09/03/2026
TAWAG NG TINIG: MACABENBAN SINGING COMPETITION SEASON 2 (2026)
IS FINALLY OPEN!!!
๐ Long post ahead!
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Participant Eligibility
The contest is open to all interested individuals who have a passion for singing and wish to showcase their unique vocal talents. We welcome participants of various ages, provided they are not currently under any professional recording or management contract. Residents from neighboring areas are also encouraged to join to foster a greater sense of community through music. It is important that all applicants are in good health and able to perform live on the scheduled date. Ultimately, this competition is designed for "amateurs" who sing for the love of the craft rather than as a primary professional career.
2. Initial Audition Video
Interested participants must record a video of themselves performing a song of their choice for the initial screening process. The audition video must be at least one (1) minute long to allow the screening committee to properly evaluate your vocal range and tone. Please ensure that the recording takes place in a quiet environment so that the audio is clear and free from distracting background noise. The singerโs face should be clearly visible in the frame so that judges can assess their stage presence and emotional connection to the lyrics. While high-definition video is preferred, standard mobile phone quality is perfectly acceptable as long as the vocals remain the primary focus.
3. Submission to Leizel Q. Asequia Lei Zel
All audition videos must be submitted directly to Leizel Q. Asequia, who is the official coordinator for this event. Submissions can be sent via private message on social media or through a direct file-sharing link as coordinated with the organizer. When sending your entry, please include your full name, age, address, and a contact number for easy identification and communication. Participants are advised to wait for a confirmation message to ensure that their file was received and is playable by the committee. Only one entry per person is allowed to ensure that the screening process remains fair and manageable for the organizers.
4. Important Deadlines
The deadline for the submission of all audition videos is on or before March 10, 2026. Any entries sent after the clock strikes midnight on this date will unfortunately not be considered for the screening process. We strongly encourage everyone to submit their entries a few days early to avoid potential last-minute technical or internet issues. This strict timeline allows the committee enough time to review every applicant thoroughly and fairly. Mark this date on your calendar now so you do not miss your chance to participate in this prestigious barangay event.
5. Selection of the Top 15 Finalists
A dedicated screening committee will review every submitted video to find the most promising voices in the community. Out of all the auditionees, only 15 participants will be chosen to move forward to the "Big Night" performance. The selection will be based on vocal ability, confidence, and the overall quality of the performance shown in the audition video. The official list of the top 15 finalists will be announced shortly after the screening process is completed on March 11. Those who make the cut will be contacted directly and must confirm their attendance for the finals within 24 hours.
6. The "Big Night" Schedule
The grand finals of the "Tawag ng Tinig" contest will take place on March 16, 2026. This event serves as the highlight of the Barangay Macabenban festivities and promises a night of musical excellence and community pride. Finalists are expected to be at the venue early for a final briefing, technical orientation, and stage positioning. The program will follow a strict itinerary to ensure that all 15 performers have their moment in the spotlight without delay. Family, friends, and supporters are all invited to watch the show and cheer for their favorite contestants throughout the evening.
7. Song Selection Standards
Finalists are free to choose any song that best highlights their vocal strengths, whether it is a ballad, pop track, or traditional piece. However, the chosen song must not contain any vulgarity, profanity, or offensive language that violates community standards. It is highly recommended to choose a song that has a strong emotional connection or a dynamic vocal range to impress the judges. Once a song title is submitted to the committee, it cannot be changed to ensure that the technical team can prepare the proper settings. Please provide the title and artist of your chosen piece to the organizers at least three days before the Big Night.
8. Backing Tracks (Minus-One)
Each finalist is responsible for providing their own high-quality backing track or "minus-one" music for their performance. The track should be submitted via a USB flash drive or a digital link to the technical team well in advance of the show. Ensure that the backing track does not have any prominent lead vocals that might overshadow your live performance. It is a wise practice to have a backup copy of the music on a different device in case of a technical failure on the night. The technical team will conduct a sound check to ensure that the music levels are perfectly balanced with your microphone.
9. Performance Time Limit
To keep the event moving smoothly, each contestant is allotted a maximum of ten minutes for their entire performance. This time limit includes the musical introduction, the actual singing, and any brief closing remarks to the audience. Going over the allotted five minutes may result in a minor deduction from the contestant's overall score. We ask all performers to be mindful of the schedule so that the event concludes at a reasonable hour for the community. Practicing your song with a stopwatch during your rehearsals is highly recommended to ensure you stay within this window.
10. Costume and Stage Presence
Contestants are encouraged to wear attire that is appropriate for their song choice and the importance of the occasion. While there is no rigid dress code, a polished and professional look greatly enhances the overall impact of the performance. Stage presence, which includes movement, facial expressions, and audience engagement, will be a significant part of the judging criteria. Make sure your outfit allows you to breathe and move comfortably so that your singing is not hindered on stage. The way you carry yourself from the moment you walk on stage contributes to the "star quality" the judges are looking for.
11. Call Time and Attendance
All 15 finalists must report to the venue at least two hours before the official start of the show on March 16, 2026. This call time is necessary to the final group briefing and to ensure that all technical preparations are in place. Failure to arrive on time without a valid and urgent excuse
may lead to disqualification from the competition. A dedicated holding area will be provided where contestants can warm up their voices and prepare privately for their turn. Please check in with Leizel Q. Asequia or the floor manager immediately upon your arrival at the venue.
12. Order of Performance
The sequence in which the 15 finalists will perform on the Big Night will be determined through a drawing of lots. This drawing will happen during the pre-show briefing on the afternoon of the event to ensure total transparency. This method ensures that the performance order is completely random and fair for every contestant involved. Contestants should be prepared to perform regardless of whether they are drawn to go first, middle, or last in the lineup. Once the order is established, it will be posted backstage for the performers and technical crew to follow.
13. Technical Rehearsal
A brief technical rehearsal and sound check will be conducted on the morning of March 16 to test the acoustics of the venue. This is the time for finalists to communicate with the sound engineer regarding microphone volume and monitor levels. Finalists should use this opportunity to get used to the stage dimensions, the lighting setup, and the feel of the microphone. Full costumes are not required for this rehearsal, but comfortable clothing that allows for free movement is advised. Respecting the specific time slots for each singer during the rehearsal is crucial for a smooth transition for everyone.
14. Sportsmanship and Conduct
All participants are expected to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the entire competition. Disrespectful behavior toward the judges, organizers, or fellow contestants will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We encourage everyone to support each other and celebrate the diverse talent within the Barangay Macabenban community. Any form of cheating, sabotage, or intentional disruption will result in immediate expulsion from the "Tawag ng Tinig" contest. Let us keep the atmosphere positive, encouraging, and focused on the shared joy of music and performance.
15. Finality of the Judges' Decision
The scores and decisions provided by the official panel of judges are final and irrevocable once they are announced. These judges are experts in the field of music and performance and have been selected for their complete impartiality. Scorecards will be tabulated by an independent committee to ensure the total accuracy and integrity of the results. No appeals or protests regarding the final ranking will be entertained after the winners are officially crowned. By entering the contest, all participants agree to respect the outcome of the judging process and the spirit of the competition.
