Dell? That company with sleek desktops and shiny laptops? What do they have to do with rock music? And as an American company, what do they have to do with the local music scene?

Apparently, Dell has long been itching to rock. It’s now adding music to the mix.

As one of the best-known technology brands in the world, Dell is eager to prove that they’re not all caught up in the midst of a cold digital sphere. Dell Philippines is rolling up its sleeves and loosening its tie, and is preparing itself to launch “Dell Rocks” – one of the first big rock music events of the year. Rock on with the rest of Manila this January 25 to 27, 2006 at Central Plaza in Eastwood City, Libis. If I am not mistaken, admission is free. And – not coincidentally – Eastwood City is where Dell’s next site will operate (the first is in Mall of Asia).

The concerts, which the organizers say will coincide with Dell’s contact centre recruitment efforts, feature three of the hottest bands in the local scene today: Up Dharma Down (my personal favourite) on the 25th, Orange and Lemons on the 26th, and Rivermaya on the 27th.

Now I don’t know about the connection in all this, but in much the same manner as Dell probably stands in the Philippine services industry, these musicians, indeed, have what it takes to be number one.