The Osmonds have a soft spot for RP

The last time they were here was 28 years ago but Donny Osmond distinctly remembered that visit when he and his siblings, including only sister Marie, performed at the Folk Arts Theater.

“That was a long time ago,” said Donny during a one-on-one with The STAR. “What do I remember from that visit? Yes, the jeepney! I was going over my things and guess what, I found my picture taken in Manila during that visit, with me posing beside a jeepney. The Osmonds have a soft spot for the Philippines.”

Donny added that the Osmonds’ last performance together was 28 years ago — “Yes, here in the Philippines,” he smiled.

So when they planned to celebrate their 50th-anniversary world tour, Donny said that he made sure that the Philippines would be included in the itinerary.

There are actually nine siblings but only seven of them are performing.

“Our two brothers, Virl and Tom, are tone deaf so they have never performed,” Donny volunteered.

Donny and Marie flew in from Taipei yesterday afternoon, together with brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy. They are performing at a concert titled The Osmonds’ 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert tomorrow night, June 14, at the PICC Plenary Hall. (Note: The concert is presented by JP, Primetime and First Look Entertainnment. For tickets, call the Ticketworld at 891-9999.)

Now pushing 51, Donny looks as he did 28 years ago. Marie is 48. Brother and sister have maintained their wholesome image. They are the perfect role models who have never been involved in unsavory activities.

In an earlier exclusive phone interview with The STAR, Marie assured their fans that their Manila concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It will be an amazing show,” she said. “We have recorded 142 albums and we’re performing all the familiar songs that our Filipino fans love to listen to.”

Said Donny, “We are bringing back what was called in the ’70s as Osmondmania.”

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