Iktus Featured in Interaksyon

A band who got their name from the Greek word for fish won the grand finals of the very first “Sun Broadband Quest Grand Finals” inter-band competition held last Friday at the Music Museum.

Composed of lead singer Carizza Panaligan, her twin brothers Andrei and Andrew on bass and drums, respectively, and Augusto Mendoza on guitars, the Christian band Iktus representing Christian International School said their name is actually a “Tagalized” spelling of “ichtus” which means fish.

They settled for the name not just because fish is a symbol of Christianity but also because they thought Iktus was “tunog-Pinoy” and catchy enough for most people.

Iktus vocalist Carizza Panaligan.

Their engaging brand of altenative pop-rock certainly proved catchy enough for the judges composed of MCA Music’s Sammy Samaniego and Francis Guevarra, Sun Broadband’s Neph Denosta and musician/Peso Movement guitarist Francis “Brew” Reyes, who thought they were better than nine other bands who made it to the finals out of 145 bands who had registered for the contest nationwide.

If their name sounds familiar, it’s because Iktus are veterans of several battle of the band contests, including the equally prestigious Globe Kantabataan and Nescafe Soundskool.
Citing Rivermaya, Silent Sanctuary, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Urbandub, Paramore, Flyleaf, Switchfoot, and Run Kid Run as among their influences, Iktus dazzled the crowd with their spirited rendition of Yeng Constantino’s “Pag-Ibig” as well their own original song, “Wag Muna”.

“We really don’t know how to start expressing how we feel right now…Our journey as a band and as an individual ay sobrang exciting! Super daming challenges, failures and success! Along the way, napatunayan namin never kaming iniwan ni God…We are now excited to sign up with our country’s leading recording company, MCA! At last! Recording na!” the band posted on their Facebook page shortly after their win.

Yes, Iktus won a guaranteed record deal from MCA Music in addition to the cool P150,000 in cash prize and P20,000 worth of musical instruments from JB Music. They also got some huge bragging rights with the title, “Top All-Original Band of 2013”.

The all-girl alternative band Bad Hair Day representing Far Eastern University won first runner-up and P50,000 while retro-inspired Baby Boomers, featuring members from Brokenshire College, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippine Women’s College-Davao and Holy Cross College, took home P25,000 for their second runner-up honors.

The criteria for judging were originality, 20 percent; musicality, 30 percent; showmanship, 30 percent and online voting; 20 percent.

Rounding up the other finalists were Dagsin, Crowd 7, Jack n’ Poy, Low Grad Repeat, J Squad, Mariae and Soul Page. The Music Museum was packed with fans cheering for their respective favorites.

Ely Buendia, Chris Padilla and Nitoy

Adriano of The Oktaves rock the house.

Each member of these 10 bands underwent an intensive workshop sponsored by Sun Broadband. From voice to instruments, they were mentored by noted artists and musicians Nyoy Volante, Ebe Dancel, Francis Reyes, Mally Paraguya, Eunice Jorge and Mike Dizon last June 29, 2013 at The Crowne Plaza.

The grand finals also featured special guests Sabrina, Chicosci, Tanya Markova and The Oktaves who all raised the roof with inspired performances.

 http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/christian-band-iktus-wins-sun-broadband-quest-battle-of-the-bands-finale/