More than two decades after they became one of the Philippines’ most recognizable novelty groups, the Viva Hot Babes are reuniting onstage for a concert to celebrate the bond and memories they have built over the years.
The group will headline “Bulaklak: Viva Hot Babes Reunion Concert” on Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, with GB Sampedro directing the show.
Original members Maui Taylor, Katya Santos, Andrea del Rosario, Gwen Garci, Sheree, Jaycee Parker, Ella V. and Jennifer Lee are set to reunite for the concert.
For the women, however, the reunion comes with a mix of excitement, nerves and pressure after years of pursuing different careers and personal paths.
Parker admitted that she was both nervous and excited about returning to the stage, especially after spending years away from performing.
“Among all of us, I’m the most out of touch when it comes to the performing industry. It’s been years — decades, I think — since I last went up onstage to perform,” Parker said.
Despite the nerves, she said she was looking forward to sharing the stage again with her longtime friends.
“I’m extremely excited because, again, I’ll be with my friends. It’s going to be really nostalgic for me that’s why I’m extremely happy that this is happening,” she said.
Sheree echoed Parker’s excitement, saying “Of course, I’m nervous. But I’ve really been preparing for this for a long time. I’m just so happy that at least this time, I’ll be with all of them.”
She said bringing the group together was not easy because the members had pursued different careers over the years.
“To be honest, it’s really difficult to put this group together because we each have our own careers. So now, we will finally be complete. I’m so happy. I’m very happy that this time I’ll see them again and we’ll be together onstage. Of course, it’s still different when they’re the ones with you,” Sheree said.
Santos admitted having mixed emotions saying she never expected the reunion to happen.
Strong bond
“I’m honestly very emotional. I didn’t think it would happen anymore. But now that it’s actually going to happen, there’s pressure, emotions, nervousness and excitement all mixed together,” Santos said.
More than simply bringing back a group from the past, Santos said the concert gives them an opportunity to celebrate a friendship that has lasted for more than 20 years.
“I think it’s time for us to show ourselves again, not just as a group, but to celebrate our friendship and everything we’ve shared for more than 20 years. We feel pressured because we want to give our best this time, especially for everyone who has been waiting for us,” she said.
Taylor also said the concert would offer something beyond nostalgia and would celebrate the group’s 23 years of friendship and experience in the entertainment industry.
“More than anything, this is a celebration of 23 years of friendship and being in the group and in the industry as the Viva Hot Babes. So, this is something really exciting for each and every one of us,” Taylor said.
Del Rosario similarly said she was feeling nervous, pressured and happy about returning to the stage with the group. She recalled that the reunion had been discussed earlier in the year but that the members initially turned down the idea because they had moved on to different careers and commitments.
She explained that the members had taken different paths since their days as the Viva Hot Babes, with some moving into other areas of the entertainment industry and others building lives outside show business.
She added that the group eventually embraced the opportunity, viewing the concert as a chance to celebrate where they came from and who they have become.
“It’s more like celebrating how we started, where we are now, as women, as moms, as all these multifaceted women, and we want to show that, yeah, that we’re here to stay,” del Rosario said.
Gratitude
Jennifer Lee, who has pursued DJ work while also studying hospitality and culinary arts, said she was grateful that the members remained close through the years.
“My heart is so full of gratitude because, as you can see, through the years, here we are, still together. Our friendship runs very deep,” Lee said.
Garci also thanked the group’s longtime supporters for keeping their music and memories alive.
“I’m also so grateful to everyone who supported and loved us and our music. And because of them, we are here, not only to celebrate our friendship, but to meet them, be with them and make them happy again.”
For director Sampedro, he said the Viva Hot Babes era coincided with the beginning of his directing career, making the project a return to a formative period in his career.
“When I was called, I was extremely excited because the Viva Hot Babes era was when I started directing — that was the beginning of my career,” Sampedro said.
“For the concert, it won’t just be nostalgic. There will be touches that people haven’t seen from them before,” he added.
The Viva Hot Babes rose to prominence in the early 2000s through novelty pop songs such as “Bulaklak,” “Kikay” and “Basketbol,” becoming associated with the era’s catchy dance music and playful themes.
“Bulaklak: Viva Hot Babes Reunion Concert” is scheduled for Oct. 23 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.