MANILA — National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab on Wednesday kicked off a free concert series via Facebook Live, as a channel of solidarity and entertainment among Filipinos amid the Luzon-wide quarantine due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The "Bayanihan, Musikahan" series, Cayabyab explained, will feature different artists performing songs through live video on their respective Facebook pages, as well as the program's main page.

Rolling out formally on March 23, the concerts aim to raise funds for the most vulnerable sectors in the COVID-19 crisis, according to the music veteran.

"Alam natin na tayo, kayong nanonood ng FB Live, we're all relaxed in our houses, pero mas maraming tao na nangangailangan ng tulong... Sila 'yung nagatrabaho araw-araw para may kitain, para may maihain sa kanilang hapag-kainan," he said.

The means for donations, as well as the beneficiaries, will be detailed in succeeding episodes of the Bayanihan Musikahan.

In Cayabyab's first episode, he interacted with viewers whom he let determine his lineup of performances. He granted their requests to sing his iconic compositions "Tuwing Umuulan", "Mamang Kutsero", "Araw Gabi", as well as the "Sineskwela" theme song.

He then enumerated the artists involved in "Bayanahin, Musikahan" — a diverse mix of stage and mainstream talents, both stalwarts and newcomers.

Among those confirmed to perform are Lea Salonga, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jaya, Martin Nievera, Jed Madela, Ebe Dancel, Chito Miranda, Raymund Marsigan, Cherie Gil, Agot Isidro, Jim Paredes, Noel Cabangon, Aicelle Santos, Morissette, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Nyoy Volante, Ice Seguerra, Dingdong Avanzado, Juris Fernandez, Karylle, Yael Yuzon, and Sitti.

Also listed as performers are Jett Pangan, Tanya Manalang, Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez, Raymond Lauchengco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bayang Barrios, The Company, Gian Magdangal, Gab Pangilinan, Reb Atadero, Michael Williams, and Red Concepcion.