The best of Pinoy rock at Muziklaban

MANILA, Philippines - Every Pinoy rocker’s dream came true recently as Red Horse Beer gathered Pinoy rock gods in one stage with the culmination of the 13th Pambansang Muziklaban rock event held at the Aseana City in Parañaque City.

Joey “Pepe” Smith took the event’s theme Rakenrol Circus seriously as he made himself up to look like “the Joker.” But unlike the arch nemesis of superhero Batman, Pepe was well-loved as he, together with Juan dela Cruz band stalwarts Wally Gonzales and Mike Hanopol, rocked the evening with the classic hits Beep Beep, Titser’s Enemi No. 1, Kagatan, Rakenrol sa Ulan and Wally’s Blues.

The ’70s Pinoy rock nostalgia didn’t stop there as another legendary band, Maria Cafra, played anew Kumusta mga Kaibigan and other hits.

In his first Muziklaban appearance, Freddie Aguilar sent chills down the spine with his trademark songs Anak and the socially-relevant Maguindanao, among others.

2011 Red Horse Beer Muziklaban champion David vs. Goliath with the finalists

The event went on overdrive early with Kevin Roy of Razorback and Jamir Garcia of Slapshock’s live rendition of Red Horse Beer anthems, a prelude to the grand opening number of other rock heavyweights Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Ely Buendia of Pupil and Reg Rubio of Greyhoundz.

What made the Pambansang Muziklaban extra astig was the collaborative performances of the four band finalists with their rock idols.

Reg Rubio joined the 2011 champion David vs. Goliath of Davao City in performing the song DobleKara popularized by Greyhoundz. Ian Tayao jammed with Cebu’s bet Leviticus in Wilabaliw’s hit song Matador; Kevin Roy played Razorback’s Payaso with Benguet’s Zephaniah; and Mark Abaya performed Kjwan’s Daliri with Mind of Clay of Legazpi City.

Red Horse Beer fans also had a great time with the brand’s newest endorser, Lovi Poe, who hosted the event with musician Francis Brew and Julia Clarete.

Rocksteddy, Franco, Tanya Markova, Valley of Chrome, Chongkeys, Ganhava, Mr. Bones & the Boneyard Circus, Giniling Festival and Dogfight added spark to the event, touted as the biggest, loudest and most prestigious amateur rock competition in the country.

Hollywood favorite inkman Chris Garcia

There were also performances from past Muziklaban champions. Mayonnaise (2004), Ibarra (2006), Gayuma (2007), Even (2008), Hatankaru (2009) and Light of Luna (2010) welcomed the incumbent champion band David vs. Goliath, which won a tax-free cash prize of P500,000 and an exclusive band contract with Red Horse Beer, among others.

“Our experience in the 13th Pambansang Muziklaban was overwhelming. We did not only bring glory for Mindanao but we also performed onstage with our idol Reg Rubio of Greyhoundz. He was very accommodating to us and even gave us some winning tips. Sabi niya, ang pinaka importante sa lahat ay lakasan ang gitara pag tumugtog kami sa stage, ” said guitarist and vocalist Jules Clyde Montanez.

David vs. Goliath is composed of Kenneth Zamudio (lead guitars), Jules, Arvin Nacario (bass guitar), Amiel Avila (drums) and Oliver Louis Lagdameo (lead vocalist). They passed through the rigorous elimination in Matina, Davao City and won in the semi-finals at Digos City. The members were college friends from way back. They associate themselves with the Biblical characters David and Goliath in their journey as a band.

Montanez added that the Muziklaban has opened the doors for the band to share its music with more listeners, something that it has been struggling to do since the band was formed in 2006.

“Dati, hindi masyadong appreciated ang music namin dahil maingay daw kami. For us, that was one of the many Goliaths that we had to overcome. We did not veer away from our passion, and eventually, our efforts finally paid off, “ said Montanez who disclosed that this was the band’s second attempt to join in Muziklaban.

Lovi Poe with the Red Horse Beer team led by SMB marketing manager Menlou Bibonia

San Miguel Brewery, Inc. president Roberto Huang expressed his appreciation to all the celebrities who shared Red Horse Beer’s passion in discovering new talents not only in the Philippine rock music industry but also in the fields of body art and extreme sports.

Huang added that the recent Pambansang Muziklaban signifies the company’s commitment to up the fun ante in every event that the brand organizes.

“We in SMB make sure that we live up to our reputation of not only providing our loyal patrons with world-class products and services, but also with activities where they can express themselves, share their talents and celebrate with friends,” he said.

For details, log on to www.redhorsebeer.com.