MANILA, Philippines - The Jets impacted the mid-’80s music scene with its Latin freestyle pop that quickly rose to the top of Billboard Hot 100 and Dance Chart with such hits as Crush on You, You Got It All and Make it Real.
The famed Wolfgramm sibling band from Minnesota, USA brings the Philippine leg of its current 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits Tour, The Jets! Live in Manila, to the new Kia Theater at the Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on Nov. 6, and at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City on Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.
Producer Allan Villegas of Random Minds, Inc. said that The Jets will fill the venue in a two-hour show with the lovely sounds of innocent ballads in incredibly soothing voices, danceable songs and collective charisma.
Its name culled from Elton John’s chartbuster Benny and The Jet, the original seven-member band made up by Moana, Haini, Leroy, Rudy, Eddie, Natalia and Donnie hit Manila in a sold-out show at the Araneta Coliseum in 1988.
“We loved the many TV shows we participated in, going shopping and at times going around in those colorful jeepneys! That was a lot of fun!” recalled Rudy in an e-mail message.
Unknown to Filipinos, The Jets performed as a Polynesian revue with two Filipinos as members. “Filipinos to us are natural and gifted singers and musicians. We loved performing with them,” shared Rudy about their backstory.
In 2013, The Jets released the digital album Reunited with a remake of Crush On You as carrier single, which will be included in the repertoire of the Manila and Cebu shows.
Ahead of its arrival, the band expects more fun in the Philippines this time around. “We’re sure being back in the island, away from the cold weather in the US will be a lot of fun. Also, looking forward to the warm Filipino people who have treated us so well. Looking forward to the food!” added Rudy.
(For more details, like @RandomMindsPH on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Send a Private Message by Facebook for ticket reservations.) — Edgar Cruz