Crowd sourcing: Girlfriends for a new boy band

MANILA, Philippines — No girlfriend since birth – this is how Russell Reyes described his relationship status. In fact, every one of them in BoybandPH, the new all-male group formed by the winners of reality TV show “Pinoy Boyband Superstar,” actually celebrated a literally and figuratively cold Valentine’s Day.

“I’m super torpe,” Russell admitted, adding: “I’m either too busy or too scared to have a girlfriend.”

He does not actually know what he wants in a girlfriend because he never had one, though he confessed that he has a crush on actress Elisse Joson.

Another group member, João Constancia, revealed that actress and video jockey Yassi Pressman is his celebrity crush. Niel Murillo, on the other hand, has got his eyes on Pinoy Big Brother housemate Kisses Delavin, while Ford Valencia is into Loisa Andalio.

The boys, in turn, shared some of their traits prospective girls could consider.

For one, they have both the looks and the talent, said one of their producers, Jonathan Manalo.

“It’s a first for the Philippines to have a boy band whose members are total performers,” ABS-CBN executive Lui Andrada said. While other local boy bands like Gimme 5 targets ‘tweens’ or pre-teens, and while Hashtags is a dance group, BoybandPH offers both song and dance, Andrada noted.

“Since they have the advantage of being in a reality show, they created an instant relationship with the audience,” remarked Manalo.

Andrada said they interviewed Korean pop (K-pop) trainers and they learned that while it takes three to four years before a K-pop band gets ready, in BoybandPH’s case, they were easily assembled because the audience took part in forming them.

Since they are all single, the boys live together so they learn about discipline, teamwork, extensive vocal training, and showmanship, said Manalo.

“These boys are my brothers,” declared João. “We’re all makulit; we’re all close to each other.”

Ford added that they bond by eating, talking, and “kulitan.”  He assured that they all have a great sense of humor.

Apart from their looks and talent, the boys showed that even in their teens, they are already responsible and financially savvy.

Niel, for instance, looks forward to build his own house out of the Php1 million he won from the reality TV show. Tristan wants to buy a property out of his prize. He also helps send his sister to college.

Similarly, João shared his prize with his family, while Russell spends his money on continuous education to develop his singing, dancing, and Tagalog speaking skills.

The group’s singles are already plotted to be used for ABS-CBN shows and to collaborate with other artists, said Andrada.

Their debut album includes their single, “Unli," which reportedly has been topping radio charts since its release. The song’s music video features singer-actress Janella Salvador.

Other tracks include a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Somebody,” and originals “Boyfriend," "Magmamahal," their winning song “We Made It," and the acoustic version of “Boyfriend.”

Manalo said the group just recorded a new song for a new ABS-CBN drama, and the song has been rendered in the tradition of Mariah Carey and BoyzIIMen. They are now said to be dealing for a contract with Sony.

“Don’t forget to smile despite the challenges that come your way,” Tristan reminded their growing legion of fans, including Cebuanas who tugged the boys’ shirts furiously during the band’s last visit in Cebu. “When I’m down, I just remember the day I won!”

Likewise, Niel wants to become an inspiration to other guys, especially short ones. At 5’6”, he is the shortest member of the band. Although his height makes him insecure sometimes, he is proof that anyone can follow one’s dreams and emerge standing tall.