RYAN UYBENGKEE: MC+DJ
It may or may not be common knowledge that there’s more to being a master of ceremonies or MC than just standing in front of a crowd and delivering spiels out of cue cards. As the official host of an event, an MC’s role entails a wide range of skills including but not limited to giving introductions, microphone technique, posture and stance and voice inflection. He or she has to skillfully capture the guests’ attention, as well as keep them informed of when and how they could participate in the program, all the while making sure the agenda flows smoothly. It is a multifaceted responsibility that many people have tried to take on. One of them is Ryan Uybengkee, events host and DJ.
A graduate of B.S. Architecture at the University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus, it wasn’t until 2003 that Ryan had his first hosting stint at his brother’s wedding. One of the guests was quite impressed and invited Ryan to be the MC of her wedding reception. Soon after, one referral led to another and Ryan found himself doing other events—birthdays, debuts, anniversaries, corporate events, product launching, small gatherings and surprise parties. He even does voice-overs. One coordinator saw potential in him and got him to work for her. A lot of others followed suit. Word of mouth has proven to be a great marketing tool in Ryan’s experience.
His DJ stint is another story. It all began as a hobby when he was 13. He had only cassette tapes then. He would listen to mixtapes and practice in his room with two tape decks. Bringing his small collection with him, he would sometimes visit his neighbor who owned vinyls and two turntables.
In high school, when Cebuano bands were all the rage, Ryan lost touch with DJ-ing and turned to drumming instead. He was a drummer for a local church where he played six times a week using the drum set he purchased himself. Ryan wasn’t paid a single centavo for it, but the satisfaction he got from knowing he did well was more than enough to fuel his passion. It also helped that his parents were very supportive of him.
In retrospect, being a drummer taught him dynamics—something immensely useful in being both a DJ and an MC. His church friends taught him the importance of giving his best every time—a work attitude he carries to this day. His experience in banks and a hotel taught him persuasion strategies, service excellence, how to present himself to people and the value of hard work—all of which are useful to his career now.
As for his style, Ryan admits to keeping it simple. “I let the music do its magic and supply the words needed to enhance it and present the event,” he said. Knowing his crowd and the kind of guests he works for, is another trade secret of his. “I am a people person so I want to work in close proximity to them. I want to relate to people. I want an event to be personal.”
So Ryan wears two hats—an act attempted by many but only a few have succeeded at—and both hats look good on him.