8th ID lands in top 5 of the AFP Bayanihan Songwriting contest

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 22, 2011

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar  –  Now, it can be told that the military in Eastern Visayas excels not only in the quest for peace but also in the promotion and development of the country’s culture, music and arts.

Two out of three entries of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City, Samar, were among the five finalists in the recently conducted AFP Bayanihan Songwriting contest in line with the 76th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This was informed by no less than the commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Mario F. Chan.

Out of the 27 entries in the contest, Sundalong Pilipino composed by Major General Mario Chan, commanding officer of the 8th ID ranked number four while Bayanihan composed by Corporal Michael Sandigan, also of 8th ID ranked number five. Both won consolation prizes.

The Bayanihan Songwriting Contest with the theme of "BAYANIHAN PARA SA KAPAYAPAAN" aims to promote the spirit of Bayanihan in attaining lasting peace.

The competition was open to all interested amateur songwriters, individual or any group (music performing groups, acoustic, band, choir, etc.).

The subject of the composition must focus on developing a song for the theme: “Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan.”  Structure and forms of the composition must adhere to the sound of “Pop Song” in any of the following genre (pop jazz, disco, country, hip hop, pop ballad and the likes). Rap could be allowed but must not dominate the entire piece.

The awards night was held on December 19, at the AFP Tejeros Hall, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.