Street Boys still 'solid' after 31 years

The eleven guys who made up the original dance group, Street Boys, found it hard to believe that they are reuniting after 31 years.

- LEAH C. SALTERIO

The guys who are based abroad even returned to Manila to join "SB '90s: The Street Boys Reunion Dance Concert," on Nov. 9 at the New Frontier Theater.

Joey Andres, Joseph de Leon, Nikko Manalo, Spencer Reyes, Meynard Marcellano, Jhong Hilario and Vhong Navarro faced the media recently to announce the concert.

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the group who arrived belatedly in Manila are Joseph from Dubai, Spencer from Scotland, Michael Sesmundo from the United Kingdom and Sherwin Roux from Canada.

Director Chito Roño, who is the boys' long-time manager and whom they call "Boss," is still with the group. "How many years has it been?" asked direk Chito. "I cannot believe that the boys are having their reunion."

"Yung saya ko, sobra-sobra," admitted Jhong. "For 31 years, it is only now (that) we thought to have a dance concert reunion. Habang hindi pa nabubura ang number namin sa kalendaryo, 31. At least nagka-reunion kami at nagkasundo-sundo ang mga oras."

"Our schedules all matched," added Jhong. "So, sabi namin ni Vhong, I think this is the time na ituloy na natin. We are not getting young anymore. We want to thank all those who supported Street Boys from Day 1."

The Street Boys dance concert after 31 years gives mixed emotions to Vhong. "Ang saya dahil after 31 years, mangyayari na nga," Vhong said. "Lungkot dahil after 31 years, ngayon lang naisip gawin ang concert."