for future updates of Reyn Callao’s music. Email him at reyncallao@yahoo.com.