CITY OF MALOLOS – Banda 85 from Santa Maria emerged as the grand champion and took home a cash prize of P100,000 and a trophy, captivating both the judges and the crowd with a powerful performance that turned the competition into a true celebration of music during the 2nd Marching Band Competition last September 8.
The streets came alive with rhythm and colors from the Malolos Amphitheater all the way to the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium as marching bands marched in unison during the most awaited musical showdown.
Sharing the spotlight were other groups from Santa Maria including the Santa Maria de Bethania Marching Showband who won 1st runner up and took home P80,000 and a trophy, Pulong Buhangin Youth Band as 2nd runner up and took home P65,000 and a trophy, and Banda 31 Original as 3rd runner up and took home P55,000 and a trophy.
Meanwhile, the special awards including Best Uniform went to Banda Suarez from Pulilan, Best Group Majorette to Santa Maria de Bethania Marching Showband, Best Color Guard to Magdalene Kabataan 98 Band from San Rafael, Best Music to Banda 85, and best Drum Major to Banda Buenaventura from the City of Baliwag. Each winner received a P5,000 cash prize and a medal.
A P20,000 worth of subsidy was also given to each participating band.
In Governor Daniel R. Fernando’s message delivered by Micahdel Trine, the Singkaban Festival is not just a simple celebration but a reminder of the province’s heritage and identity as Bulakenyos.
“Ang bawat hakbang, bawat indayog ng drum at bawat himig ng inyong tinutugtog ay hindi lamang simpleng musika. Ito ay salamin ng ating pagkakaisa, ng ating pag-asa, at patuloy na pagyabong ng ating kultura at tradisyon,” the governor said.
