Friends of Distinction tonight at MOA Arena

MANILA, Philippines - Concert promoter Danee Samonte has more than enough reason to make an extra effort to bring to Manila the nostalgic act Friends of Distinction (FOD). He is also the right person to introduce the group to the Philippine media at last Wednesday’s press conference held at Hard Rock Café in Makati, and not some curvaceous lady reading some cue cards because she obviously not familiar with the act she’s presenting.   

“These guys inspired me to be a DJ. I grew up with their music,” said Danee, the industry veteran wearing his trademark black promo shirt for the artist he is currently promoting.

Such is the personal connection Danee has to the music of the group that he was instrumental in turning some of their album tracks into chart-toppers exclusively in Manila. That was back in the early ’70s when he was one of the DJs of the station DZBM. He proudly recalled that he used to play every morning FOD’s debut album “for inspiration.” And then he bought the vocal group’s second album Highly Distinct without ever hearing a cut from it yet.

That pretty much the same feeling a young soul gets upon seeing the group for the first time live. You just find yourself locking in towards the tight harmonies and the engaging moves they do as a cohesive unit. Worry not about not knowing the songs. They’re easily likable and are certified blasts from the past.

The FOD first performed here in 2004. It took a while for the act’s main man, Harry Elston, and Danee to seal the deal for the group’s return set for tonight at 8 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, produced by Danee’s Steve O’Neal Productions, GMA Network and the Pilgrimates.

FOD will perform back to back with Ted Wizard Mills of the Blue Magic, who by his lonesome wowed the press with his high-pitched and hand-gesture powered delivery.   

 Among the songs FOD popularized included Grazin’ In The Grass, Going in Circles, The Way We Planned It, Why Did I Lose You Baby, Ain’t No Woman, Check It Out and Great Day. 

The songs Why Did I Lose You Baby, Way We Planned It and Great Day were the ones who reached the upper echelon of the hit parade.

It was Danee who ensured that FOD include in their 2004 visit the ones that became hits in Manila. For sure, he’d be right there in the middle again for the comeback show 12 years in the making. Besides, who deserves such an access than the one whose love for FOD is truly significant.

One of the members, Wendy Smith Bruné, is really having fun being in the country as she noted, “We’ve been all over the world and I can say that the Philippines got the most beautiful people. Everybody smiles at you and wants to shake your hand.”

 (The concert is presented by Duty Free Philippines, Park & Ride, HDI, Business Mirror, IBC 13, Telenovela Channel, Dream Satellite, Hard Rock Cafe, RETRO FM, DZRH and RJ100.3 FM). Tickets are available at SM Tickets online and all SM Malls.)