Freshmen in the Spotlight: Over the Counter takes the stage at Interschool Battle of the Bands

Under the bright lights of Foro de Intramuros last Oct. 3, the six-member band Over the Counter showcased their passion and talent at this year’s Battle of the Bands, proving that even as first-year students, they can rise to the occasion alongside seasoned performers and own the stage.

What had begun as a casual jamming session turned into a passionate performance for freshmen students Cielo Pauline Gomez, Ahlen Olorvida, Ian Mariano, and Tristan Punongbayan from the College of Physical Therapy; Ricardo Louis Chua from the College of Nursing; and Santiago Lorenzo Pasco from the College of Public Administration, whose love for music became the very thread that wove them together as a band.

Representing Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), they performed hit songs such as “Upuan” by Gloc 9, “Zombie” by The Cranberries, and “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence, competing alongside other bands from Intramuros-based universities such as Letran Band, Lunar Eyes, and Jadeville.

Yet, behind the adrenaline of that night lay weeks of exhaustion and hard work. The band recalled the struggle of finding a practice space within and outside the university, while one of the vocalists admitted wishing they had more time to prepare.

“Late po kasi talaga kami nasabihan na may Battle of the Bands… and nasabi po sa amin [noong] September na po, so parang 1 month nalang talaga,” he said in an interview with AP.

As the midterm examinations were fast approaching, the members found themselves torn between textbooks and afterschool practices, trying to give their all to both worlds. One member even mentioned taking two quizzes on the very morning of the competition, while a major exam awaits them the day after the event. But despite the many hurdles they faced, the band pushed through, eager to perform in the annual competition within Intramuros.

Their passion in music resonated with both the audience and judges. “Ang husay ninyo… Congratulations sa inyo, and kitang-kita ko sa inyo na nag-eenjoy kayo. Marami kayong friends dito [mula] sa PLM,” one of the judges remarked, earning supportive cheers from fellow PLM students in the crowd.

At the end of the night, Over the Counter was named the third runner-up and brought home a plaque and a cash prize, marking their debut performance at the P-Pop Fiesta’s Battle of the Bands a success.

Stepping into the spotlight, they made their mark despite being freshmen who were still trying to find their rhythm in college. For a band that started with classmates jamming out in between review sessions, the experience stood as a testament that passion can thrive amid the relentless strain of college—as long as you nurture it, as long as you make time for the things you love.

And though the lights have shifted and they are back to the confines of their classrooms, their passion for music carries on—lingering long after the performance ends.