96 Band Bacoor

Founded March 1930. First, it was named as Banda Muling Sumilang composed of young people coming from Banda Bagong Silang.  Then, it was changed to 96 Band by Mr. Francisco L. Pagtakhan and Mr. Angel Gervacio based on the Philippine Revolution in 1896.  Banda Bagong Silang was the origin of Banda Muling Sumilang.
Administered first by Mr. Victor Enriquez and his spouse Maria Lim after which Mr. Eulalio Alava took over under the baton of Maestro Miguel Apolonio.
Since it was founded, 96 Band competes with pride and bring honor for the Municipality of Bacoor, Cavite.  It showcases the musicality of Bacooreans and represents the town as a community of talented musicians and individuals. In the picture above, 45 pesos as a grand price and trophies received from various competitions.
Conductors:
1. Miguel Apolonio
2. Rosendo E. Santos
3. Valentin J. Pagtakhan
4. Casiano F. Antonio
5. Ricardo E. Paraiso
6. Avelino G. Mendoza -  present
Significant Years:
February 9, 1934,Talisay, Batangas
Coming from a band engagement, a road accident happened while going back to Bacoor, Cavite . Their bus was on the creek and saved by a coconut tree. From that experience, the band started to offer a march to the church before going to any band engagement outside Bacoor, Cavite .
1948, Prof. Rosendo Ejercito Santos
Professor in University of the Philippines – Conservatory of Music.
9who graduated and took up Conservatory of Music in University of the Philippines. A great composer and arranger. He prominently lead the 96 Band and made popularized with his descriptive composition.
May 17 1951,  Lamitan Basilan City, Mindanao. 96 Band was brought by Datu Pedro Cuevas.
1954, Bongabon Occidental, Mindoro. It was a celebration at the sea which we call Karakol. The Pagoda (or the boat) broke down.  Fortunately, no one got hurt.  Only lost some band instruments.
1955, Brgy. San Pedro, Makati, where 96 Band won the trophy for the Best interpretation on 1812 Overture under the baton of Prof. Rosendo Santos Jr.  Prof Rosendo distinguished himself on the field of musicality and made this a historical competition.
April 12, 1956, US Naval Base Fire Dept. Band This is when a good opportunity came and was achieved by 96 Band members.  After a fiesta in Castillejos, Zambales, Mr. Doring del Rosario encouraged the 96 Band to join the band competition which was held at West Triangle Olongapo City. It was also announced that whoever won will be converted into the US Naval Base Consolidated  Fire Dept. Band (USNBCFD) headed by the Fire Chief Donald Farrar. Fire Chief Donald Farrar who is also a musician (plays trumpet) requested 96 Band to play the American Patrol March.
96 Band caught the attention of Fire Chief Donal Farrar and so he made the decision to hire the band to play in Subic Naval Base.  At that time. Maestro Casiano F. Antonio was the composer/arranger who created music requested by Chief Farrar. These musicians were granted a US Visa’s to travel and work in the United States.
December 1961, The band was hired by Breeze, a detergent bar company for two months contract traveling from Laoag Ilocos Norte to Sorsogon, Bicol.
September 22, 1974, in one of the radio station of ABS-CBN “Konsyerto ng Banda” by Johnny De Leon where he was fascinated and featured 96 Band. 96 Band played the piece Lundagin Mo Baby at Bacoor Town Plaza, Avelino G. Mendoza who was a ten year old boy performed a trumpet solo piece – Polka ni Toto. Marked also the “Ubod ng Lamig na Tunog”.
April 10, 1977, Veteran musicians who went to the United States in view of the need to teach a new generation of 96 band to emerge.    Through the initiative and discipline of Mr. Doroteo “Lolo Tayong” Mendoza, the new generation was formed to revive and continue the legacy of 96 Band. Together with the dedication and hardwork of Mr. Manuel “Lolo Maning” P. Espiritu, 96 band continued to grow and received many awards from different band competitions. The Gervacio Brothers was also a great help in many aspects of the band. Thankful for having supporters and great advisers!
From 1982 to 1989 Fiesta of Quiapo, Manila This is an event where competitive marching bands from various town and cities of the Philippines compete for the recognition to be acknowledged as the Best Band in the archipelago. Last 1982,  where the brilliance of 96 Band on parades started, wearing all black and also featured in Manila Women’s Magazine, 96 Band won Best Marching Band, Most Discipline Band, Best in Uniform, Best Majorettes, and Best Drum Major. Ret. Gen. Herminegildo E. Phee pioneered the Silent Command in which he didn’t use a whistle to instruct the band for instruction while marching. It was also the year 1983, when this batch of majorettes started carrying the Flags during the band parade.
1989 to 1994 Banda Extravaganza.  Nayong Filipino, This was a contest where marching bands perform on a concert and drill exhibition. This is where 96 Band was the overall Champion. This happened in 1989, when 96 Band won both the parade and concert. During these periods, 96 Band soared and achieved success from the toil of everyone. Once proven solid and maintained to be one.
1990, Quiapo Manila. Based on the consecutive awards received and being considered as  back-to-back champions every year, the Committee de Festejos awarded 96 Band as Hall of Famer. Aside from Quiapo Manila, the band simultaneously garnered awards at Tondo, Manila.
June 24, 2000 1st Araw ng Maynila Drill Competition. Representing the town of Bacoor, Cavite as the Competitive Marching Band which was held at Quirino Grandsatand. this is where the 96 Band won the Best Drum Major, Best Uniform and Runner -Up on Best Drill.
May 4, 2005, Diamond – 75th Anniversary A parade and a concert were held at Bacoor Town Plaza. A gathering of present and former musicians, former conductors received acknowledgment for their contribution and a well-deserved praise. The theme was: “96 Band Solid @ 75″
April 12, 2009 The 7th Generation of Musicians. They are the new kids on the block. Composed by 30 young musicians, educated by Mr. Edwin G. Mendoza with the help of Mr. Nell Carson Jimenez, Mr. Toto Espiritu and Mr. Toper Castillo.
May 1, 2010 The band celebrated its 80th Anniversary.