Music Hero is a music competition for young and talented musicians who are skilled at playing musical instruments. The segment premiered on 6 August 2016 and concluded on 18 March 2017.
In a television market that is already saturated with singing reality programs, Music Hero was launched to provide a first-of-its-kind competition that gives the spotlight to the instrumentalists who make music events possible but are seldom recognized and appreciated.
After a rigorous seven-month-long instrumental battle, 17-year-old electric guitarist Blaster Silonga of Marikina City was proclaimed as the grand winner at the end of the competition. With his electric guitar, he performed a rendition of the 2004 hit single "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.[1]
After the contest, seven of the eight grand finalists became regular performers on the noontime show and became known as the Music Hero band.[2]
A second edition titled Music Hero: The Vocal Battle began airing just three months later in June 2017. The new edition is a singing competition in search of a lead vocalist for the newly-formed band.[3]
Overview
Auditions
The talent competition was open to male and female musicians 19 years old or below who are skilled at playing musical instruments, such as keyboard, violin, clarinet, guitar, and drums. Auditions were held at the Broadway Centrum.
Alternatively, aspirants were able to submit their audition videos to an email address provided by the noontime show. Online auditionees who were selected to participate had their travel expenses covered by Eat Bulaga!.
Daily rounds
The daily rounds occurred from 6 August to 28 October 2016. Aicelle Santos, Pia Guanio, Ryan Agoncillo, and Pauleen Luna typically served as the hosts.
Each daily round featured two new musicians who were pitted against one another with their musical instruments. The round was divided into two parts. The contestants played their song choices in the first portion and then engaged in a final same-song showdown in the second portion. Originally, contestants with different instruments were randomly paired with one another in the daily rounds, which proved difficult to judge the musical skills of the contestants. Eventually, the segment began to pair musicians with the same instruments to make the judging fairer.
The panel of judges typically included a mixture of Eat Bulaga! hosts and guest celebrities, many of which are members of well-known local bands. The criteria for judging were as follows:
- 50% – Instrument mastery
- 30% – Musicality
- 20% – Overall performance
Daily winners received ₱30,000 and advanced to the semifinal rounds of the competition.
Wildcard rounds
The week-long wildcard rounds took place from 31 October to 4 November 2016. Several contestants who lost in the daily rounds or the weekly semifinal rounds received the opportunity to return to the competition. The returning contestants performed the same song that they played in the daily rounds. Two contestants were pitted against one another each day for a chance to earn a spot in the daily semifinal rounds.
Wildcard winners received ₱30,000 and advanced to the semifinal rounds.
Semifinal rounds
The semifinal rounds were originally held on Saturdays right after the daily elimination rounds from August to October. After the conclusion of the daily rounds and the subsequent wildcard rounds, the semifinals transitioned into a daily event beginning in November.
The 36 semifinal winners became known as the Music Hero Squad. Each winner received ₱50,000.
Weekly semifinal rounds
The early semifinal rounds occurred on Saturdays from 16 August to 8 October 2016. Three daily winners with different instruments were pitted against one another in the usual two-part round. Each musician performed their song choice in the first part before finally engaging in a one-song showdown.
Because these weekly semifinal rounds occurred prior to the wildcard rounds, several eliminated semifinalists received a second opportunity to return to the competition by winning in the wildcard rounds and then competing again in the daily edition of the semifinals.
Daily semifinal rounds
After the wildcard rounds, the semifinal rounds transitioned into a daily event from 5 November to 8 December 2016. This time, the competition pitted two musicians with the same (or similar) musical instruments against one another. The semifinalists battled in the usual two-part round.
An additional one-day wildcard round for eliminated semifinalists occurred on 9 December 2016. Three returning musicians were once again pitted against one another for a chance to advance to the next round of the competition.
Clash of Heroes
The 36 contestants were then separated into eight different categories based on their instruments: Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Woodwind, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, String, Bass Guitar, and Saxophone. The lone cello player was grouped with the six violinists in the String category, while the lone clarinet player was grouped with the three flutists in the Woodwind category.
Elimination rounds
Contestants were pitted against one another until only two or three were left within their instrument categories. The elimination round was composed of two portions. The first part was the song choice. In the second part, each contestant performed a different song from the category that a computer-generated shuffle track selected for them. To prepare for the second battle, the contestants were asked to learn and prepare a song for each category.
Because the Saxophone and Bass Guitar categories only had two or three contestants who won from the semifinal rounds, they did not need to hold an elimination round.
Steal the Spot
After the elimination rounds, the grand finalists once again faced a new threat from returning contestants in a round known as Steal the Spot. One contestant for each category returned to challenge a grand finalist for their spot in the grand finals. Challengers were able to select any one of the grand finalists whom they would like to be pitted against.
In the end, only one challenger successfully stole the spot of a grand finalist in the String category.
Grand finals
The grand finals for each instrument category was split into two rounds. The first round placed the judges inside an enclosed area in order to judge the competing musicians based solely on their pure musicality. The contestants picked their own songs for the first round. In the second round, the contestants played the same song selected by the judges while giving their own rendition and adding new flavors to the song. The contestants were judged based on their overall presence onstage and mastery of their instruments.
The panel of judges varied for each instrument category and included renowned musicians and other musical personalities. Winners took home ₱100,000 and became the delegate of their respective instrument category in the final round of the competition.
Battle of the Champions
The Battle of the Champions took place on Saturday, 18 March 2017. The panel of judges included musical arranger Mon Faustino, musical director Butch Miraflor, songwriter Raul Mitra, composer Danny Tan, and record producer Mel Villena.
In the opening production, the grand finalists provided the instrumental accompaniment for the vocal performances of Aicelle Santos, Gabbi Garcia, Hannah Romawac-Olives, and Cooky Chua. The eight winners of the instrument categories then competed in the two-round grand showdown.
In the first round, the eight grand finalists were divided into two groups of four to form Bands A and B. The first round was judged based on the grand finalists' performance as a group by examining their dynamic and style for their chosen musical pieces. Band A won the first round and its members advanced to the second round of the competition.
In the second round, the four musicians of the winning band faced against one another in a final showdown. The contestants were able to select any song for their final performances.
Blaster Silonga, the 17-year-old electric guitarist of Marikina City, was named as the Ultimate Music Hero at the end of the competition. He received the grand prize of ₱500,000.
Zild Benitez, the 19-year-old bassist of Quezon City, received the Dabarkads Choice award after garnering the most number of likes on a Facebook video poll where the grand finalists performed their own rendition of the theme song of Eat Bulaga!. He took home ₱10,000.
Hosts
The following hosts were involved in the presentation of the segment at some point in its run.
Judges
Below is a list of guest celebrities, music professionals, and Eat Bulaga! hosts who participated as judges at some point in the segment's run. Many of the celebrity judges are members of well-known Filipino bands.
Dabarkads judges
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Guest judges
Contestants
A total of 120 instrumentalists competed in the first edition of Music Hero. The following table sorts them alphabetically based on their last names. Also listed are the hometowns of the contestants as well as their ages during their first appearance in the competition.
Contestant | Instrument | Age | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
Jonas Angelo Abadilla | violin | 16 | Muntinlupa City |
Sidney Aban | acoustic guitar | 18 | Meycauayan, Bulacan |
Princess Adan | drums | 19 | Quezon City |
Ferdinand Andes | keyboard | 18 | Rosario, Cavite |
Kyle Agbuya | drums | 13 | Tanay, Rizal |
Crissa Lain Reyes Aguilos | drums | 15 | Guiguinto, Bulacan |
Aldreen Alcantara | drums | 19 | Las Piñas City |
Zach Alcasid | drums | 16 | Quezon City |
Shammah Alegado | violin | 9 | San Antonio, Zambales |
Paolo Alejo | acoustic guitar | 18 | Quezon City |
Marcus Ambat | electric guitar | 16 | Quezon City |
Kyle Andaya | acoustic guitar | 15 | Las Piñas City |
Maydel Andayon | keyboard | 17 | Lopez, Quezon |
Glenn Aquias | cello | 19 | Sampaloc, Manila |
Vincent Garcia Argana | bass guitar | 17 | Lipa, Batangas |
AJ Ascona | drums | 19 | Marilao, Bulacan |
Juan Miguel Atal | keyboard | 12 | Pateros |
Dennvan Anrio Awa | bass guitar | 19 | Kidapawan, North Cotabato |
Dennver Lito Awa | keyboard | 16 | Kidapawan, North Cotabato |
Yani Balagtas | electric guitar | 17 | Biñan, Laguna |
Marco Balunsat | keyboard | 17 | Apalit, Pampanga |
Joash Arvhy Barcinas | flute | 18 | Angono, Rizal |
Richard Daniel "RD" Benavides | keyboard | 18 | Davao City |
Lite Benedicto | drums | 16 | Calamba, Laguna |
Daniel Zildjian "Zild" G. Benitez | bass guitar | 19 | Quezon City |
Gillian Rose Bongkingki | keyboard | 19 | Malolos, Bulacan |
Matthew Bravante | drums | 18 | Montalban, Rizal |
Ronald "Ron" Navarro Bustos | saxophone | 18 | Tanauan, Batangas |
Niño Cabusas | saxophone | 19 | Lucban, Quezon |
Jeriecko Cabuyao | acoustic guitar | 18 | Tayabas, Quezon |
John Cagape | violin | 16 | Quezon City |
Mary Anne Dominique C. Casacop | violin | 18 | Santa Rosa, Laguna |
Maha Castro | keyboard/piano | 18 | Quezon City |
EJ Chua | acoustic guitar | 17 | Dasmariñas, Cavite |
Matthew Conanan | electric guitar | 18 | Ibajay, Aklan |
Raymund Conge, Jr. | flute | 18 | Kawit, Cavite |
Andrew Constantino | clarinet | 19 | Imus, Cavite |
Jay-R Corre | bass guitar | 16 | Montalban, Rizal |
Marco Corre | drums | 13 | Montalban, Rizal |
Paul Marlon de Guzman | clarinet | 19 | Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija |
Jan dela Cruz | flute | 15 | Las Piñas City |
Gerard dela Peña | keyboard | 17 | Antipolo, Rizal |
Patrick John del Pilar | acoustic guitar | 19 | Cabuyao, Laguna |
Fender Elevazo Dimalanta | electric guitar | 18 | Pasig City |
Ivan T. Dolleson | clarinet | 19 | San Fernando, Pampanga |
Vjosh Valdrich Domingo | drums | 15 | Navotas City |
Joshua "Josh" Espinosa | saxophone | 17 | Baras, Rizal |
Karl Lenin Estoesta | keyboard | 13 | Sampaloc, Manila |
Josh Clement Eugenio | violin | 11 | Bustos, Bulacan |
Franz Feliciano | flute | 18 | Caloocan City |
John Brian H. Feliciano | flute | 13 | Marilao, Bulacan |
Raven Fernandez | violin | 19 | Marikina City |
Marvie Fojas | flute | 17 | Tanza, Cavite |
Marielle Gabriel | violin | 17 | Dinalupihan, Bataan |
Ramon Luis Galang | electric guitar | 16 | Quezon City |
Angelo Garcia | electric guitar | 14 | Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro |
Christian Keith Garcia | acoustic guitar | 17 | General Trias, Cavite |
Jamal Gullemas | acoustic guitar | 17 | Santa Rosa, Laguna |
Darylle Hernandez | clarinet | 17 | Angono, Rizal |
Rosemarie Hernandez | flute | 17 | Tanza, Cavite |
Philcob Suzuki Josol | electric guitar | 18 | Trece Martires, Cavite |
Kenneth Kabigting | electric guitar | 18 | Arayat, Pampanga |
Jino Labitigan | violin | 17 | Tayabas, Quezon |
Crismar Veloso Lampos | electric guitar | 17 | Caloocan City |
Asaph Paul Lapatha | keyboard | 15 | Bacolod City |
Radlee Laquian | acoustic guitar | 16 | Tondo, Manila |
Kalel Verbo Lipio | violin | 17 | Parañaque City |
Emman Lopez | electric guitar | 15 | Marikina City |
Raphael Lopez | violin | 15 | Urdaneta, Pangasinan |
Ryan Lopez | acoustic guitar | 17 | Valenzuela City |
Rosner Mabuti | keyboard | 18 | Antipolo, Rizal |
Israel Mipalar | acoustic guitar | 17 | San Pedro, Laguna |
Bricks Miranda | violin | 9 | San Luis, Pampanga |
Dwight Kenneth Miranda | saxophone | 13 | Imus, Cavite |
Tristan Molina | acoustic guitar | 18 | Trece Martires, Cavite |
Angeli Mari Nicolas | flute | 17 | Santa Maria, Bulacan |
Sean Nicolas | drums | 16 | Quezon City |
Renzo Nolasco | drums | 11 | Valenzuela City |
Peter Joseph "Josh" Nicolas Ocampo | saxophone | 19 | Santa Maria, Bulacan |
Joeffrey Serafin Golla Pangilinan | saxophone | 18 | Baras, Rizal |
John Micko Papilla | electric guitar | 18 | Urdaneta, Pangasinan |
Golem Parma II | keyboard | 18 | Quezon City |
John Dave Picache | saxophone | 15 | Rizal, Laguna |
Mark Chriscler Quiambao | flute | 18 | San Rafael, Bulacan |
Raisa Racelis | bass guitar | 15 | Tayabas, Quezon |
Jaysel Ramos | keyboard | 19 | Alicia, Isabela |
Ralph Dominic Ramos | violin | 13 | Baliuag, Bulacan |
Iesu Real | keyboard | 18 | Cagayan de Oro |
Isaac Biel Dorado Reodica | drums | 11 | Magdalena, Laguna |
Kenneth Reodica | acoustic guitar | 18 | Quezon City |
Exequiel Reyes | electric guitar | 15 | Pandacan, Manila |
Leo Reyes | bass guitar | 19 | Legazpi, Albay |
Sheila Reyes | violin | 17 | Santa Maria, Bulacan |
Kharl Rivera | saxophone | 16 | Pasay City |
Joaquin Abram D. Rodrigo | drums | 17 | Tanauan, Batangas |
Noel Ronquillo | saxophone | 19 | Quezon City |
Marko Rudio | keyboard | 18 | San Nicolas, Pangasinan |
Art Salcedo | flute | 17 | Baliuag, Bulacan |
Ehrl Zyrelle Santos | keyboard | 15 | Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija |
Marjorie Cadiente Saulo | acoustic guitar | 17 | Caloocan City |
Miles Serrano | violin | 16 | Guagua, Pampanga |
JR Silangcruz | flute | 17 | Caloocan City |
Blaster Mitchelle Silonga | electric guitar | 16 | Marikina City |
John Suarez | keyboard | 19 | Balagtas, Bulacan |
Jai Sumaculub | electric guitar | 18 | Quezon City |
Mark Robin Tabada | keyboard | 17 | Santa Ana, Manila |
Jim Emmanuel A. Tan | keyboard | 17 | Atimonan, Quezon |
Stephen Tan | keyboard | 18 | Quezon City |
Rico Tiangco | acoustic guitar | 17 | Valenzuela City |
Melvin Rodil Torres | acoustic guitar | 19 | Indang, Cavite |
Micha Torres | violin | 14 | Pasay City |
Rhailly Trinidad | drums | 8 | Las Piñas City |
Louise Rafael Vaflor | electric guitar | 17 | Montalban, Rizal |
Maegan Valeriano | acoustic guitar | 16 | Malabon City |
Ena Villa | keyboard | 18 | Las Piñas City |
Joshua Villador | saxophone | 18 | Dasmariñas, Cavite |
Jayvee Villanueva | acoustic guitar | 16 | Meycauayan, Bulacan |
Vanette Villanueva | cello | 19 | Cainta, Rizal |
Micah Virrey | violin | 19 | Quezon City |
Sean Cage Yauder | electric guitar | 17 | Marikina City |
Results
Daily rounds
The daily rounds took place from 6 August to 28 October 2016. Each daily round featured two new musicians who competed against one another with their musical instruments. The round was divided into two parts. Each musician played their song choices in the first portion and then engaged in a one-song showdown in the second portion. Daily winners advanced to the semifinal rounds.
Week of 6 August–12 August
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Saturday 6 August 2016 |
Zach Alcasid | 16 | drums | "Don't Let Me Down" | "Treasure" | Advanced (tied) |
Stephen Tan | 18 | keyboard | "Rather Be" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Monday 8 August 2016 |
Zild Benitez | 19 | bass guitar | "Uptown Funk" | "Sugar" | Advanced |
Micha Torres | 14 | violin | "Shut Up and Dance" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 9 August 2016 |
Luis Galang | 16 | electric guitar | "Moves Like Jagger" | "Firework" | Advanced (tied) |
Vjosh Domingo | 15 | drums | "Bulong" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Wednesday 10 August 2016 |
Jayvee Villanueva | 16 | acoustic guitar | "Billie Jean" | "What Makes You Beautiful" | Advanced |
Marco Balunsat | 17 | keyboard | "Ikaw" | Eliminated | ||
Thursday 11 August 2016 |
John Dave Picache | 15 | saxophone | "Starting Over Again" | "Bang Bang" | Advanced |
Jay-R Corre | 16 | bass guitar | "Hinahanap-Hanap Kita" | Eliminated | ||
Friday 12 August 2016 |
Marko Rudio | 18 | keyboard | "If I Ain't Got You" | "Titanium" | Advanced |
Golem Parma II | 19 | violin | "Para sa Akin" | Eliminated |
Week of 15 August–19 August
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 15 August 2016 |
Rhailly Trinidad | 8 | drums | "Narda" | "Just the Way You Are" |
Eliminated |
Brian Feliciano | 13 | flute | "Sana Maulit Muli" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 16 August 2016 |
John Suarez | 19 | keyboard | "Forevermore" | "Don't Stop Believin'" | Eliminated |
Radlee Laquian | 16 | acoustic guitar | "Close to You" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 17 August 2016 |
Fender Dimalanta | 18 | electric guitar | "You Give Love a Bad Name" | "Thriller" | Eliminated |
Josh Ocampo | 19 | saxophone | "I'm Not the Only One" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 18 August 2016 |
Sheila Reyes | 17 | violin | "Martyr Nyebera | "Raise Your Glass" | Advanced |
Maha Castro | 18 | piano | "Chandelier" | Eliminated | ||
Friday 19 August 2016 |
Israel Mipalar | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Tuloy Pa Rin" | "This Love" | Advanced (tied) |
Tristan Molina | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Don't Know What To Say" | Advanced (tied) |
Week of 22 August–26 August
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 22 August 2016 |
Robin Tabada | 17 | keyboard | "Kahit Isang Saglit" | "Stronger" | Eliminated |
Jim Tan | 17 | keyboard | "The Greatest Love of All" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 23 August 2016 |
Renzo Nolasco | 11 | drums | "Kisapmata" | "Bitiw" | Advanced |
Biel Reodica | 11 | drums | "Awit ng Kabataan" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 24 August 2016 |
Kenneth Kabigting | 18 | electric guitar | "Sunday Morning" | "It's My Life" | Eliminated |
Blaster Silonga | 16 | electric guitar | "Kaleidoscope World" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 25 August 2016 |
Andrew Constantino | 19 | clarinet | "Beautiful Girl" | "Born this Way" | Advanced (tied) |
Ivan Dolleson | 19 | clarinet | "Kailangan Kita" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Friday 26 August 2016 |
Micah Virrey | 19 | violin | "Best Day of My Life" | "Love Story" | Advanced |
Kalel Lipio | 17 | violin | "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" | Eliminated |
Week of 29 August–2 September
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 29 August 2016 |
Rosner Mabuti | 18 | keyboard | "Out of My League" | "California Gurls" | Advanced |
Gerard dela Peña | 17 | keyboard | "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 30 August 2016 |
Matthew Conanan | 18 | electric guitar | "Livin' on a Prayer" | "Sweet Child o' Mine" |
Advanced |
Jai Sumaculub | 18 | electric guitar | "Liwanag sa Dilim" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 31 August 2016 |
Chriscler Quiambao | 18 | flute | "Araw-Gabi" | "Rolling in the Deep" |
Advanced |
JR Silangcruz | 17 | flute | "Moon River" | Eliminated | ||
Thursday 1 September 2016 |
Raisa Racelis | 15 | bass guitar | "Yugyugan Na" | "Hataw Na" | Eliminated |
Leo Reyes | 19 | bass guitar | "Pop" | Advanced | ||
Friday 2 September 2016 |
Melvin Torres | 19 | acoustic guitar | "Officially Missing You" | "Stitches" | Eliminated |
Ryan Lopez | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Isn't She Lovely" | Advanced |
Week of 5 September–9 September
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 5 September 2016 |
Josh Clement Eugenio | 11 | violin | "Let It Go" | "Baby" | Advanced (tied) |
Dominic Ramos | 13 | violin | "Marry You" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Tuesday 6 September 2016 |
Ron Bustos | 18 | saxophone | "Love on Top" | "Empire State of Mind" | Eliminated |
Josh Espinosa | 17 | saxophone | "Ikaw" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 7 September 2016 |
Angelo Garcia | 14 | electric guitar | "Foolish Heart" | "Sandalan" | Advanced |
Exequiel Reyes | 15 | electric guitar | "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" | Eliminated | ||
Thursday 8 September 2016 |
Ehrl Santos | 15 | keyboard | "Making Love Out of...at All" | "A Thousand Miles" | Eliminated |
Jaysel Ramos | 19 | keyboard | "Beauty and the Beast" | Advanced | ||
Friday 9 September 2016 |
Raymund Conge, Jr. | 18 | flute | "Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka" | "Geronimo" | Eliminated |
Franz Feliciano | 18 | flute | "Hanggang" | Advanced |
Week of 12 September–16 September
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 12 September 2016 |
Joaquin Rodrigo | 17 | drums | "Probinsyana" | "Taralets" | Advanced |
Aldreen Alcantara | 19 | drums | "Break Free" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 13 September 2016 |
Vanette Villanueva | 19 | cello | "Stay with Me" | "Viva la Vida" | Eliminated |
Glenn Aquias | 19 | cello | "Closer" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 14 September 2016 |
EJ Chua | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Flashlight" | "She Will Be Loved" | Eliminated |
Paolo Alejo | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 15 September 2016 |
Jonas Abadilla | 16 | violin | "Bang Bang" | "Time In" | Eliminated |
Jino Labitigan | 17 | violin | "Toxic" | Advanced | ||
Friday 16 September 2016 |
Karl Estoesta | 13 | keyboard | "Ever Since the World Began" | "Best Song Ever" | Advanced |
Juan Miguel Atal | 12 | keyboard | "One Call Away" | Eliminated |
Week of 19 September–23 September
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 19 September 2016 |
Kharl Rivera | 16 | saxophone | "I Have Nothing" | "This is What You Came For" | Advanced |
Kenneth Miranda | 13 | saxophone | "One Last Cry" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 20 September 2016 |
Crismar Lampos | 17 | electric guitar | "Salamat" | "Sugod" | Advanced |
Marcus Ambat | 16 | electric guitar | "214" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 21 September 2016 |
Kenneth Reodica | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Man in the Mirror" | "This Love" | Advanced (tied) |
Rico Tiangco | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Kailan" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Thursday 22 September 2016 |
Jan dela Cruz | 15 | flute | "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" | "Rolling in the Deep" |
Eliminated |
Angeli Nicolas | 17 | flute | "Araw-Gabi" | Advanced | ||
Friday 23 September 2016 |
Vincent Argana | 17 | bass guitar | "Got to Be Real" | "Sugar" | Eliminated |
Dennvan Awa | 19 | bass guitar | "Uptown Funk" | Advanced |
Week of 26 September–30 September
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 26 September 2016 |
Raven Fernandez | 19 | violin | "We Will Rock You" | "Titanium" | Eliminated |
Raphael Lopez | 15 | violin | "Moves Like Jagger" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 27 September 2016 |
AJ Ascona | 19 | drums | "Probinsyana" | "Firework" | Advanced (tied) |
Lite Benedicto | 16 | drums | "Don't Let Me Down" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Wednesday 28 September 2016 |
Iesu Real | 18 | keyboard | "We Don't Talk Anymore" | "What Makes You Beautiful" | Eliminated |
Dennver Awa | 16 | keyboard | "Can't Feel My Face" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 29 September 2016 |
Yani Balagtas | 17 | electric guitar | "Oo" | "Don't Stop Believin'" | Eliminated |
Philcob Josol | 18 | electric guitar | "Love Me Like You Do" | Advanced | ||
Friday 30 September 2016 |
Noel Ronquillo | 19 | saxophone | "Nothing's Gonna Change..." | "The Edge of Glory" |
Advanced |
Joeffrey Pangilinan | 18 | saxophone | "How Deep Is Your Love" | Eliminated |
Week of 3 October–7 October
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 3 October 2016 |
Maegan Valeriano | 16 | acoustic guitar | "She Will Be Loved" | "Moves Like Jagger" | Advanced |
Marjorie Saulo | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 4 October 2016 |
Princess Adan | 19 | drums | "Martyr Nyebera" | "Treasure" | Advanced |
Crissa Aguilos | 15 | drums | "Mangarap Ka" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 5 October 2016 |
Maydel Andayon | 17 | keyboard | "One Last Cry" | "A Thousand Miles" | Eliminated |
Ena Villa | 18 | keyboard | "Tadhana" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 6 October 2016 |
Dominique Casacop | 18 | violin | "Thinking Out Loud" | "Problem" | Advanced |
Marielle Gabriel | 17 | violin | "Valentine" | Eliminated | ||
Friday 7 October 2016 |
Marvie Fojas | 17 | flute | "Stay" | "Rolling in the Deep" |
Eliminated |
Rosemarie Hernandez | 17 | flute | "Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka" | Advanced |
Week of 10 October–15 October
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 10 October 2016 |
Emman Lopez | 15 | electric guitar | "California King Bed" | "It's My Life" | Advanced |
Sean Yauder | 17 | electric guitar | "Call Me Maybe" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 11 October 2016 |
Niño Cabusas | 19 | saxophone | "If I Ain't Got You" | "Empire State of Mind" | Eliminated |
Joshua Villador | 18 | saxophone | "Born for You" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 12 October 2016 |
Sean Nicolas | 16 | drums | "A Thousand Miles" | "Bitiw" | Eliminated |
Matthew Bravante | 18 | drums | "Bulong" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 13 October 2016 |
Patrick del Pilar | 19 | acoustic guitar | "Til They Take...Heart Away" | "Waka Waka" | Advanced |
Kyle Andaya | 15 | acoustic guitar | "Photograph" | Eliminated | ||
Friday 14 October 2016 |
John Cagape | 16 | violin | "Good Time" | "Viva la Vida" | Eliminated |
Miles Serrano | 16 | violin | "Rather Be" | Advanced |
Week of 18 October–21 October
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Tuesday 18 October 2016 |
John Micko Papilla | 18 | electric guitar | "Bagsakan" | "Livin' on a Prayer" |
Advanced |
Rafael Vaflor | 17 | electric guitar | "Kisapmata" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 19 October 2016 |
Darylle Hernandez | 17 | clarinet | "Forevermore" | "Born this Way" | Eliminated |
Paul de Guzman | 19 | clarinet | "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 20 October 2016 |
Jamal Gullemas | 17 | acoustic guitar | "I'll Never Go" | "One Thing" | Advanced (tied) |
Jeriecko Cabuyao | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Isn't She Lovely" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Friday 21 October 2016 |
Asaph Lapatha | 15 | keyboard | "It's All Coming Back to Me..." | "Stronger" | Advanced (tied) |
RD Benavides | 18 | keyboard | "25 Minutes" | Advanced (tied) |
Week of 24 October–28 October
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 24 October 2016 |
Art Salcedo | 17 | flute | "Limang Dipang Tao" | "Best Song Ever" | Advanced |
Joash Barcinas | 18 | flute | "Bukas Na...Kita Mamahalin" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 25 October 2016 |
Kyle Agbuya | 13 | drums | "Bitiw" | "Treasure" | Advanced |
Marco Corre | 13 | drums | "Focus" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 26 October 2016 |
Sidney Aban | 18 | acoustic guitar | "How Deep Is Your Love" | "She Will Be Loved" |
Advanced |
Keith Garcia | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Ang Huling El Bimbo" | Eliminated | ||
Thursday 27 October 2016 |
Gillian Bongkingki | 19 | keyboard | "Breakaway" | "Rolling in the Deep" |
Eliminated |
Ferdinand Andes | 18 | keyboard | "Just Once" | Advanced | ||
Friday 28 October 2016 |
Bricks Miranda | 9 | violin | "Thinking Out Loud" | "What Makes You Beautiful" | Eliminated |
Shammah Alegado | 9 | violin | "Smooth Ciminal" | Advanced |
Wildcard rounds
The week-long wildcard rounds were held from 31 October to 4 November 2016. Several contestants who lost in the daily rounds or the weekly semifinal rounds received the opportunity to return to the competition. Two contestants were pitted against one another each day for a chance to earn a spot in the daily semifinal rounds.
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 31 October 2016 |
Vincent Argana | 17 | bass guitar | "Got to Be Real" | "Hataw Na" | Eliminated |
Jay-R Corre | 16 | bass guitar | "Hinahanap-Hanap Kita" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 1 November 2016 |
John Dave Picache | 15 | saxophone | "Starting Over Again" | "The Edge of Glory" |
Eliminated |
Ron Bustos | 18 | saxophone | "Love on Top" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 2 November 2016 |
Maha Castro | 18 | keyboard | "Chandelier" | "Price Tag" | Advanced |
Maydel Andayon | 17 | keyboard | "One Last Cry" | Eliminated | ||
Thursday 3 November 2016 |
Sheila Reyes | 17 | violin | "Martyr Nyebera" | "Raise Your Glass" | Eliminated |
John Cagape | 16 | violin | "Good Time" | Advanced | ||
Friday 4 November 2016 |
Fender Dimalanta | 18 | electric guitar | "You Give Love a Bad Name" | "Sweet Child o' Mine" |
Advanced |
Rafael Vaflor | 17 | electric guitar | "Kisapmata" | Eliminated |
Semifinal rounds
The semifinal rounds were originally held on Saturdays right after the daily elimination rounds from August to October. After the conclusion of the daily rounds and the subsequent wildcard rounds, the semifinals transitioned into a daily event beginning in November. The 36 semifinal winners became known as the Music Hero Squad.
Weekly semifinal rounds (Before the wildcard rounds)
The early semifinal rounds occurred on Saturdays from 16 August to 8 October 2016. Three daily winners with different instruments competed against each other in the usual two-part round. Because these weekly semifinal rounds occurred prior to the wildcard rounds, several eliminated semifinalists received a second opportunity to return to the competition by winning in the wildcard rounds and then competing again in the daily edition of the semifinals.
August 2016
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Saturday 13 August 2016 |
Zild Benitez | 19 | bass guitar | "Locked Out of Heaven" | "Cake by the Ocean" |
Advanced (tied) |
Vjosh Domingo | 15 | drums | "Hallelujah" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Saturday 20 August 2016 |
John Dave Picache | 15 | saxophone | "Nothing's Gonna Change..." | "The Edge of Glory" |
Eliminated |
Marko Rudio | 18 | keyboard | "Secret Love Song" | Eliminated | ||
Luis Galang | 16 | electric guitar | "Rock with You" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 27 August 2016 |
Stephen Tan | 18 | keyboard | "Beauty and a Beat" | "Problem" | Advanced |
Josh Ocampo | 19 | saxophone | "It Might Be You" | Eliminated | ||
Jayvee Villanueva | 16 | acoustic guitar | "Dancing Queen" | Eliminated |
September 2016
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Saturday 3 September 2016 |
Ivan Dolleson | 19 | clarinet | "How Dd You Know" | "Trumpets" | Eliminated |
Sheila Reyes | 17 | violin | "Bring Me to Life" | Eliminated | ||
Radlee Laquian | 16 | acoustic guitar | "Somewhere Over...Rainbow" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 10 September 2016 |
Micah Virrey | 19 | violin | "Smooth Criminal" | "My Life Would Suck Without You" | Eliminated |
Chriscler Quiambao | 18 | flute | "The Gift" | Eliminated | ||
Blaster Silonga | 16 | electric guitar | "Through the Fire" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 17 September 2016 |
Zach Alcasid | 16 | drums | "Happy" | "Any Way You Want It" | Advanced |
Rosner Mabuti | 18 | keyboard | "Sa'yo" | Eliminated | ||
Matthew Conanan | 18 | electric guitar | "Smooth" | Eliminated | ||
Saturday 24 September 2016 |
Karl Estoesta | 13 | keyboard | "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" | "Price Tag" | Eliminated |
Josh Clement Eugenio | 11 | violin | "Rude" | Eliminated | ||
Brian Feliciano | 14 | flute | "Bukas na Lang...Mamahalin" | Advanced |
October 2016
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Saturday 1 October 2016 |
Tristan Molina | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Change the World" | "Love on Top" | Eliminated |
Jino Labitigan | 17 | violin | "Where Have You Been" | Advanced | ||
Kharl Rivera | 16 | saxophone | "Better Days" | Eliminated | ||
Saturday 8 October 2016 |
Joaquin Rodrigo | 17 | drums | "Hallelujah" | "Let's Get It Started" |
Advanced (tied) |
Jim Tan | 17 | keyboard | "Anak" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Leo Reyes | 19 | bass guitar | "MMMBop" | Eliminated |
Daily semifinal rounds (After the wildcard rounds)
After the wildcard rounds, the semifinal rounds transitioned into a daily event from 5 November to 8 December 2016. This time, the competition pitted two musicians with the same (or similar) musical instruments against one another. The semifinalists battled in the usual two-part round. An additional one-day wildcard round for eliminated semifinalists occurred on 9 December 2016. Three returning musicians were once again pitted against one another for a chance to advance to the next round of the competition.
Week of 5 November–11 November
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Saturday 5 November 2016 |
Israel Mipalar | 17 | acoustic guitar | "A Very Special Love" | "Roar" | Eliminated |
Josh Espinosa | 18 | saxophone | "Proud Mary" | Advanced | ||
Jaysel Ramos | 19 | keyboard | "Reflection" | Eliminated | ||
Monday 7 November 2016 |
Paul de Guzman | 19 | clarinet | "I'll Never Love This Way Again" | "Jai Ho" | Eliminated |
Miles Serrano | 16 | violin | "Super Bass" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 8 November 2016 |
Ryan Lopez | 17 | acoustic guitar | "You Are the Sunshine of...Life" | "This Love" | Eliminated |
Paolo Alejo | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Hotel California" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 9 November 2016 |
Ena Villa | 18 | keyboard | "Kahit Isang Saglit" | "Party in the U.S.A." | Eliminated |
Maha Castro | 18 | keyboard | "Chandelier" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 10 November 2016 |
Kyle Agbuya | 13 | drums | "Noypi" | "Firework" | Eliminated |
Renzo Nolasco | 11 | drums | "Hari ng Sablay" | Advanced | ||
Friday 11 November 2016 |
Angeli Nicolas | 18 | flute | "Shake It Off" | "Empire State of Mind" | Eliminated |
Franz Feliciano | 18 | flute | "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" | Advanced |
Week of 14 November–18 November
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 14 November 2016 |
Angelo Garcia | 15 | electric guitar | "Always" | "It's My Life" | Advanced |
Emman Lopez | 15 | electric guitar | "Wrecking Ball" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 15 November 2016 |
Lite Benedicto | 16 | drums | "Gangnam Style" | "Bitiw" | Eliminated |
Matthew Bravante | 18 | drums | "Narda" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 16 November 2016 |
Philcob Josol | 18 | electric guitar | "Titanium" | "My Life Would Suck...You" | Eliminated |
Dennver Awa | 16 | keyboard | "Crazy Little Thing Called..." | Advanced | ||
Thursday 17 November 2016 |
Rico Tiangco | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Kailan" | "One Thing" | Eliminated |
Glenn Aquias | 19 | cello | "Problem" | Advanced | ||
Friday 18 November 2016 |
Dennvan Awa | 19 | bass guitar | "24K Magic" | "Hataw Na" | Eliminated |
Jay-R Corre | 16 | bass guitar | "Rock Baby Rock" | Advanced |
Week of 22 November–25 November
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Tuesday 22 November 2016 |
Art Salcedo | 17 | flute | "Nais Ko" | "Waka Waka" | Advanced |
Rosemarie Hernandez | 17 | flute | "All At Once" | Eliminated | ||
Wednesday 23 November 2016 |
Joshua Villador | 18 | saxophone | "It Might Be You" | "Bang Bang" | Eliminated |
Ron Bustos | 18 | saxophone | "Listen" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 24 November 2016 |
Ferdinand Andes | 18 | keyboard | "On the Wings of Love" | "Treasure" | Eliminated |
RD Benavides | 18 | keyboard | "Fixing a Broken Heart" | Advanced | ||
Friday 25 November 2016 |
Jeriecko Cabuyao | 18 | acoustic guitar | "When I Met You" | "Moves Like Jagger" | Eliminated |
Patrick del Pilar | 19 | acoustic guitar | "Payphone" | Advanced |
Week of 28 November–2 December
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 28 November 2016 |
AJ Ascona | 19 | drums | "Tayo'y Magsayawan" | "Cake by the Ocean" |
Advanced |
Princess Adan | 19 | drums | "Time In" | Eliminated | ||
Tuesday 29 November 2016 |
Dominique Casacop | 18 | violin | "We Found Love" | "Shut Up and Dance" |
Advanced (tied) |
John Cagape | 16 | violin | "I Gotta Feeling" | Advanced (tied) | ||
Thursday 1 December 2016 |
Crismar Lampos | 18 | electric guitar | "Tatsulok" | "Livin' on a Prayer" |
Eliminated |
Fender Dimalanta | 18 | electric guitar | "Don't Stop Believin'" | Advanced | ||
Friday 2 December 2016 |
Sidney Aban | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Saving All My Love for You" | "Price Tag" | Advanced |
Kenneth Reodica | 18 | acoustic guitar | "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" | Eliminated |
Week of 5 December–9 December
Date | Contestant | Age | Instrument | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | |||||
Monday 5 December 2016 |
Jamal Gullemas | 17 | acoustic guitar | "Heaven Knows" | "Jingle Bell Rock" | Eliminated |
Maegan Valeriano | 16 | acoustic guitar | "Beat It" | Advanced | ||
Tuesday 6 December 2016 |
Noel Ronquillo | 19 | saxophone | "Till My Heartaches End" | "Last Christmas" | Eliminated |
Andrew Constantino | 19 | clarinet | "The Prayer" | Advanced | ||
Wednesday 7 December 2016 |
Dominic Ramos | 13 | violin | "Geronimo" | "All I Want for Christmas...You" | Eliminated |
Shammah Alegado | 9 | violin | "Survivor" | Advanced | ||
Thursday 8 December 2016 |
John Micko Papilla | 18 | electric guitar | "Bagsakan" | "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree " | Eliminated |
Asaph Lapatha | 15 | keyboard | "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" | Eliminated | ||
Raphael Lopez | 15 | violin | "Dynamite" | Advanced | ||
Friday 9 December 2016 WILDCARD |
Leo Reyes | 19 | bass guitar | "Pop" | "Sugar" | Advanced |
Angeli Nicolas | 18 | flute | "Araw-Gabi" | Eliminated | ||
Kharl Rivera | 16 | saxophone | "I Have Nothing" | Eliminated |
Clash of Heroes
The 36 contestants were then separated into different categories based on their instruments: Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Woodwind (flute and clarinet), Keyboard, Electric Guitar, String (cello and violin), Bass Guitar, and Saxophone.
The contestants then went through elimination rounds until only two or three grand finalists remained within their instrument categories. In Steal the Spot rounds, eliminated contestants returned to challenge a grand finalist who have secured a spot in the grand finals. Grand finals for each category determined the ultimate musician who would advance to the final round of the competition.
For Steal the Spot rounds, contestants highlighted in red indicate the challenger, while contestants highlighted in blue indicate the defending grand finalist.
Drums
Six drummers competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included Manila Philharmonic Orchestra member Glenn Velarde, South Border drummer Otep Concepcion, Kamikazee vocalist Jay Contreras, renowned drummer Jun Regalado, Sr., and Side A co-founder Mar Dizon. In the end, 17-year-old Joaquin Rodrigo of Tanauan, Batangas was named as the Ultimate Drums Hero.
Zach Alcasid |
AJ Ascona |
Matthew Bravante |
Vjosh Domingo |
Renzo Nolasco |
Joaquin Rodrigo |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Monday 12 December 2016 |
Matthew Bravante | 18 | "Narda" | "That's What You Get" | Eliminated |
Joaquin Rodrigo | 17 | "Probinsyana" | "Highway Star" | Advanced | |
Thursday 22 December 2016 |
AJ Ascona | 19 | "Tayo'y Magsayawan" | "Liwanag Sa Dilim" | Eliminated |
Renzo Nolasco | 11 | "Hari ng Sablay" | "Sugod" | Advanced | |
Thursday 5 January 2017 |
Vjosh Domingo | 15 | "Bulong" | "Noypi" | Eliminated |
Zach Alcasid | 17 | "Don't Let Me Down" | "Tatsulok" | Advanced | |
Monday 16 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Vjosh Domingo | 15 | "Fantastic Baby" | "Get Ur Freak On" | Eliminated |
Zach Alcasid | 17 | "Party Rock Anthem" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 25 February 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Renzo Nolasco | 11 | "Meron Akong Ano" | "Run the World (Girls)" | Eliminated |
Zach Alcasid | 17 | "Message in a Bottle" | Eliminated | ||
Joaquin Rodrigo | 17 | "Lose My Breath" | Advanced |
Acoustic Guitar
Five acoustic guitarists competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included UST Conservatory of Music guitar professor James Peter Namit, television musical director and guitarist Ric Mercado, Color It Red former lead guitarist Mike Villegas, composer Noel Cabangon, and renowned singer Regine Velasquez. In the end, 16-year-old Radlee Laquian of Tondo, Manila was named as the Ultimate Acoustic Guitar Hero.
Sidney Aban |
Paolo Alejo |
Patrick del Pilar |
Radlee Laquian |
Maegan Valeriano |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Tuesday 13 December 2016 |
Paolo Alejo | 18 | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | "Everybody" | Advanced |
Patrick del Pilar | 19 | "'Til They Take My Heart Away" | "Uptown Girl" | Eliminated | |
Wednesday 21 December 2016 |
Sidney Aban | 18 | "Saving All My Love for You" | "I Love You Goodbye" | Eliminated |
Maegan Valeriano | 16 | "She Will Be Loved" | "Let Me Be the One" | Eliminated | |
Radlee Laquian | 16 | "Close to You" | "Kung Ako Na Lang Sana" | Advanced | |
Saturday 7 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Sidney Aban | 18 | "How Deep Is Your Love" | "Can't Help Falling in Love" | Eliminated |
Radlee Laquian | 16 | "Imagine" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 18 February 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Paolo Alejo | 18 | "One Note Samba" | "Here Comes the Sun" | Eliminated |
Radlee Laquian | 16 | "What a Wonderful World" | Advanced |
Woodwind Instruments
Three flutists and one clarinetist competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) principal clarinetist Randy Lopez, MSO events coordinator Ariel Perez, La Sallian Youth Orchestra resident conductor German de Ramos, Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino president Jong Cuenco, and award-winning theater actor Robert Seña. In the end, 14-year-old Brian Feliciano of Marilao, Bulacan was named as the Ultimate Flute Hero.
clarinet Andrew Constantino |
flute Brian Feliciano |
flute Franz Feliciano |
flute Art Salcedo |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Wednesday 14 December 2016 |
Franz Feliciano | 18 | "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" | "Forevermore" | Eliminated |
Andrew Constantino | 19 | "The Prayer" | "Destiny" | Advanced | |
Wednesday 4 January 2017 |
Art Salcedo | 17 | "Limang Dipang Tao" | "Emotions" | Eliminated |
Brian Feliciano | 14 | "Bukas Na...Kita Mamahalin" | "And I Am Telling You I'm Not..." | Advanced | |
Thursday 12 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Art Salcedo | 17 | "The Voice Within" | "Say That You Love Me" | Eliminated |
Andrew Constantino | 19 | "The Prayer" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 11 February 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Andrew Constantino | 19 | "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas" | "My Heart Will Go On" | Eliminated |
Brian Feliciano | 14 | "I Believe" | Advanced |
Keyboard
Five keyboardists competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included UST Conservatory of Music piano coordinator Anthony Say, musical director Vincent de Jesus, Neocolours former keyboardist Jimmy Antiporda, Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, and Eat Bulaga! host Tito Sotto. In the end, 17-year-old Jim Tan of Atimonan, Quezon was named as the Ultimate Keyboard Hero.
Dennver Awa |
RD Benavides |
Maha Castro |
Jim Tan |
Stephen Tan |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Thursday 15 December 2016 |
RD Benavides | 18 | "25 Minutes" | "Beauty and the Beast" | Eliminated |
Maha Castro | 18 | "Chandelier" | "Let It Go" | Advanced (tied) | |
Stephen Tan | 18 | "Rather Be" | "Go the Distance" | Advanced (tied) | |
Friday 23 December 2016 |
Dennver Awa | 16 | "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" | "Ikaw Ang Aking Mahal" | Eliminated |
Jim Tan | 17 | "Anak" | "Pangako" | Advanced | |
Friday 13 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Asaph Lapatha | 15 | "It's All Coming Back to Me Now | "On My Own" | Eliminated |
Maha Castro | 18 | "Let It Go" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 21 January 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Maha Castro | 18 | "Bituing Walang Ningning" | "I'd Do Anything for Love" | Eliminated |
Jim Tan | 18 | "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" | Advanced | ||
Stephen Tan | 18 | "Lipad Ng Pangarap" | Eliminated |
Electric Guitar
Four electric guitarists competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included musical arranger Noel Mendez, jazz guitarist Johnny Alegre, Side A former guitarist Joey Generoso, The Dawn guitarist Francis Reyes, and Juan de la Cruz Band guitarist Wally Gonzales. In the end, 17-year-old Blaster Silonga of Marikina City was named as the Ultimate Electric Guitar Hero.
Fender Dimalanta |
Luis Galang |
Angelo Garcia |
Blaster Silonga |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Friday 16 December 2016 |
Blaster Silonga | 17 | "Through the Fire" | "Basang-Basa Sa Ulan" | Advanced (tied) |
Angelo Garcia | 15 | "Always" | "Halik" | Advanced (tied) | |
Tuesday 20 December 2016 |
Luis Galang | 16 | "Moves Like Jagger" | "Beat It" | Eliminated |
Fender Dimalanta | 19 | "Don't Stop Believin'" | "Thriller" | Advanced | |
Tuesday 10 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Luis Galang | 16 | "Rock with You" | "Kiss" | Eliminated |
Fender Dimalanta | 19 | "Thriller" | Advanced | ||
Friday 10 March 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Fender Dimalanta | 19 | "Rosanna" | "Change the World" | Eliminated |
Blaster Silonga | 17 | "Superstition" | Advanced | ||
Angelo Garcia | 15 | "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" | Eliminated |
Violin/String Instruments
Six violinists and one cellist competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included Manila Symphony Orchestra executive director Jeffrey Solares, Silent Sanctuary violinist Chino David, Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino founder John Lesaca, singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, and Eat Bulaga! host Joey de Leon. In the end, 18-year-old Dominique Casacop of Santa Rosa, Laguna was named as the Ultimate Violin Hero.
violin Shammah Alegado |
cello Glenn Aquias |
violin John Cagape |
violin Dominique Casacop |
violin Jino Labitigan |
violin Raphael Lopez |
violin Miles Serrano |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Monday 19 December 2016 |
Miles Serrano | 16 | "Rather Be" | "Without You" | Eliminated |
Jino Labitigan | 17 | "Toxic" | "Uptown Funk" | Advanced | |
Tuesday 3 January 2017 |
Glenn Aquias | 19 | "Problem" | "Wind Beneath My Wings" | Eliminated |
Raphael Lopez | 15 | "Dynamite" | "Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita" | Eliminated | |
John Cagape | 16 | "I Gotta Feeling" | "Only Hope" | Advanced | |
Friday 6 January 2017 |
Dominique Casacop | 18 | "We Found Love" | "Lambada" | Advanced |
Shammah Alegado | 9 | "Smooth Criminal" | "I Will Survive" | Eliminated | |
Wednesday 11 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Shammah Alegado | 9 | "Survivor" | "Rolling in the Deep" | Advanced |
John Cagape | 17 | "Fighter" | Eliminated | ||
Saturday 28 January 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Shammah Alegado | 9 | "Mission: Impossible Theme" | "To Love You More" | Eliminated |
Jino Labitigan | 17 | "Bohemian Rhapsody" | Eliminated | ||
Dominique Casacop | 18 | "The Phantom of the Opera" | Advanced |
Saxophone
Two saxophonists competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included UP College of Music faculty member Michael Mark Guevarra, music producer Alvin Cornista, musical director Mel Villena, jazz musician Eddie Katindig, Sr., and pop singer Kuh Ledesma. In the end, 18-year-old Josh Espinosa of Baras, Rizal was named as the Ultimate Saxophone Hero.
Ron Bustos |
Josh Espinosa |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Shuffle Track/Showdown | ||||
Monday 9 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Josh Ocampo | 19 | "It Might Be You" | "Respect" | Eliminated |
Josh Espinosa | 18 | "Kailangan Kita" | Advanced | ||
Friday 3 March 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Josh Espinosa | 18 | "Hanggang" | "All I Ask" | Advanced |
Ron Bustos | 18 | "One Night Only" | Eliminated |
Bass Guitar
Three bass guitarists competed against each other to win a spot in the championship round. The panel of judges for the grand finals included UST Conservatory of Music faculty member Arthur Erskine Basilio, Yosha bassist Karel Honasan, Pupil bassist Dok Sergio, Hale bassist Sheldon Gellada, and singer Lani Misalucha. In the end, 19-year-old Zild Benitez of Quezon City was named as the Ultimate Bass Guitar Hero.
Zild Benitez |
Jay-R Corre |
Leo Reyes |
Date | Contestant | Age | Songs | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Song Choice | Showdown | ||||
Saturday 14 January 2017 STEAL THE SPOT |
Raisa Racelis | 15 | "Love Never Felt So Good" | "Lady Marmalade" | Eliminated |
Zild Benitez | 19 | "24K Magic" | Advanced | ||
Saturday 4 February 2017 GRAND FINALS |
Leo Reyes | 19 | "September" | "Play That Funky Music" | Eliminated |
Zild Benitez | 19 | "Yugyugan Na" | Advanced | ||
Jay-R Corre | 16 | "Let's Get Loud" | Eliminated |
Battle of the Champions
The Battle of the Champions occurred on Saturday, 18 March 2017. The first round was judged based on the grand finalists' performance as a group in order to examine their dynamic and style for their chosen musical pieces. Band A won the first round and advanced to the second round of the competition. In the second round, the four remaining grand finalists faced each other in a final showdown with their song choices. In the end, electric guitarist Blaster Silonga of Marikina City was named as the Ultimate Music Hero.
Band | Members | Song | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Band A | Zild Benitez (bass) Joaquin Rodrigo (drums) Josh Espinosa (saxophone) Blaster Silonga (electric guitar) |
"Locked Out of Heaven" | Advanced | |
Band B | Radlee Laquian (acoustic guitar) Dominique Casacop (violin) Brian Feliciano (flute) Jim Tan (keyboard) |
"Kahit Isang Saglit" | Eliminated |
Contestant | Age | Origin | Instrument | Song | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Josh Espinosa | 18 | Rizal | saxophone | "Sway" | - | |
Zild Benitez | 19 | Quezon City | bass guitar | "Weak" | - | |
Blaster Silonga | 17 | Marikina City | electric guitar | "If I Ain't Got You" | Grand winner | |
Joaquin Rodrigo | 17 | Batangas | drums | "Awit ng Kabataan" | - |
Special Award | Contestant | Age | Origin | Instrument |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dabarkads Choice | Zild Benitez | 19 | Quezon City | bass guitar |
References
- ↑ Teenage talent search winner has 'muisc in his soul', 29 March 2017, Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ↑ ‘Eat Bulaga’ has big plans for Ultimate Music Hero, 3 April 2017, Manila Standard.
- ↑ Music Hero’s debut single goes viral, 19 July 2018, The Manila Times.