Blazing past last year’s first runner-up finish, the Social Sciences (SS) Dragons’ Dracarys took this year’s Musikahan: Battle of the Bands (BOTB) championship with a set that embodied the heartbeat of the Filipino spirit.

With the theme “Eksena ng Musika: Kwento at Himig ng Buhay,” this year’s competition challenged clusters to interpret the lived experiences of Filipinos through songs.

For Dracarys, the concept drew inspiration from current events and the socio-political climate in the country.

One of Dracarys’ three lead vocalists Sandy Eroy shared that their set portrayed the perseverance of Filipinos amid frustration with corruption, mirroring the ongoing reports of graft and government controversies that continue to circulate in national media.

“Inspiration namin is the Filipino people… Pagka bigay pa lang sa amin ng theme, which is mga common experiences daw ng people. We thought about what’s happening right now, with the corruption and controversies in the news,” Eroy said.

The band’s setlist included Gloc-9’s Sumayaw Ka, P.O.T.’s Yugyugan Na, HUNTR/X’s Golden, JMara’s Mahal Kong Pilipinas, and Aerosmith’s Dream On, alongside a mashup of Sining by Kenjee Tan feat. Sandy Eroy. 

Sining, the official soundtrack of the 2025 Ateneo Festival of Excellence, was incorporated into their Yugyugan Na segment, tying the university’s artistic tradition into the performance.

Dracarys’ Rhythm Guitarist Al Macataman reflected on the band’s comeback story after narrowly missing the top spot last year.

“Throughout the time na nag-conceptualize pa lang kami, we’re making sure na everything will be the best of the best na talaga para hindi kami kulangin ng kahit one point para maging first runner-up lang ulit. We really invested a lot of time just to give out everything para manalo kami this year.”

Eroy also acknowledged the expectations carried over from their previous championship two years ago.

“Since champion ang Dracarys last last year, nag-set talaga yun ng internal expectations… kasi padami ng padami na yung mga talented people sa group. Yung na first runner-up lang [last year], although it’s also a huge achievement, pero mas better talaga ang champion.”

This year’s Musikahan proceeds will support the Adopt-a-Riverbank Program (AARP) under Ecoteneo and Ang Ating Panata, an initiative focused on civic and social awareness among the youth.

SAMAHAN Treasurer and Musikahan Event Head Mickyla Almadin emphasized that the selected advocacies reflect Ateneo’s commitment to both environmental and social engagements.

“Adopt-a-Riverbank has always been a constant for Musikahan because one of our focuses as Ateneans is environmental awareness. Ang Ating Panata, on the other hand, is very timely for us as student youth and a way for us to extend our voice beyond the campus and respond to the issues of our society.”

Almadin underscored the Musikahan’s role as a creative space that channelled student expression toward making a meaningful purpose.

“Battle of the Bands is not only puro banda lang or puro music. They are having fun for a cause, knowing their tickets contribute to a better impact for society.”

The Accountancy (ACC) Griffins’ Pacioli secured first runner-up, while the Computer Studies (CS) Chameleons’ Echoes followed as second runner-up, completing this year’s podium.

The night also featured a special guest performance by Rob Deniel, who performed his hit songs Sinta, Happy Ending, Ang Pag-ibig, Miss Miss, and RomCom, as well as a medley cover of Ikaw Sana and Nandito Ako by Ogie Alcasid.

The Musikahan ‘25: Battle of the Bands took place at Martin Hall on October 9.