The #UltimateBandkadaFinals: #UltimateBarkadaExperience like no other

Last August 8, Greenwich ended their 6-month long search for the #UltimateBandkada with a bang at the final showdown competition at Valkyrie.

Building Up To the #UltimateBandkada Showdown

The search began in March, where Greenwich called for on-the-ground and online auditions in their search for young musicians with adaptability, range, and of course musical talent. The audition called for musicians to create mashups of the most popular genres today, for an ultimate sound that everyone can get down to. 8 bands stood out against the rest and were invited to partake in a 10-week Bandkada session under the mentorship of producer & EDM artist Kio Priest, singer-songwriter Pow Chavez, founders of Musikaramay & rock band, Climax, and Viva Records’ top honchos, Executive Vice President MG Mozo and A&R Manger, Civ Fontanilla.

During this program, the 8 bands – namely, SYVA, Sweet December, Papapeta, Offlane Pitch, Hiyas, Invisible Drums, B-Boys, and Adonai – each worked on a the music of an original Greenwich song written by award-winning composer, producer, and singer Thyro Alfaro. This song best embodies the Greenwich brand and made more flavorful with the mash up of at least 2 of the following genres: Pop, Rock, EDM and Hip-Hop.

The Showdown Itself

The event itself was definitely a night to remember for Valkyrie, as the superclub was transformed into an underground concert hall with a laidback vibe that was perfect for an #UltimateBarkadaExperience to have a fun night together over good pizza and awesome music. Greenwich likes to mix it up for the best combination of flavors that anyone can enjoy, and this was obvious in their selection of the diverse talents that took the stage.

After a catchy opening by a specific-to-Ultimate-Bandkada band Ikot Ikot (from Ultimate Bandkada’s invite video), a trip down memory lane took place to look back on the 10-week bandkada sessions, and the judges were introduced: Viva’s Executive Vice President, MG Mozo and Civ Fontanilla from Viva Records, singers & songwriters Mark Bautista and Thyro Alfaro, Albert Cuadrante and Pamela Reyes from Greenwich, and Jericho Fernando from JB Music.

The 8 bands’ performances were also complemented by short intermission numbers by Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana, and Jeric Medina, who performed their Philpop 2015’s winning song Triangulo. The crowd was treated to a live performance by award-winning singer Mark Bautista.

Tensions were high and emotions were stirring the crowd. Finally, the judges took to the mic to announce the winner of the Favorite Ng Barkada Award, Papapeta. This was determined by most online votes through the #UltimateBandkada website.

Finally, the moment that 6 months of hard work and dedication has been going towards was here. The third placer, Papapeta received PHP 40,000. Second placer, Offlane Pitch, took home PHP 60,000, and finally, the title of Greenwich’s first ever #UltimateBandkada happily went home to B-Boys with a grand prize of PHP 100,000, a 1-year music contract with Viva Records, and a management contract with Viva Artist Agency.

The crowd was elated as joy and excitement spread infectiously throughout the establishment. The historical night was capped off with a rousing performance by Climax, and closing to some chill beats by DJ DCFER.

It was a night of an #UltimateBarkadaExperience that can only get better.