LIST: Which UAAP School Produced The Best Musicians?

The UAAP Basketball Finals season is upon us.

While the spotlight may be on each university’s sports teams, these schools have produced some of the biggest names in the music industry of the past and present. Billboard Philippines takes a look at some of the acts that were formed or had their start in these eight universities.

Adamson University

While there haven’t been much news about notable alums from Adamson University, the school houses the HIMIG – Musicians of Adamson University organization, where fellow Falcons can come together to appreciate and create music. They perform in school-wide events, busking sessions, and organize activities like Battle of the Bands.

Ateneo de Manila University

The Ateneo Blue Eagles find their musical counterpart in the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool (AMP), the resident organization for musicians and music lovers in the university. The organization’s first few members include OPM heavyweights like The Itchyworms, Brownman Revival, and Chicosci. Even before the establishment of AMP, Ateneo saw the formation of acts like APO Hiking Society and Parokya ni Edgar during their high school and college days.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: APO Hiking Society, Parokya ni Edgar (high school), The Itchyworms, Chicosci, Ciudad, Dicta License, Kjwan, Spongecola, Brownman Revival, Never The Strangers, Over October, SOS, Reese Lansangan, Nanay Mo

De La Salle University

While their sister school Benilde is known as the music and arts college, the De La Salle University is no stranger to producing great musical acts. Off the top of your head, you have Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano. Alt-rock artists Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal are also Green Archers, as well as singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid. Before Miguel and Paolo Guico became the frontmen of Ben&Ben, they were a singer-songwriter duo called The Benjamins towards the tail end of their college years and beyond.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Gary Valenciano, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Ogie Alcasid, The Benjamins (Miguel Guico and Paolo Guico of Ben&Ben), Diego Mapa (of Eggboy, Monsterbot, Pedicab), Gabba

Far Eastern University

Far Eastern University (FEU) is known for producing topnotch medical practitioners, but they’ve also had a few musicians walk through their halls. For example, veteran rapper Gloc 9 had a short stint at FEU before transferring to another school. Singer King Girado, known better by his mononym King, also graduated from the school with a degree in Medical Technology.

They have their own music organization called One Piyu Music (OPM), which produces and releases original music. They released a track called “Sama-sama Maligaya” (Happy Together) last October 13.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Gloc 9, King

University of the East

The UE Red Warriors have seen a few notable names in the music industry. The late “Karen Carpenter of the Philippines” and “Asia’s Sweetest Voice” Claire dela Fuente was already known as a skillful songstress when she entered the University of the East as an Accounting freshman. Last 2021, UE College of Arts and Sciences-Caloocan student Shane G was able to clinch the People’s Voice Breakthrough Artist award in the 34th Awit Awards.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Claire dela Fuente, Shane G.

University of the Philippines – Diliman

The University of the Philippines – Diliman is also a top contender for the best alumni, with a long list of acts being formed during their college days in Diliman. Arguably the most famous musical act to come out of UP is the Eraserheads, which formed during Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raymund Marasigan, and Marcus Adoro’s time on campus. UP has also been the breeding ground for several prominent indie bands, such as Ang Bandang Shirley, Oh, Flamingo!, Any Name’s Okay, and more.

Just like Ateneo, UP also has its resident music organizations. One of them is the UP Music Circle, which was founded in 1998. Other music organizations on campus include UP LIRIKA, which focuses on singer-songwriters, and the UP Underground Music Community.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Eraserheads, Giniling Festival, Kamikazee, Ebe Dancel, The Purplechickens, Ang Bandang Shirley, Oh, Flamingo!, Any Name’s Okay, Ourselves The Elves, The Buildings, Ivan Theory, Pinkmen, Bullet Dumas, Mindless Pop; Muri, Leah Halili, and Lili (from The Ransom Collective)

University of Santo Tomas

With its own Conservatory of Music, the University of Santo Tomas has seen many musicians and artists grace its España campus. Actress-singer Aubrey Miles briefly enrolled in the conservatory, majoring in voice with a minor in piano. On the other hand, award-winning singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra graduated from UST’s College of Fine Arts and Design.

The university is also the home of Musikang Sikat ng mga Tomasino or MUSIKAT, the resident music organization in the school. One of their alums is Fourplay MNL, whose song “One Night Stand” earned moderate success in the indie scene.

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Ernani Cuenco, Aubrey Miles, Lourd de Veyra, Ice Seguerra, Fourplay MNL, Join The Club, The Vowels They Orbit

National University

While the NU Bulldogs are a force to deal with in the realm of sports, we hope that they can push for a new generation of musicians from their university soon. Go Bulldogs!

What about you? Vote in the poll below to tell us which school you think has the best artists.