Navy rules the first musicHERO Battle of the Uniformed Bands

The Philippine Navy’s Marine Corps Combo (in camouflage uniform) was declared Champion of the musicHERO 2009. Other awardees are the bands of the Philippine Navy Seabees Band (1^st Runner Up), Philippine Army Jungle Fighter Combo (2^nd Runner Up and Best Vocalist) and Philippine Military Academy Cadet Combo (Best Original Composition). It was hosted by morning show host Bobby Yan and Cav. Bien Clarete of PMA Class 1999. DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. graced the event by launching the musicHERO CD and awarding the winner of the competition.

The first ever musicHERO Battle of the Uniformed Bands rocks SM Mall of Asia on March 27, 2009 as bands (combo) of the different military and law enforcement services showcased extra-ordinary performance beyond the expectations of the crowd. A variety of music was demonstrated ranging from pure rock to rap, r&b, reggae and ballad.

“Parokya ni Edgar” added spice to the program as the ultimate guest performer when Chito Miranda went down the stage for a jamming with the crowd. Also performing as guests are “Slapshock” and “Typecast” Bands. musicHERO Band representatives of the different AFP Branches of Service and other law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and BFP sang their production number entitled: “Mahal Kita Kapatid”.

In behalf of all the men and women of the uniformed services, Defense Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr. and Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado received a copy of the musicHERO CD album from the Project Director Buddy Sambalilo. The DND Secretary expressed his support and gratitude to the organizers for initiating the noble project of paying tribute to the heroism of the men and women in uniform through original composition and band performance.

Members of the Philippine Military Academy Cadet Combo performed their original composition “Digma” which was chosen as the Best Original Composition by Judges Nonoy Tan, Angee Rozul and Mon del Rosario.

Marine Staff Sergeant Ramir Bayle received an “Agila Guitar” as his prize being the Best Individual Performer as he renders together with his fellow Marines their winning performance of “Laklak” to the tune of “Lumayo Ka Man” and their original composition “Kawal Pilipino”.

It is a tribute concert competition for the heroism of men and women in uniform, musicHERO organized by PMA Masikhay Class of 1999 with the following objectives:

1. PAY TRIBUTE to the heroism of the Filipino men and women in uniform, the sacrifices of their families, and to remember our fallen comrades.

2. PRESENT a new way to encourage the young generation to appreciate and join the uniformed service, or at least chose the ROTC as their NSTP preference.

3. PROVIDE an opportunity to show the other side of the men and women in uniform through a common language of the soul --- music.

Contestants qualifying for the Finals Night are the different bands (combo) as follows: Phil. Army 2nd ID Jungle Fighter Combo, Phil. Navy Seabees Combo, Phil. Air Force Combo, Phil. Marines Combo, Phil. Army Security and Escort Battalion Combo, Phil. National Police National Headquarters Combo, Bureau of Fire Protection "Firefly Combo" and PMA Cadet Combo.

musicHERO CD contains all the eight original composition submitted as entries as well as the musicHERO song and are now available for sale. For CD inquiries, contact 0922-817-1999 or 0917-517-1999.