Breakout indie OPM band set to bring a heartfelt, advocacy-driven performance at PUP’s biggest year-end celebration
Rising Filipino indie OPM band Brando Bal is set to headline “PUP ISKOLARIS 2024: A Students’ Year-End Celebration,” a two-day event happening from December 19 to 20, 2024, at the PUP Oval, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Organized by the Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (SKM) of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the event aims to unite students in a celebration of advocacy, creativity, and community.
PUP ISKOLARIS 2024 serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the efforts of students throughout the year in pushing for social change and supporting key causes. It also provides a space to showcase the creative and cultural talents of the Iskolar ng Bayan. Beyond entertainment, the event sheds light on vital student-led campaigns such as the call for student spaces, opposition to mandatory ROTC, and extending support to communities affected by recent typhoons.
For Brando Bal, this marks a heartwarming moment in their recent return this year to the music scene after a three-year hiatus. The band recently made waves with their comeback single, “Pangalawang Ulan,” released under Warner Music Philippines. The track, known for its raw emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling, was featured in #SpotifyWrapped2024: Best of Alt.ph 2024 – Most Streamed Pinoy Indie Tracks, solidifying the band’s position as one of the most celebrated indie acts of the year.
The band is composed of Mark Brando Baloloy (vocals, guitar), Allen Lestingyo (guitar), Marjun Gonzales (bass), Zedrick Lara (keys), and Merwin Hipona (drums). Known for their songs about love, loss, and social reflection, Brando Bal’s music resonates with listeners from all walks of life. Their performance at PUP ISKOLARIS 2024 promises to be one of the event’s biggest highlights, bringing students together through music, advocacy, and a shared hope for the future.
As excitement builds for their performance at PUP ISKOLARIS 2024, Mark Brando Baloloy shared his thoughts through a post on his personal account. “Seeing you guys getting excited for us on Friday makes my heart melt,” he said. “Even after all these months of being super busy with our individual private lives, you’re still here. I’m excited to come back to the scene again! See you, everyone!”
Don’t miss Brando Bal’s highly anticipated performance at #PUPISKOLARIS2024. For updates on Brando Bal and their performance at PUP ISKOLARIS 2024, follow their official pages at @brandobalband and PUP ISKOLARIS’ social media channels at @pupiskolaris.
