Best of Pinoy Rock at Pambansang Muziklaban

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

IT IS every Pinoy rocker's dream to see their elusive rock gods perform in one stage. And no less than the country's top extra strong beer, Red Horse Beer, made this phenomenon possible with the culmination of the 13th Pambansang Muziklaban rock event held recently at the Aseana City in Paranaque City, Metro Manila.

Rock icon Joey "Pepe" Smith took the event’s theme "Rakenrol Circus" seriously. That night, he was Joker, the nemesis of superhero Batman; but on that stage, Pepe "the Joker" was loved, as he, together with Wally Gonzales and Mike Hanopol -- his co-members in the Juan dela Cruz band -- entertained the Red Horse Beer fans with some of their classic ‘70’s hits namely Beep Beep, Titser’s Enemi No. 1, Kagatan, Rakenrol sa Ulan, and Wally's Blues.

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Completing the 70's Pinoy rock nostalgia in the star-studded Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban was Maria Cafra's rendition of Kumusta mga Kaibigan and other popular hits.

His first Muziklaban appearance, the world-renowned Freddie Aguilar sent chills down the spine when he played the highest-selling Philippine record, "Anak" and the socially relevant Maguindanao.

The action began early on 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 rock heavyweights Pepe Smith, Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Ely Buendia, Reg Rubio of Greyhoundz and Jamir Garcia of Slapshock.

What made the 2011 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 star-studded event with musician Francis Brew and celebrity host Julia Clarete.

Rocksteddy, Franco, Tanya Markova, Valley of Chrome, Chongkeys, Ganhava, Mr. Bones & the Boneyard Circus, Giniling Festival, and Dogfight added delight to the 13th Pambansang Muziklaban, the biggest, loudest and most prestigious amateur rock competition in the country.

The event would not be complete without the riveting performances of past Muziklaban title holders who expressed their appreciation for Red Horse Beer's continuing support for new artists.

Mayonnaise (2004 champion), Ibarra (2006), Gayuma (2007), Even (2008), Hatankaru (2009), and Light of Luna (2010), proudly welcomed the incumbent champion band "David vs Goliath" from Davao, which won a tax-free cash prize of P500,000, an exclusive band contract with Red Horse Beer, plus other perks.

"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; he even gave us some winning tips. Sabi niya, ang pinaka importante sa lahat ay lakasan ang gitara pag tumugtog kami sa stage," shared 19-year-old Jules Clyde Montanez, guitars and clean vocals.

David vs. Goliath is composed of Kenneth Zamudio (lead guitars), Jules Montanez, 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 age from 19-22 and have been friends way back in college. They associate themselves with the biblical character David, and Goliath as the challenges in their journey as a band.

Montanez added that the Muziklaban has opened the doors for the band to share their music with more listeners, something that they have been struggling for 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," explained Montanez who disclosed that this was the band’s second attempt to join in Muziklaban.

Roberto N. Huang, president of San Miguel Brewery Inc. expressed his appreciation for all the celebrities who share 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.