P10,000 up in Ultimate Bisrock Band Challenge 2006

I'm most happy to be referred to as not only a voice, through print, but also an authority when it comes to pooling talents for events featuring local bands. Recently, however, a tabloid entertainment column mentioned of a Summit rock band competition dangling P100,000 cash as top prize-an event that I have nothing to do with. I advise those who were able to read the piece to refrain from savoring on the idea. Negotiations, I heard, are still ongoing and that releasing a press statement this early, sans the mechanics of the band challenge from the supposed event organizer, is inappropriate. Again, I am not a part of that event. So that what you'd previously read is kaput!

But here's what. Winner takes all P10,000 cash in La Mer Café's Ultimate Bisrock Band Competition 2006 at Mango Square Mall in cooperation with San Miguel Corporation. This is one event handled by La Mer marketing manager Cyril Matutinao that I sure have the go signal to write about. I can assure you of the legitimacy of this project.

The search is open to all unsigned Bisaya rock bands. Screening already started last November 6, 7 and yesterday. There will also be a screening today, on the 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th. However, it is a requirement that no band member shall play for two or more bands. Strictly no dabbling, guys!

Bands are required to play two songs for the audition. Results of said audition will be released on November 29 thru SMS or short message service or posted at La Mer Café.

Qualified bands must play three songs - one cover and two original compositions. One of which is the entry song during the weekly elimination round. Band must also submit lyrics of their entry song.

First weekly elimination round will be on December 11 to 15. Second weekly elimination round will be on December 18 to 22. First three bands who will garner highest score from the first and second weekly elimination rounds will compose the six grand finalists for the Ultimate Bisrock Band of 2006 to be held on December 23. For inquiries, please call 254-4477 from 8 pm to 10 pm Monday to Saturday look for Cyril. Registration is only until November 28.

Also watch out for the Bisdak Siblings United concert that is still on the drawing board of Anthony Chua of BSU Clothing and Cyril Matutinao. The Bisdak Siblings United concert is conceptualized to let the limelight hog band members that are not only connected biologically, but also bonded by their passion for music. Watch out for bands with brother members, or those bands with twins as instrumentalists. Music most flows thick when rockers are siblings.

This will also happen at La Mer, the newest watering hole of Bisrockers.

Further, 93.1 Smash FM will take on a reformat of the "YourVoice, YourChoice Tingog Kabataan". As fed by DJ Ram Dizon recently through text message, the program will now be known as BisrocKabataan, a youth-oriented rock radio program, featuring Bisaya rock music, comments of the youngbloods on national and local issues and on concerns of the local music industry. There would be segments such as news advisory, issue of the day, plugging of events like concerts, and live interview of bands. Watch out for Ram's weekly partners on air who will help him sort out things for the improvement of program flow.

DJ Ram will be back on air on November 20, Monday, after undergoing a successful operation that was earlier recommended when Ram was diagnosed to be suffering from hypothyroidism for lack of thyroid hormone.