Nazarene Band Battles For Asian Beat Semifinal Berth

NaCls (pronounced like knuckles, and the chemical composition of salt if "s" is removed) became one of the semifinalists from the 13 bands who battled it out loud on 20^th of November, 2007 at the SM North Edsa Mall, Quezon City Philippines, in the Asian Beat battle of the bands organized by Yupangco Music Corporation and Yamaha Corporation Japan.

The NaCls band is also known as R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out for Christ the King) as a music and evangelistic ministry of Taytay First Church of the Nazarene (TFCN).  The band members include NYI youth pastors and ministers Jordan Escusa, Sam Tamayo, Kel Tamayo, Darwin Babar, and Ricky Hurtado.

“See You Tomorrow” is the title of their winning song entry that they personally wrote, arranged, and brought to life with rhythms and band instruments.  According to Sam, it’s a song inspired by the fact that he will see his earthly father again, the late District Superintendent Vern Tamayo, someday… in the bosom of our Heavenly Father.

All of the band members are actively involved in ministering to the youth and establishing the youth worship service of TFCN called the “Generation Congregation”. In addition they manage a youth center at their local church called P.G.I.F. (Praise God It’s Friday), an after-school drop in center featuring a computer lab, tutorial resources, food, games and  a regular Friday night concert venue, offering a safe alternative place for kids to hang out.

Another Nazarene band who competed during the quarterfinals was Selah from Antipolo First Church of the Nazarene, led by Ervz Tia, video editor of WMC-AP. Their entry song was also an original composition entitled "Ilaw" (light).

The Asian Beat Band Competition is an annual event showcasing amateur bands in a competition setting held in Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines. Qualifying rounds are on-going in all regions.

See NaCls compete and witness the good news as salt to the world through their song in the Philippine National Grand Finals on December 15, 2007 in Makati City.  The winner in that event will represent the country to the Asian Beat Grand Finals somewhere in Taiwan next year.

this post was filed under Around The Region on Dec 5, 2007