The recently concluded Alfonso Bakbakan Battle of the Bands crowned Syncra as the ultimate champion in an electrifying grand finals showdown last week. Held at Barako Grill, Pearl Hotel & Spa, the competition ran throughout November, bringing together the best talents from across the UAE to celebrate the spirit of music and camaraderie.
Four bands—Kogan, Kainos, Version 3, and Syncra—battled it out in a night filled with adrenaline-pumping performances. Syncra, a Dubai-based rock/metal band with Filipino roots, clinched the coveted title and took home the grand prize of AED 12,000. Known for their high-energy shows and experimental fusion of nu-metal and metalcore, Syncra has cemented their place in the UAE’s music scene.
Led by bassist and backup vocalist Ace Pagalunan, Syncra’s winning lineup includes frontman and main vocalist Glenn Claveria, drummer Mark Angelo Zarzoso, and guitarists Adam Villuan and Michael Reyes, who also lends his voice as a backup vocalist. Their powerful and dynamic stage presence left the crowd and judges in awe.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Syncra shared their disbelief and gratitude for the victory: “To be honest, hindi na namin inaasahan manalo. Pero sumobra yata yung dasal namin at mga kaibigan namin,” they wrote.
In another post, they added: “We made it! Thank you to everyone who sent messages to congratulate us and to those who always support us—you know who you are! We are the champions and so blessed to be part of Alfonso Bakbakan history.”
The event was hosted by Sherwin Arboladura.
Watch their performance about it:
