Davao band wins Muziklaban

MANILA, Philippines - The Pinoy rock music scene is an exciting yet challenging arena wherein bands passionately play for a chance to be seen, be heard and be remembered. For the David vs Goliath, Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban was the key to opening more doors for opportunity and reaching their musical aspirations. And yet, even with remarkable talent, it took them several attempts to finally take a shot in the big rock dome.

After an earth-shaking rock and roll battle, the Davao-based metalcore band bested over thousands of bands which auditioned to the biggest rock challenge and the other three top contenders during the Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Grand Finals with their astig, thunderous performances.

Similar to the band’s name, David vs Goliath had to go through great obstacles before tasting the fruits of success. The band’s lead vocalist Oliver Lagdameo shared that the group had several member changes just to find the right distinct sound of David vs Goliath. Through it all is its dream of joining Muziklaban. “We auditioned in 2010 but unfortunately, we weren’t able to make the cut during the regional eliminations,” explained Oliver.

Composed of friends who love to go on gigs and play basketball, David vs Goliath worked on overcoming their failures and improving themselves. Joining the nursing graduate vox in this climb were members Business Management student and guitarist Jules Montañez; HRM student and drummer Amiel Avila; graphic designer and bassist Arvin Nacario; and Industrial Technology graduate cum guitarist Kenneth Zamudio (21).

Nevertheless, David vs Goliath’s luck changed in 2011 when it got its ticket to rock stardom after winning the eliminations held in Davao. “At first, we just joked about getting a chance to go to Manila. But when we passed the semi-finals, we thought ‘This is serious. Now we’re really going to Manila.’ That’s when we began to train longer and harder,” said Jules.

On its journey to the Muziklaban Grand Finals, David vs Goliath brought its secret weapons: Hardwork, dedication and prayer before every performance. It showcased its positive hardcore and heavy metal music about love, friendship and personal trials and performed an out-of-this-world collaboration with Greyhoundz’s Reg Rubio during the biggest Pinoy rock fest. “Performing with Reg Rubio was unbelievable! Then after we were announced as winners, he even came to hug and congratulate us. We were like ‘Is this real?’” said Jules.

“It really was an amazing experience,” exclaimed Oliver who is still in disbelief of them snagging the top honors of Red Horse Beer Muziklaban, and sky rocketing to instant fame and opportunities. “It was our first time performing in front of so many people, very different from the gigs we had in Davao. We never expected to win because all the bands were really great and talented.”

Another first time for the majority of the members is coming to Manila. David vs Goliath also shared its excitement on fulfilling this dream and the desire to go “to Star City, Splash Island and Mall of Asia.”

Aside from winning the prestigious title and earning the break into mainstream rock music industry, David vs Goliath also took home P1M of prizes. When asked what the members will do with their cash prize, Oliver said, “We plan on dividing the prizes equally among us, but we will invest on new instruments and equipment to produce better music.”

 “We are thankful for Red Horse Beer Muziklaban for giving us this opportunity and the all-out support. Now, we look forward on writing and recording more songs, having more gigs and meeting new people,” added Oliver.