A marching band’s performance in the “Drum and Lyre Competition” for the Antipolo Christmas Fiesta drew attention after its audio was cut off when the group ended its show with a political statement.
The Blue Marching Condors (BMC), the marching band of Our Lady of Peace School (OLPS), was among those that joined the competition organized by the Antipolo City government on Sunday, December 7.
The participants’ performances were livestreamed on Facebook from the Ynares Center, with the page of Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III sharing the video.
However, some viewers noticed that the audio was cut off when the BMC members began waving banners containing political messages such as “We march against corruption” and “Itigil and korapsyon,” among others.
This can be seen beginning at the 4:00:00-mark of the video, when the BMC forms at the center and raises the banners.
A chant, first heard during the nationwide anti-corruption protests on September 21 and November 30, can then be heard repeatedly in the background: “Ikulong na ‘yan, mga kurakot!”
The BMC then finishes its performance, and the audio resumes.
Some viewers noticed the technical issue and claimed it was intentional.
“[‘Pag] corruption ang topic, pinatatahimik. Kaya nga nawalan ng audio kanina OLPS eh. OLPS lang,” a Facebook user commented.
“Waw, ganda ng audio ta’s ‘pag sa OLPS, ang hina, lala ah,” another wrote.
“Inulit ko din sa OLPS, andaya, wala narinig. GO, BMC!!” a different Facebook user commented.
“OLPS BMC all the way. We are still holding one big trophy, being a voice to the issues of the day… we are born champions, BMC since the late 80’s,” another Pinoy wrote.
“I commend your courageous stand against corruption! Slapping corrupt politicians takes guts — you’re making a powerful statement. Congrats, BMC!” a different Facebook user commented.
A raw, unedited video of the performance was subsequently uploaded by another Facebook user.
The BMC finished as third runner-up in the competition, with their performance earning praise from some Filipinos.
“The bravest and powerful entry of BMC during the Antipolo Drum and Lyre Competition. BMC’s performance yesterday elevated the standards of drum and lyre band to a level of entertainment with social relevance that left a meaningful impact [on] our society,” a Facebook user wrote.
“(The Bravest one) salute to all the people behind this masterpiece,” another commented.
The school’s student publication, The OLPSian Times, also said that the BMC “turned the Ynares Center into a platform of conviction against corruption that continues to burden communities across the Philippines.”
“Congratulations to OLPS’ pride for not only delivering an unforgettable performance but also for boldly using the platform to stand for what is right and just,” it added.
The anti-corruption banners, as well as the chant, reference the issues raised in the demonstrations organized by the “Trillion Peso March Movement,” a coalition formed after corruption involving the country’s flood control projects surfaced.
The protests called for accountability in the billion-peso flood control scandal, including thorough investigations without cover-ups, the forfeiture of allegedly stolen funds, and the conviction of those found guilty of corruption.
