Jam and jive
Just like a barkada, a band is the coming together of different people and personalities. And just like the instruments they play, a band works together to create a song that works, no matter how different the members may be. This was the goal of this year’s Greenwich Ultimate Bandkada Search. Now in its second year, the contest goal is to find a group of musicians who blend different genres into one unique sound.
This year’s winning group is Plethora, which won over the judges with their rendition of the Ultimate Barkada Experience with a neoclassical metal and rock sound, augmented by a reggae and alternative twist. The group is composed of LJ Herrera on vocals and bass, Aldrin Isaguire on keyboards, Jesser Pello on drums, and Andrew Isaguire on lead guitar. Plethora bested seven other Bandkada finalists earlier this month at Valkyrie at The Palace. Coming in second and third place were ABCG and Happy Ending, respectively.
Apart from winning the top prize, Plethora also took home the Favorite ng Barkada award, garnering the most number of votes from an online poll of the competition. The grand finals were judged by Civ Fontanilla, Yumi Lacsamana and Sheyee of Viva, along with Up Dharma Down’s Armi Millare and Denise Manahan of JB Music. The band took home a sweet prize of P100,000 and a recording contract with Viva Records.
The competition also included a mentoring program, along with the on-ground auditions and concert finale. “This Ultimate Barkada experience is not only evident tonight, but throughout the duration of the search,” shares Viva Communications VP for production Val Del Rosario. “We are thankful that Greenwich is supporting OPM this way.” Greenwich and Viva’s partnership have been successful for the past two years, and expect more in years to come, says Del Rosario.
Check out # UltimateBandkada online and go to www.ultimatebandkada.com for more info.
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