The world of digital music gets a collaborative treat on a grand scale with the release of an album by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), with National Artist Ryan Cayabyab as their conductor.

The album "Serenata" is dropped on popular digital stores today, May 12. A grand launch is also set at 8 pm tonight at the Manila Metropolitan Theater where the acknowledged country's leading orchestra and the highly respected figure of Philippine music will perform live.

PPO director Eugene De Los Santos said the project started years back as a tribute to the Maestro himself. Finally, and at the right time, it will be released as an album that tackled beloved Philippine folk songs.

De Los Santos implied, "Originally we were supposed to do it to celebrate Maestro Ryan Cayabyab's birthday milestone. Now we're putting it out with him and for his lofty stature as a National Artist."

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of PPO, widely regarded as among the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region. It was established on May 15, 1973, as CCP Philharmonic Orchestra, initially intended to accompany the performing artists at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

"Serenata" is backed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Widescope Entertainment which distributes the album in digital platforms.

Widescope is one of the new, aggressive labels in the Philippines spearheaded by industry veterans Vic De Vera and Neil Gregorio.

"Serenata" contains eight orchestral tracks led by the well-known Kapampangan piece "Atin cu pung singing" and Bicol's "Sarung Banggi."

Other tracks included are "Walay Angay" (Ilonggo), Ti ayat ti maysa nga ubing (Ilocano), Sampaguita (Original Spanish “La Flor de Manila”), Malinac lay labi (Pangasinan), and No Te Vayas De Zamboanga.

The PPO has performed with many of the world’s renowned conductors like Helen Quach, Sister Maria Rosalina Abejo, Francisco Feliciano, among other stellar names. It also shared the stage with world-class acts, including our country's pride Cecile Licad and Lea Salonga.

It has likewise consistently promoted music appreciation through outreach concerts in schools, parishes, government agencies, and various communities all over the whole archipelago.

The PPO already made waves in Tokyo (2002), Bangkok (2004), Shanghai (2010), Beijing(2011), and a number of European cities (2001).

In June 2016 it made history as the first Philippine orchestra to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.

PPO members who performed on "Serenata" deserve to be named. They are (VIOLIN I) Nemesio Ibero, Dino Akira Decena, Joanna Ruth Livioco, Ayesa Cruz, Edwin Dollosa, Joseph Frederick Regalario, Felicito Dumlao, Alfred Sanchez, Crisancti Macazo, Gemma Bicaldo; (VIOLIN II) Jorge Joy Sababan, Teresa Garcia, Valeriano Veloso, Ma. Angelica Uson, Michael Del Rosario, Aristotle Ramos, Berny Dulce Payte, Jose Carlo Tuazon, *Regine Anne Imperial; (VIOLA) Joy Allan Dela Cruz, Adelaida Perez, Ferdinand Dumlao, Magdalena Fernandez, Rebecca Alejaga, Veronica Ronquillo, Rey Casey Concepcion, *Joven Edward Aquisap; (CELLO) Gerry Graham Gonzales, Leonardo Malazo, Felicitas Ronquillo, Ma. Victoria Chang, Claudinia Lucas, Ma. Theresa Ibero, Rolando Guerrero, Herrick Ortiz; (CONTRABASS) Ariston Payte  III, Rommel Cruz, Abner  Cruz, Arnel Jacinto, Ernesto Delos Reyes; (FLUTE) Hercules Santiago, Edgardo Silangcruz; (PICCOLO) Rosemarie Poblete; OBOE Rizalino Garcia; (OBOE/ENGLISH HORN) Reynato Resurreccion; (CLARINET) Ariel Sta Ana, Victorino San Antonio, Jayson Rivera; (BASSOON) Adolfo Mendoza , Alvin Sison; (CONTRABASSOON) Jose Jerry Samonte; (FRENCH HORN) Vicente Galang, Ernani Pascual, Ramon Alcantara, Jay Ar Mesa; (TRUMPET) Fredeline Parin, Glober Calambro. Edwin Matias, Melvin Miranda; (TROMBONE) Cornelio Ramos, Alejandro Fernandez, *Elmer Ruel Guballa; (TUBA) Benedicto Dela Peret Jr.; (TIMPANI & PERCUSSION) Leodivino Roque, Gomer Giron, Aimee De la Cruz, Ederic Sampedro, *London John Gatchalian, *April Dawnena Misa; (HARP) *Lourdes De Leon-Gregorio (Those in * are guest musicians).