Penthouse reunion: Its dance time again

A 1977 opening dance video of Penthouse Seven posted by a fan of the show on YouTube got members of the original gang curious. E-mail started circulating, phone calls and text messages were sent. An original female dancer in the group suggested a reunion concert. That was enough to get everyone excited.

The idea was snappy and was instantly agreed upon. Most of the members are in Manila anyway, with a few residing abroad. Everyone was receptive to reviving the good old days through a dance concert. Getting the members together did not turn out to be an ordeal. But to mount such a production, with logistical and financial requirements, proved to be a real challenge for the team behind it.

Fortunately, a benefactor came to the group’s rescue and agreed to buy the entire night, so that covered the overhead expenses and solved the problem of selling tickets for the concert. But the challenge for the organizers didn’t end there. There was still a lot to consider to finalize the show.

After several meetings, the cast is back together again, although a few years older, a few pounds heavier, but still active and agile to flex those muscles and display anew their terpsichorean skills. Archie Lacson, Tito Garcia, Poncy Quirino, Nini Morato-Borja, Susan Payawal, Rosie Garchitorena-Tan, Ronnie Henares, Pipo Liboro, Mike Monserrat, Ray-An Fuentes, Sandy Hontiveros, Gina Valenciano-Martinez, Ida Ramos-Henares, Marlyn Feliciano-Lopez and Anna Garcia are ready and raring to bring back those glorious days of Penthouse Seven.

“We have pulled all our resources together, poured in all our blood, sweat and tears and hope to God that we bring as much fun to our audience as we had putting this all together,” says Sandy who choreographed the dance sequences for the concert.

Ronnie offered to direct the show for free. “They wouldn’t pay me anyway even if I attempt to charge them,” he jests. “But it’s really amazing how we are all able to get together for this show.” Interestingly, it was in the same show where Ronnie was smitten by the pretty Ida who later became his wife.

The production is flying in members from abroad like Ray-An, Poncy, Susan and Mike. Together with the Manila-based members, they are all ready to roll and give their audience a night of non-stop dancing on April 30 at the NBC Tent.

“Even members abroad will have their participation in the show,” Ronnie allows. “We sent them dance videos that they have to study so when they come here, they already know the moves and will simply blend with the group.”

It was Gina who broached to the members the idea of a reunion dance concert. “The response to the YouTube post encouraged us and then we thought why not do a reunion?,” Gina shares. “Everybody was up for it so we got everyone working.”

Many will remember Penthouse Seven as the groundbreaking dance party on air on GMA 7 during the ’70s. The program started airing in 1974, succeeding the pioneering dance show, Dance Time With Chito, hosted by local TV’s dancing sensation Chito Feliciano (who died in a helicopter crash in 1972).

Penthouse Seven is best remembered for setting trends and keeping everybody up late on Sunday nights. The dance party on Philippine TV popularized many dance steps and gave rise to what was then known as disco dancing, thus making the ‘70s as the “golden era of dance.”

At the helm of Penthouse Seven is Archie, who had a different female co-hosts every week. The show was made up of Latin and modern groups, which popularized dance steps like Robot, The Bump, L.A. Walk, New York Hustle, Swing and many more taught during the show’s instructional segment.

For the last 27 years after Penthouse Seven folded up, there hasn’t been any other dance show to duplicate the success that the program achieved. Aside from the memorable dances, the show generally set trends, new fashion, launched new artists, introduced the first music videos and inspired recording companies —  WEA, Vicor, OctoArts, E and W — to create their respective dance groups.

“Obviously we have kept the passion burning,” says Pipo. “When I heard about the idea, I immediately thought if I could still do it. The steps and the music are very complicated now. But it’s amazing how we are able to discover that the rhythm never leaves. Everyone can still put good steps together. The timing will always be there, it’s the oxygen that we are worried about.”

The group has been rehearsing since October last year at the Entertainment Arts Center in Makati City. Lately, the rehearsals have become more regular as the performers take time out from their respective jobs and duties to master the dance routines twice a week. The ladies are still graceful in their dance moves, while the guys are likewise nimble and brisk in executing their choreographed steps. They are out to relive the glorious days of dancing.

(Penthouse Seven dance reunion concert on April 30 is presented by Legend Hotel, The Philippine Star, PLDT, Belo Medical Group, Merger, Tieline, Gerry’s Grill, Goldilock’s, Cali, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, XFM 92.3, RX 93.1, 96.3 Wrock, Crossover 101.5 and Dream-FM 107.7. The show is a benefit for Arellano University of the Performing Arts, Light Tomorrow Foundation and Ballet Philippines Foundation.)