The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) on Wednesday announced the names of the final contingents for Sunday’s Banda Dasig 2024 competition.

The Banda Dasig is one of the main activities of the Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw 2024.

Competing for the elementary school-based category will be the drum and lyre groups from the Magallanes Elementary School, Francisco Bangoy Central Elementary School, Antonio Pichon Jr. Elementary School, Cesareo Villa-Abrille Elementary School, Vedasto F. Corcuera Elementary School, Sta. Ana Central Elementary School, San Juan Elementary School, Calinan Central Elementary School, and Catalunan Pequeño Elementary School.

Also competing for the elementary school category are the lyre and drum corps from the Binowang Elementary School, Daniel M. Perez Central Elementary School, Sasa Elementary School, Mintal Elementary School, Bago Elementary School, Dumoyan’s Jose Bastida Elementary School, Bolton Elementary School, Binugao Central Elementary School, Tacunan Elementary School, the Speders Drum And Bell Corps, and the Kapitan Tomas Rhythmic Harmonic Ensemble.

Also named were the groups from the Don Julian Rodriguez Sr. Elementary School, San Roque Central Elementary School, Francisco Bustamante Central Elementary School, Blue Phoenix, Leon A.Garcia Sr. Elementary School, The Falcons Piedad Central Elementary School, Vicente Hizon Sr. Elementary School, and V.L Angliongto Sr. Elementary School.

For the open category, the contingents include the Tagum City Youth Symphonic Band, Davao Blue Eagles Marching Band, MMK (Mintal Music Knights), Lapulapu Elementary School, Mintal Comprehensive High School Harmonic Drum and Bell Corps, Ramon Magsaysay Central Elementary School Glock’en Harmonic Ensemble, Harvest House Lifegiver College of Southern Philippines, and the Dr. Santiago Dakudao Sr. National High School.

Also in the the open category are the DMMA Marching Band, Digos City National High School Marching Band, Binugao National High School, Catalunan Pequeño National High School Drum and Bell Ensemble, Purple Beats Ensemble Francisco Bangoy National High School, Jesus J. Soriano National High School, Catalunan Grande Drum and Bell Corps, Vicenta Nograles Velvet Concord Band, and Tagum City National High School Marching Band Empire.

All entries must showcase the Dabawenyo Christmas spirit in accordance with Banda Dasig’s mechanics and guidelines. The Pasko Fiesta 2024 elements, which include color tones of orange, terracotta, gold, and royal blue, must also be incorporated into the bands.

A color guard is also required for all the entries in the open and school-based categories. The groups can only perform one Christmas song during the satellite performance on C.M. Recto Street corner Roxas Avenue, and they can only perform a minimum of three and a maximum of five Christmas songs during the main showdown at the San Pedro Square.

In addition to the grand musicality of their repertoire, each entry must feature a “lighted” band that includes instruments, costumes, and props to elevate the celebration’s concept. The outfits worn by the performers should have a Christmas motif. All lights used should be good for the outdoors and entries must keep their lights on even in challenging weather conditions.

The grand winner, second and third placers in both categories will receive a trophy and cash worth P250,000, P150,000, and 100, 000, respectively. Special awards, including Best Conductor, Best Music, Best in Lighting and Artistic Design, and Best Color Guard will receive P25,000. Non-winners will also receive a consolation prize worth P25,000.

The Banda Dasig on December 15 will be held from 3 p.m. starting from Roxas Avenue to the San Pedro Square simultaneous with Mugna sa Pasko.

Full details for the Banda Dasig’s guidelines can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/DavaoPaskoFiestaOfficial/posts/553244650533937. Other information and details on the Banda Dasig competition are posted on the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao and CTOO’s Facebook Page. CIO