MANILA, Philippines — Franco, a super group of sorts, was the big winner at this year’s NU Rock Awards held Friday, Oct. 29 at the NBC Tent in Taguig City.

The group, composed of singer-songwriter Franco Reyes on vocals; Gabby Alipe (of Urbandub) on guitar;  Paolo "8" Toleran (of Queso) on guitar; Buwi Meneses (of Parokya ni Edgar) on bass guitar; and JanJan Mendoza (of Urbandub) on drums; won four of the more important awards in the long running awards show including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year (for “This Gathering”) and the Listeners Choice Award.

Franco’s win didn’t surprise many. If anything, it confirmed—even at its very last—the rock awards' continuing predictability, if all too sycophantic way of kowtowing to populist notions.

Another big winner was Tanya Markova who bagged the awards for Best New Artist, Best Live Act and Best Music Video for their opus “Disney.”

Showbiz glitterati led by station big boss Atom Henares’ ex-wife’s boyfriend, Hayden Kho Jr., lent credibility to the whole proceedings.

The presence of Tim Yap, KC Concepcion, Anne Curtis, Heart Evangelista and Daniel Matsunaga added to the glitz called rock n' roll.

As for the performers, it’s usual suspects with Ely Buendia, Rivermaya, Bamboo, Greyhoundz, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Pupil, Slapshock, Sugarfree, The Dawn, Up Dharma Down, and then some--dishing out color by number performances.

Here's the list of winners:
Artist of the Year - Franco
Album of the Year - "Franco" Franco
Song of the Year - "This Gathering" Franco
Vocalist of the Year - Gabby Alipe of Urbandub
Guitarist of the Year - Peavy "Sideshow" Nicolas and Fran Lorenzo of Sleepwalk Circus
Bassist of the Year - Lalay Lim of Urbandub
Best New Artist - Tanya Markova
Best Live Act - Tanya Markova
Best Music Video - "Disney" Tanya Markova
Best Album Packaging – Sleepwalk Circus
Listeners' Choice Award - Franco