Pepe Smith at Greenhills Sessionistas

MANILA, Philippines - Joey “Pepe” Smith (photo) of the Juan dela Cruz band is one of the guest performers at the finals night of Greenhills Sessionistas on Oct. 1. The school band competition culminates on that day, when three finalists battle it out for the top spot. The judges will be Chikoy Pura of The Jerks, drummer Andre Soler formerly of Mullato and Francis Reyes of NU107.

Prizes include cash, gift certificates from the Greenhills Shopping Center Tiangge and a four-night gig as a professional band at the Tiendesitas, where bar owners from various central business districts hunt for upcoming bands.

Aside from Juan dela Cruz, other popular bands participating as guests are Imago, Rivermaya, Urbandub and 6Cyclemind — all giving the contestants a feel of how to perform like a pro. The event gathers top bands from different schools in a friendly competition and renders popular and original compositions for shoppers and music buffs.