It HAS been said that "music hath charms to soothe the savage beast."

If that is the case, then noted singer Rica Arambulo could safely cross a den of lions with nary a nervous moment.

If there was ever a person born to be a musician, Rica would be it. She has quite literally breathed, lived, ate, and dreamt music her entire life. Born to world-renowned piano professor Carmencita Guanzon-Arambulo, Rica made the Greenhills Music Studio (now celebrating its 40th anniversary) her own personal musical playground, earning the reputation as a classical piano genius who shone brightest at competitions.

Rica showed her musical versatility by playing the drums, percussion, recorder, organ, and even sang for her school choir. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Music, Major in Piano, Minor in Voice, from the University of the Philippines College of Music.

A Maria Mota scholar, she was consistently awarded the highest grade in piano and music theory, which led her to the Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, California, where she took courses in composition.

Her musical resume underscores just how rare and priceless Rica’s talent is. From Awit Award nominations, Metropop victories and awards for musical arrangement to one-woman shows, television appearances and sell out concerts, Rica has proven just how far dedication, determination and world class talent can bring you.

But there is no greater validation for Rica’s musical achievement than the praise of her musical peers. From the legendary Ryan Cayabyab, with whom Rica enjoys an enduring friendship and who often hears the Philippine Maestro’s newest compositions ahead of all the rest, the extremely gifted Louie Ocampo whom Rica grew up with, sharing and expanding their gift of music together to musical genius Michel Legrand, who made Rica’s greatest dream come true when they shared the stage together. Rica, indeed, has fulfilled the promise of her prodigious talent and has left us wanting for more.

Rica celebrates her music and her years in the music industry with a birthday concert titled "Que Rica! A Toast to the Music of Rica Arambulo" on April 25 at the Teatrino in Greenhills.

Rica will enthrall us with some of her favorite original songs as well as preview some of her new songs from her upcoming album. She will also treat audiences to timeless standards, done from scratch, all freshly done the Rica way– a dash of class, romance, and inspiration, complete with live strings and acoustic grand piano.

Toasting her are some of her special friends in the music industry like The Company, the Philippines’ premiere vocal ensemble, with whom Rica has helped out as a musical director and whom she holds in extremely high esteem. Rica and The Company take us through the heartfelt melodies such as "Like a Lover."

Old UP chum Arnell Ignacio, whose musical gifts and sizzling wit Rica has always treasured throughout the years, also joins Rica on stage for some light moments down memory lane. Rica has always been fascinated with Arnell, both as a character as well as a musical talent and her admiration for Arnell has grown over the years as Arnell made his own mark in the entertainment industry. Rica also provides Arnell with a unique opportunity to prove that he is as good a singer as he is a host and a comedian.

Rica also promises to make musical magic on this night with the Suzuki String Ensemble, as they perform "Our Little Dreams," a song composed by Rica and inspired by the heart rending events of 9/11.

She also takes the stage with some of the best session musicians in the country like Noel Mendez on guitar, Meong Pacana on bass, Dingdong Boogie on percussions, Rey Cristobal on keyboards and Roy Mercado on drums, all collaborators on some of Rica’s most memorable songs and concerts.