Music and lyrics by Kuya Bryan
“IKAW ang akong kalipay / karon puro na pagmahay / Nganong imo man ‘kong giduwaan / abi nako’g tinud-anay.”
These are the lyrics from the song “Pasabta Ko” composed, arranged and produced by songwriter Bryan Arias Balucan, more popularly known as Kuya Bryan. Fun fact: he wrote the song in an hour.
Interpreted by Leela Laburada, the song was recorded in September 2016. As of writing, it has five million views on YouTube since its release.
While those who’ve only known him in recent years know him as a songwriter, his peers from way back know him as a licensed engineer. He was also a dance choreographer for 18 years, teaching Filipino communities and forming groups—including the Filipino Dance Club in Singapore— while working as an engineer. The songwriting bit came into play when he was stuck with the question, “How can I contribute to the Filipino community now that I’ve stopped teaching dance?”
It was when he saw his friend, high school classmate and Cebuano musician Franco Reyes—who he was impressed with during the latter’s gig in Singapore—that drove Kuya Bryan to take on this new path.
“He said to me, ‘OPM (Original Pinoy Music) won’t improve if we continue to cover foreign songs,’” he recalled. “The good thing about songwriting is that even other Pinoys from different places can be inspired.”
As a new player in a city where Bisaya songs were already making waves, Balucan—who grew up listening to songs like “Coat of Love” and “With You” by local band BTU for example—wished for a continued support for not only Bisaya but also Tagalog and English songs. And so, OBM was conceived.
“Pasabta Ko” is one of 76 songs he has released since he started his stint as a songwriter three years ago. Other notable tracks include “Bisaya,” “Nakasabot Na Ko” and “Ikaw Ra.” Though he’s had his fair share of rejections, in the end, the turnout wasn’t bad at all. In fact, he considers those struggles to be what challenged him to do better and write better.
“I didn’t dream of this. All I wanted was to be an engineer. And I was happy with dancing. But why was this given to me? I didn’t even know how to play instruments before. I really believe this was from God. A talent given by God,” he said.
It’s through this talent that he aims to inspire by sharing his wisdom to those who wish to learn from him.
“They’re happy because, at least, I tell them honestly,” he said, about the people who ask him to listen to their songs. “I have to tell them the truth. I have to be brutally honest,” he said. In the end, all he wants is to inspire.
“Even if you go through a lot of rejections, you can still succeed and do better things if you put God at the center,” he advised. “Aim high, believe, don’t give up, always pray and always be grateful every day.”