MANILA, Philippines - The second round of eliminations at Manila Ocean Park’s The Bandstand kicks off tonight at 7. Competing are The Joint, Pancake 80, Beer, Raskals and Soulstitch.
Each band will perform its own choice of song and will be deliberated by The Bandstand’s panel of judges composed of record producer Eugene Villaluz, Myra “Skarlet” Ruaro (of Brownbeat All Stars and Put3ska fame) and Jeffrey Hidalgo.
Last week, ska-reggae band Barrio Morning Glory and pop rock band Takipsilim were proclaimed official semi-finalists. They will compete against four other bands coming from The Bandstand’s group two and three in the semi-final round. Also joining them is the band that will make it in the wildcard round.
Representing different musical genres from alternative rock to hip-hop, reggae, ska and R&B, the bands come from as far as Dagupan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. They will compete for a prize package that includes P100,000 in cash, a P100,000 live gig contract to perform at Manila Ocean Park, and a record deal with Sony Music. The first runner-up will receive P50,000 in cash, while the runner-up gets P25,000 in cash.
The competing bands are judged on musicality, creativity (to be scored by the judges), and audience votes. Voting stations are set up during the event to facilitate the voting process.
Sponsored by San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Sony Music, MYX (Your Choice, Your Music), Bobson, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3 and 103.5 Max FM, The Bandstand will also feature guest performers like M.Y.M.P. (today and on July 10), Urbanation (July 3 and Aug. 4), Sino Sikat (July 17 and Aug. 7), Truefaith (July 24), Nyoy Volante (July 31) and The Dawn (Aug. 21).
Hosted by Joaqui Valdes from the direction of Calvin Neria, Manila Ocean Park’s The Bandstand is open to the public for free.