In an exclusive interview, he said, "We're happy because we made it to the top three and we're here. It's a very big, very big competition, and it's very hard for a Filipino band to go outside the country and represent Pinoys. It's an honor...."

The alternative rock and new wave group did not win the title that evening, but a contract with a record label is already in the offing. Ruth, the vocals and harmonica player of Pancake 80, crossed her fingers, saying, "Sana matuloy...."

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS. The redAMP concert also featured Malaysia's hip-hop and R&B singer Mizz Nina, who performed her latest single "What You Waiting For" with American pop and R&B singer-songwriter Colby O'Donis.

Straight from Bangkok, the group Thaitanium had the Malaysian crowd grooving to their hip-hop music. Manning the turntable was DJ Fuzz, three-time winner of the Pioneer Digital DJ Championships.

In addition, Malaysian band Hujan gave an explosive set for the concert mounted by AirAsiaTix.com, Air Asia's online ticketing subsidiary, in cooperation with MTV Asia.

The event was hosted by 8TV Quickie host Belinda Chee and VJ Utt.