New boyband on the block

MANILA, Philippines – By now, it is certain that the singing group named BoybandPH rings a thousand bells to many after its five members — Joao Constancia, Tristan Ramirez, Russell Reyes, Niel Murillo and Ford Valencia — won in the ABS-CBN talent search Pinoy Boyband Superstars almost two months ago. And why not? The Kapamilya all-male vocal group has started making TV appearances and touring around the country to perform in front of delighted audiences.

The experience of being mobbed, excitedly screamed at and dizzily swarmed in for autographs or photographs by adoring fans all the more fuels every member’s passion to sing. It also serves as a clear validation that BoybandPH is a welcome addition to the local music scene.

For Joao, being part of the singing quintet brings a whole lot of new experiences. Making the rounds of TV guestings keeps him on his toes all the time without feeling weary and sad even if it means more months — or should I say years? — of being away from his family based in Macau.

“I get to experience a lot of new things, especially in the Philippines,” said the 19-year-old lad during the presscon to drumbeat the release of their eponymous debut album under Star Music. “I get (the opportunity) to go to new places with the guys. I am from Macau, China so ‘di pa ko masyado nakakaikot sa Pilipinas but since we have a lot of mall shows now and tours, it’s a great blessing to go around the Philippines with these guys and experience new things altogether.”

Russell, on the other hand, is amazed at the eagerness of fans to see them in the flesh. He recounted how a groupie would try hard on lifting up one side of the tent that served as their dressing room during one of their out-of-town shows. “There were fans who were literally opening up the tent and trying to come underneath so it’s quite interesting and kinda crazy to see that and also I was wearing a white pair of shoes when we came in the mall and by the time we left, they’re black (laughs),” added the crooner who grew up in Chicago.

Although singing is his forte, Russell knows he needs to brush up on many things “because I definitely came from the farthest place — compared to the rest of the boys here — which is the States so it’s a bit difficult for me to come to a different country and adapt to the language and to the culture. I also have to develop skills in dancing which I’ve never done before so I try to be efficient by learning the moves. So it’s a quite a lot of adjustments for me.”

Bulakeño member Tristan, meanwhile, admitted that life took a 180-degree turn from the moment he clinched a spot in BoybandPH. “I was able to help my family with the prize money (of P1M), especially my sibling who is now enrolled in college. We also plan to purchase a lot in Bulacan where we will build our own house.”

Tristan also looks forward to seeing his mother retire from her nanny job and go back to their hometown. “She’s still discussing things with her boss who is my uncle. Hopefully, this will be her last month at work.”

Ford said that being in the boyband has taught him to be responsible and patient. “I have developed a strong sense of patience since our work is not easy as it seems to be. We never tire polishing our performance.”

No wonder, everyone was impressed with their rendition of Boyfriend, an original song included in their self-titled album. Russell still cannot believe that they have already released an album just a month after the competition. “It’s overwhelming and surreal,” he said.

BoybandPH is a collection of love songs that includes the catchy single Unli which has been playing on the airwaves and topping radio charts since its release. The song, whose music video features Janella Salvador, can now be streamed on Spotify and Apple music.  

Other tracks include a cover of Depeche Mode’s Somebody, original compositions Magmamahal, We Made It and the acoustic version of Boyfriend.

“We dedicate the album to our families, friends and supporters. Our dreams have come true but this is just the beginning,” Tristan said.

Niel and the rest of the boys are grateful for learning so much from Pinoy Boyband Superstars.

“I have learned to show my emotion in my every performance unlike before when I was still performing in events in high school, nakatayo lang ako, now I can sing with feelings on stage,” shared Niel.

Ford was able to develop his self-confidence “because every time we go onstage, the shyness slowly fades away until you totally feel confident performing and connecting with the audience.”

Asked who among them stands as the leader of the group, Niel believes that when it comes to dancing, it is Joao who often shines while Russell takes the lead in vocal performance.

However, business unit head Lui Andrada said that there is no such plan of grooming one. He stressed, “Walang lider-lider kasi alam naman nila na pantay-pantay sila pero tama ‘yun na nung after the contest, especially during their shows and we were not there to tell them what to do, they helped each other like Joao would lead in the dancing and Russell in singing but individually they have this personality, say Tristan and Ford act as kuyas, Niel is the bunso and si Joao ang taga gising; siya ang alarm clock ng lahat.”

 (BoybandPh, produced by Jonathan Manalo, Kidwolf and Kiko Salazar, is now available in all record stores nationwide.)