MANILA -- National Artist Ryan Cayabyab will celebrate his 70th birthday with a two-night concert on May 11 and 12 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

The legendary composer and musician shared his thoughts on reaching this milestone age in a recent interview, expressing that he feels no different from before.

"I feel the same," said Cayabyab. "I'm 70 in two days (May 4). Pareho lang -- ganoon pala [ang] matatanda, hindi nila nararamdaman na matanda na sila."

[I feel the same. I'll be 70 in two days. I guess old people don't feel that they're old.]

Asked about his secret to staying youthful, Cayabyab credited his love for music. "Meron akong innate na ayaw ko ng problema; alam ni misis 'yan," he added. "So hindi niya ako ina-approach ng may problema, kasi meron akong allergy sa problema."

[I have an innate dislike for problems. My wife knows that! She doesn't approach me with problems because I have an allergy to them.]

Cayabyab's concert, entitled "Gen C," is a celebration of the National Artist's legacy and features a lineup of performers from a newer generation. Among those who will pay tribute to the Maestro are actress Belle Mariano, bands Dilaw, Ben&Ben, and BINI.

The title "Gen C"  was suggested by  Rowell Santiago, director of the concert, and is a play on Cayabyab's surname.

"The title came from Cayabyab, his surname. It's not really generational, those who are touched by Mr. C's music," explained actress and producer Celeste Legaspi.

She adds that they are aiming to move away from solely focusing on Cayabyab as "The Maestro" and instead showcase his pop music and even his childlike nature. 

"The concerts na pinut-up ng ABS-CBN, ang emphasis ay 'Maestro,' and always with orchestra," said Legaspi. "We wanted to feature how childlike Ryan is. That's one of the main characteristics of Ryan. We wanted to stay away from the 'Maestro,' so we wanted to emphasize his pop music, accessibility, because we want people to enjoy Mr. C."

[The concerts put up by ABS-CBN usually emphasize the Maestro and always include the orchestra. We wanted to highlight how childlike Ryan is, as that is one of his main characteristics. We aimed to move away from the traditional Maestro image and instead focus on his pop music and accessibility because we want people to enjoy Mr. C.]

Also set to join Cayabyab in the two-night concert are: Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Vice Ganda, The Company, Stell of Pinoy pop group SB19, Janella Salvador, Kakai Bautista, Basil Valdez, Julie Anne San Jose, Karylle, Nyoy Volante, John Arcilla, Bituin Escalante, Jed Madela, Nonie Buencamino, and many others.