Mark Ian A. Caballes

Musical prodigy, singer, pianist, conductor, teacher and voice coach.

1978 – 2020

MARK IAN A. CABALLES (also known as Yanner, 1978 – 2020) was a singer, pianist, conductor, and teacher. He was interested in music at a very young age, growing up in a musical family. During his youth, he won several competitions and performed in musical stage plays.

Caballes served as the Choirmaster and Director of the Silliman University Campus Choristers and guided them to win the ‘Best in Contest Piece Interpretation Award (Adult Choir Category)’ at the 2017 National Music Competition for Young Artists. In 2018, the group was featured in the 5th International Strings of Unity Music Festival in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

He was an active member of the local music community as a member of the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council and the Culture and Arts Council of Dumaguete City. He served as Musical Director for many of the city’s cultural shows. In 2018, he was awarded the Siglakang Negrense Awardee for Excellence in Performing Arts by the Province of Negros Oriental.

He had conducted workshops and performed in concerts all over world including Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States.

Caballes attended the Silliman University School of Music and Fine Arts (now the Silliman University College of Performing and Visual Arts) where completed his Bachelor of Music major in Piano / minor in Voice in 2001 and his Master of Music major in Choral Conducting in 2007.

He would go on to teach Music Theory, Choral Conducting, Literature, Music History, Piano and Voice at the Silliman University College of Performing and Visual Arts for 18 years. He would eventually become the Department Chairperson from 2012 to 2018. He was presented with the Dean’s Award in 2013 for outstanding Christian service and excellence in teaching. From 2016 and onward, he served as the Vice Chairperson of the Silliman University Culture and Arts Council.

Apart from his formal teaching duties, he worked with other artists as a vocal coach and trained different groups for local and international competitions.

Friends remember how he enjoyed cooking, designing costumes, watching K-dramas and beauty pageants, taking road trips, and spending time with his family.

Colleagues remember his positive attitude towards performing music – that he always pushed himself and his students to move towards excellence. And whether he was performing before the President of the Philippines or a group of elementary students, he would always give his best. “That’s what any audience deserves” he would say.