PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Army held a music composition contest that showcased the musical talents of homegrown Army bands on recently.

A total of 22 Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) submitted pre-recorded entries for the competition’s three themes: “Kabayanihan ng Sundalo,” “Sundalo ng Kapayapaan,” and “Pasko ng Sundalo.”

Five music industry veterans screened and evaluated winning entries during the competition finale at the Fort Bonifacio Grandstand VIP Lounge.

Veteran OPM artist, songwriter, and director Randy Santiago, who judged popular TV singing competitions "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "Sing Galing!" and "Talentadong Pinoy," led the judging panel.

Balladeer and Army reservist 2nd Lt. Ronnie Liang, international music performer and saxophone professor Jacob Gabriel Sarreal, UST Symphony Orchestra and UST Wind Orchestra member Monina Cañizares, and sound engineer and music arranger Victor Noora also evaluated the entries.

The Office of the Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7 and the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs organized the said music composition competition in line with the upcoming 86th AFP Founding Anniversary Celebration.

The following units are the 15 winning entries out of the 66 submitted recordings:

Theme: "Kabayanihan ng Sundalo"
• Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR Band)
• 1st Infantry Division (Tabak Rock Combo)
• First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSSR Combo)
• Army Artillery Regiment (Rex Belli Band)
• 6th Infantry Division (6ID Stage Band)

Theme: "Sundalo ng Kapayapaan"
• 10th Infantry Division (10th ID Agila Band)
• Armor Division (Armor Division Combo)
• Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR Band)
• Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG Combo)
• 6th Infantry Division (6ID Stage Band)

Theme: "Pasko ng Sundalo"
• 6th Infantry Division (6ID Stage Band)
• Armor Division (Armor Division Combo)
• 3rd Infantry Division (3ID Spearhead Combo)
• Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG Combo)
• Special Forces Regiment (Paratroopers Band)

"Music has the power to culturally, morally, and emotionally influence our society. The more emotion and dedication we put into music, the more powerful and deep our impact on society," said Col. Patricio Amata, the Philippine Army's Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO.

"Indeed, music is a universal language that we all understand," he added. (PIA-NCR)