17/02/2026
109th Araw ng Talakag Celebration
Battle of the Bands 2026
March 18, 2026
OFFICIAL GUIDELINES:
As part of the 109th Araw ng Talakag Celebration, the Battle of the Bands aims to showcase local musical talent, promote youth participation, and foster unity through music and performance.
I. Eligibility
1. The competition is open to amateur, semi-professional & professional bands, with priority given to local groups.
2. Each band must consist of five (5) to ten (10) members.
3. All members must be at least fifteen (15) years old on or before the event date.
4. Bands may perform any genre of music. However, extremely noisy or disruptive genres are discouraged to maintain audience comfort and safety.
II. Audition and Screening Process
1. Interested bands must submit an audition performance video via the official Talakag Battle of the Bands 2026 page through FB Messenger.
2. The audition video must:
- Be three (3) to five (5) minutes in duration
- Clearly present all performing members
- Be recorded in one continuous take
3. Each submission must include:
- Band name
- Names of band members
- Contact person and active mobile number
4. Only bands who pass the screening process will be officially selected to compete during the celebration.
III. Performance Mechanics
1. Each competing band shall be allotted a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes total, inclusive of:
• Stage preparation: up to 2 minutes
• Instrumental/instrument check: 1–2 minutes, preferably at the start to assess instrumentality and sound balance
• Three (3) full cover songs
2. Medleys are strictly prohibited. Each song must be performed in full.
3. Exceeding the allotted time or failure to comply with these mechanics shall result in corresponding point deductions, as determined by the Board of Judges.
IV. Judging Criteria
• Musicality and Arrangement – 30%
• Technical Skill – 25%
• Stage Presence and Showmanship – 25%
• Overall Impact – 20%
Total – 100%
V. Awards and Prizes
Major Awards
• Champion – Php 40,000
• 1st Place – Php 30,000
• 2nd Place – Php 20,000
• Consolation Prize – Php 10,000 each
Special Awards – Php 5,000 each
• Best Vocalist
• Best Guitarist
• Best Bassist
• Best Drummer
• Best Keyboardist
Best Local Band - plus Php 10,000
VI. General Rules and Provisions
1. The decision of the Board of Judges shall be final and irrevocable.
2. All participants are expected to observe discipline, professionalism, and respect throughout the event.
3. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant for non-compliance with these guidelines.
4. The organizers further reserve the right to amend these guidelines as deemed necessary in the interest of the event.
5. All performances must uphold public decency and community values in line with the spirit of the Araw ng Talakag Celebration.
6. The following are strictly prohibited during performances:
- Demonic, occult, or satanic gestures, symbols, or acts
- Explicit, obscene, or sexually suggestive actions
- Violent, hateful, or discriminatory expressions
7. Any band found violating this provision shall be subject to point deductions or disqualification, at the discretion of the Board of Judges and Event Organizers.
