Catching up with XLR8

It has been one dizzying ride for the boys of XLR8 since their debut album was released four months ago. Maybe it is because, they are holding the Pinoy boy group fort all by their lonesome. There are bands and bands around but despite the popularity of boy groups around Asia, XLR8 seems to be the only sing and dance boy band we have existing in the Philippines right now. So Pinoy fans who want to dance and swoon to boy band music have only these guys to turn to.

Not everybody likes them though. As is usual with stars on the way up, there are antis around who continue to labor hard to put these boys down. Thankfully though, their efforts have been futile and they are in fact dwindling in number. It greatly helped that they have this very popular song, You’re So Hot and that they were able to hold their own performing alongside K-Pop stars Kim Hyun Joong of SS501 and Boys over Flowers drama and the group B2ST in a recent concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

With that problem practically licked, the boys of XLR8 have only their busy schedule to worry about. And what a schedule it is nowadays for these guys! Hideaki Torio, Carlo Lazerna, twins Meljohn and Melmar Magno, AJ Muhlach, Kiko Ramos, Arkin del Rosario Jr. and Caleb Santos have put all personal matters aside for the time being and now concern themselves mainly with their group.

Regularly they have the GMA 7 noontime Sunday show Party Pilipinas where they come out every week. Then there are the mall shows where they go to perform and promote their album and where they meet with their fans. Tomorrow, July 17 we will find them at the Pavillion Mall in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Next on tap are: SM Rosario on July 18; SM Rosales, July 24; Sta. Lucia Mall, Aug. 1; Market Market, Aug. 6; Robinsons Pioneer, Aug. 7; and SM Marilao, Aug. 14.

And then here is something they are truly excited about. Doubtless because of their growing popularity, the boys have also been asked to join the local tour of the Recordbreaker concert starring Sarah Geronimo. XLR8 was first part of this nationwide concert tour last July 10 in Baguio City. Lots of their fans were in attendance and gave the boys a very enthusiastic welcome.

They will be seen next at the Island Cove in Cavite on Aug. 20; at the Arellano Coliseum in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Aug. 27; and at the De La Salle Centrum in Lipa, Batangas, Sept. 17. Do check out the local venues in areas near you for ticket prices. The talented guys Christian Bautista, Charlie Green and Jimmy Marquez are also performing in these shows.

Now for those new recruits into the XLR8 circle, you might want to check out the group’s debut album which contains You’re So Hot. It has lots of other tunes, all new and original to dance to and be soulful about, a few of them composed by twin MJ Magno.

XLR8, the CD also includes Tonight’s The Night, I Wish Lang, Dance With Me, I’ll Be There, She Was Mine, Anyway, Ms. Beautiful, Precious Love, For You, Money Money and the second single from the boys, the ballad I Love You Girl.

Meanwhile, from the Pinoy MYX Countdown, here are the top 20 videos of the week: Kung Wala Na Nga by the 6Cyclemind featuring DJ Coki, Kean Cipriano of Callalily and Yeng Constantino; Gabay by Callalily; Di Lang Ikaw by Juris; Afraid For Love To Fade by Christian Bautista; Love Will Keep Us Together, the theme from the movie Hating Kapatid by Sarah Geronimo; Neon Lights by Rico Blanco; Gaan by Archipelago; Sama Sama by Letter Day Story; Like Eskimo by Slapshock; Picture Picture by Tanya Markova.

Sayang Sayang by Aljur Abrenica; All Me by Toni Gonzaga; Kahit Na by Kiss Jane; Yun Lang by True Faith featuring Armi Millare; Magbabalik Ka Pa Ba by Nikki Gil; I’ll Be Over You by Aiza Seguerra; You Still Have My Heart by Princess; Parang Si Ely Buendia by Soapdish; Just Tell Me You Love Me by Kris Lawrence; and Pers Lab by Charlie Green.