By Charles Myung Shin L. Gavaran

San Jose National High School reigned on top as they claimed championship in the Senior Category of the 2023 Drum and Lyre Competition. Sumulong Memorial High School were 1st Runner-up, Our Lady of Peace School were 2nd Runner-up, Dela Paz National High School were 3rd Runner-up and San Roque National High School were 4th Runner-up.

San Isidro Elementary School clinched the championship in the Junior Category. Following closely were Peace Village Elementary School 1st runner-up, Juan Sumulong Elementary School 2nd runner-up, Bagong Nayon II Elementary School 3rd runner-up, and Bagong Nayon IV Elementary School 4th runner-up.

San Jose National High School’s San Jose Trouveres, dressed in shades of coral reefs, started the series of Senior Category performances. They brought to life their captivating underwater-themed performance inspired by “Way of Water” from Avatar II.  

Antipolo National High School, adorned in black and various shades of red attire, presented a mesmerizing and intense performance inspired by the iconic Netflix Series the “Stranger Things”

Bagong Nayon II National High School radiated in their white and silver uniforms as they took the stage, presenting a classical and timeless 70’s Retro-themed musical ensemble.

San Isidro National High School dazzled the audience in their sophisticated mix of blue, violet and golden attire showcasing a musical exhibition inspired by the iconic 1950’s – 1960’s hit “The Beatles”.

Dela Paz National High School graced the venue with the charming blend of blue and white attire until it transitioned into a vibrant rainbow-like uniform, serenading the crowd with their romantic performance.

San Roque National High School delivered a warmly embraced performance, adorned in elegant white and golden attire, reviving a series of ensembles inspired by Freddie Mercury, the iconic vocalist of “The Queen.”

Our Lady of Peace School’s Blue Marching Condors, brought the arena to an enchanted forest musical advocating to “Save Earth”, their spell-binding mix of vibrant earth toned attires and fairy-like costumes left the crowd in an ovation.

A spectacular finale was delivered by Sumulong Memorial High School’s Red Blazing Lions as they revived Ancient Egypt, wearing golden costumes in their jaw-dropping performance inspired by the legendary last ruling Pharaoh of Egypt, “Cleopatra”.

For Junior Category special awards for Best in music are the following: 3rd Place – Bagong Nayon II Elementary School; 2nd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; and 1st Place – San Isidro Elementary School.

For Junior Category special awards for Best in Visuals are the following: 3rd Place – Juan Sumulong Elementary School; 2nd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; and 1st Place – San Isidro Elementary School.

For Junior Category special awards for Best in General Effects are the following: 3rd Place – Juan Sumulong Elementary School; 2nd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; and 3rd Place – San Isidro Elementary School.

For Junior Category special awards for Best in Majorette are the following: 3rd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; 2nd Place – Juan Sumulong Elementary School; and 1st Place – San Isidro Elementary School.

For Junior Category special awards for Best Conductor are the following: 3rd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; 2nd Place – Juan Sumulong Elementary School; and 1st Place – San Isidro Elementary School. 

For Junior Category special awards for Best in Marching are the following: 3rd Place – Juan Sumulong Elementary School; 2nd Place – Peace Village Elementary School; and 1st Place – San Isidro Elementary School.

For Senior Category special awards for Best in Music are the following: 3rd Place – Dela Paz National High School; 2nd Place – San Isidro National High School; and 1st Place – Our Lady of Peace School.

For Senior Category special awards for Best in Visuals are the following: 3rd Place – Our Lady of Peace School; 2nd Place – Sumulong Memorial High School; and 1st Place – San Jose National High School.

For Senior Category special awards for Best in General Effects are the following: 3rd Place – Dela Paz National High School; 2nd Place – Sumulong Memorial High School; and 1st Place – San Jose National High School. 

For Senior Category special awards for Best in Majorette are the following: 3rd Place – Sumulong Memorial High School; 2nd Place – Our Lady of Peace School; and 1st Place – San Jose National High School. 

For Senior Category special awards for Best Conductor are the following: 3rd Place – Our Lady of Peace School; 2nd Place – Sumulong Memorial High School; and 1st Place – San Jose National High School. 

For Senior Category special awards for Best in Marching are the following: 3rd Place – Our Lady of Peace School; 2nd Place – Dela Paz National High School; and 1st Place – San Jose National High School.

Drum and Lyre Band Parade and Competition ruled the streets of Antipolo. The bands marched from Sumulong Park beside the Antipolo Cathedral, to the Ynares Center stadium.

The Ynares Sports Center Arena overflowed with thousands of spectators. Thunderous screams and cheers from the supporters echoed every time, as the drum and lyre bands surprised them with their performances.

The awarding ceremony of Junior and Senior Category Drum and Lyre Band Performances were promptly held immediately following the enchanting performances.

The Drum and Lyre bands captivated the audience with enchanting performances, skillfully displaying musical sensation both beautiful, powerful, and intricately crafted. All of them showed a master class from almost a 3-month long preparation and hard works.

The live replay of the spectacular performances can be seen in the Facebook link below: https://fb.watch/oRilR6xYho/?mibextid=9R9pXO