Who will emerge as redAMP's Best ASEAN Band?

The answer was proclaimed that evening based on four bands' "live performances, with vocals, showmanship, songwriting, image, and overall presentation." 

Program started at past 9:00 p.m.

The night's hosts were VJ Utt (right) of MTV Asia, and Belinda Chee of 8TV's Quickie, a 15-minute variety show online.

Opening the mini-concert was Malaysia's alternative rock band Hujan.

Presenting the members of the board of judges:

(From left) Chief judge Roslan Aziz, Malaysia's prominent music producer/ engineer; Hans Awar, Brunei's leading artist/ arranger/ composer/ music producer; Abid Hidayat, editor in chief of Rolling Stones Indonesia magazine; Don Skelchy of Valleyarm, which specialises in digital distribution, publishing and online marketing of music and video content; and Tony Ward of Music Matters, an annual Asian music and entertainment festival held in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mumbai.

The first finalist to present that night was Indonesia's rock band Golden Dragon, which rendered a Cantonese piece.

Aziz's comment after their theatrical performance: "I don't like this band...I love this band!"

Next was Thailand's Sixty-Nine, which played a seven-minute funky jazz song underscoring the vocal prowess of its vocalist Kang, who said, "This is a dream come true. Whatever happens. Whatever it takes..."

The third band was Philippines' Pancake 80, which highlighted harmonica, played by Ruth (right), in their intro.

Aziz said about their piece, "Music is very strong."

Their song "Time" has a very powerful lyrics. As explained by guitarist Franz Madriaga, it was inspired by his desire to let love and peace reign on Earth.

After the performance, Ruth brought a Philippine flag onstage.

Their IDs also bore a sticker featuring our watawat.

The last to perform was Malaysia's rock and roll band Stonebay, the wildcard entry.

After their number, judge Tony Ward exclaimed, "You look like a pro!"

While waiting for the official results, Mizz Nina entertained the crowd with her latest single "What You Waiting For." 

She sang it with American pop singer Colby O'Donis, who earned a Best Dance Recording-nomination from the 50th Grammy Awards for his work in Lady Gaga's "Just Dance." 

Thailand's "biggest hip-hop export" Thaitanium also graced the concert and had the crowd dancing and screaming!

And now, the announcement of the winners.

Third runner-up goes to Pancake 80!

The group was mildly surprised about the wildcard entry, but said in a cheery tone, "We did our best para ma-represent yung country natin!"

 

Stonebay bags the 2nd runner-up!

Sixty-Nine becomes the 1st runner-up.

The one-year-old band are more upfront in saying, "At first, we were a bit disappointed. The audience enjoyed with us..."

A triumphant moment for the champions: Golden Dragon!

When asked about using costumes in their upcoming performances, vocalist Icun Lin answered, "We will use many different costumes. They will be very unique and, of course, they will be our trademark."

 

 

 

The crowd that trooped the venue had a grand time watching and taking pictures of ASEAN's gathering of the best bands!

After the event, the invited editors and reporters, including the winners, proceeded to the Marmalade restaurant, where a press conference was faciliated by Katrina Karim, head of The Public Relations Company Asia-Pacific.

Chief judge Roslan Aziz (right) and Air Asia's head for financial services and loyalty, Johann Aris Ibrahim (left) became the main interviewees of the Q & A portion.

The two assured all the people present that redAMP will have a part two, and it will be "better."

Guitarist Franz Madriaga became Pancake 80's spokesperson: "Once again, thank you for opportunity that you've given us. Thank you to redAmp, Air Asia, MTV...It's a pleasure, it's a pleasure to perform here in Malaysia. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. And to all the supporters, for all our countrymen, to the Philippines, to those that we've inspired and even to those who don't, thank you so much for supporting us, for voting us."

In a cheery tone, Stonebay exclaimed, "Thank you for being part of this, and for the good things they say about us."

Members are (from left) Afiq (drums), Ojie (vocals and guitar), Roni (bass), and Ashroff (guitar).

Relatively a newbie in the music scene, but definitely a pro when it comes to talent, Sixty-Nine said during our chat: "We are happy. The people enjoyed our song. Thank you!"

Members are (from left) Pruet (drums), Aue (piano/ keyboard), Kang (vocals), Muk (bass), Butter (saxophone), and Pung (guitar).

Still in character, Golden Dragon told PEP: "Thank for making us number one. We never expected this!"

Members are (from left) Dhanny Ji (guitar), Icun Lin (vocals), Bertho Yu (keyboards), Sanley Zhong (vocals), Andre Wu (bass), Steven Zhang (vocals), and Henz Wei (drums). 

Just before leaving the venue, Pancake 80 did this wacky shot for PEP.

They turned a bit serious when PEP managing editor Karen Pagsolingan (left) joined the frame.

Members are (from left) Rusty Balanquid (guitar), Flecher Hernandez (drums), Chris Maliwat (vocals), Richard Navarrete (bass), Franz Madriaga (guitar),and Ruth Lagamson (vocals/ harmonica).