After an exciting series of screenings since last month, the top three finalists of the Tagisan Ng Bandang Pinoy (TBP) – Battle of the Filipino Bands, were officially announced.
The Pinoy music groups who will face the finals are Tolits, Asterisk, and Blanc Blvd. The competition is set on June 23 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel as part of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day 2023 (PID23) celebration.
Playing OPM alternative music, the Tolits band consists of Gil Brian Cayabyab for vocals, Hancel G. Paterno and Jayson Mangubat Javier for guitars, Edwin ‘Dwink’ Eco for bass and Ryan Sarreal for drums.
Passionate for OPM jazz alternative, Asterisk band is composed of Michael Ryan Trinidad Moscoso for vocals, EmmanuelLagman Vincoy for bass, Kenneth ‘Kenjo’ Mendez for drums and Peter Kae Jan Cadiz Lim for guitar.
Performing OPM rock alternative, Blanc Blvd members include Jerome Paghubasan for drums, Ian Chris Alisbo for lead guitar, Peter Michael Ramirez Anot for main vocals, Mario Montenegro for bass guitar and Jenesis Ombao for rhythm guitar.
Other groups that participated in the contest were Desert Jive, Parallel Run, Aloragazi, Dahon Mix, Ben Tumbling, Moxies and Payo ni Lakay.
Mark Apple Davis, the competition’s Subcommittee Chair, said that the judges faced a daunting task in selecting the top contenders for the next round as the calibre of talent was exceptionally high.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Battle of the Bands elimination round was a resounding success! With an electrifying atmosphere and jaw-dropping performances, the event showcased the immense talent and passion of the competing bands,” Davis added.
He further shared that the audience was captivated by the diverse range of musical styles, innovative arrangements, and incredible stage presence demonstrated by each group. The competition was fierce, pushing the bands to their limits and delivering unforgettable moments of musical brilliance.
Davis is an HSE Professional who also joined Dubfire Island as its composer-songwriter and lead guitarist. He is the bassist and band leader of The Kalmados group as well.
“Congratulations to all the bands for their outstanding performances, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming rounds of this exhilarating battle,” he enthused.
