The tension heats up in Manila Ocean Park’s band showdown called The Bandstand.

Last week, R&B band Unveiled was eliminated from The Bandstand’s first group of finalists. On July 19 (Friday) at 7 p.m., the remaining bands (from group 1), Synkryon, Barrio Morning Glory and Takipsilim, pay tribute to the music of the Beatles to determine which band is going home and which band will qualify to the semi final round.

The Bandstand has 15 bands which are grouped into three. All bands will go through an elimination process to determine the top six finishers. There will be one wildcard entry, making it seven bands that will meet in the semi-final round. The top two bands will then face off in the finals to cap the 13 weeks of competition.

The first-ever battle of the bands happening at Manila Ocean Park, the country’s one and only man-made marine park, The Bandstand kicked off in June 5 with bands that made it to the elimination round. Other bands competing for the grand prize are The Joint, Pancake 80, Raskals, Beer, Soulstitch, Flow, The Moonflowers, Summer Guijo, and Project.

Representing different musical genres from alternative rock to hip-hop, reggae, ska and R & B, the bands come from as far as Dagupan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite and Laguna, and of course, Metro Manila. They will be competing for a prize package that includes P100,000 in cash, a P100,000 live gig contract to perform at Manila Ocean Park, and a record deal with Sony Music. The first runner-up will receive P50,000 in cash, while the runner-up gets P25,000 in cash.

The competing bands are judged on musicality, creativity (to be scored by the judges), and audience votes. Voting stations are set up during the event to facilitate the voting process.

The board of judges is composed of singer, songwriter and record producer Eugene Villaluz; singer Myra “Skarlet” Ruaro (of Brownbeat All Star and Put3ska fame) and former Smokey Mountain member turned solo artist-TV host and music video director Jeffrey Hidalgo. Hosting the show is TV host, stage actor and film director Joaqui Valdes. Director is Calvin Neria.

Sponsored by San Miguel Brewery Inc., Sony Music, MYX (Your Choice, Your Music), Bobson, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3 and 103.5 Max FM, The Bandstand will also feature special guest performers like Nyoy Volante (June 19 and July 31), MYMP (June 26 and July 10), Urbanation (July 3 and August 14), Sino Sikat (July 17 and August 7), Truefaith (July 24) and The Dawn (August 21).

This event is open to the public free of charge.