Solid Gold Dancers still got the moves in reunion show

MANILA, Philippines — The Solid Gold Dancers (SGDs), formed by choreographer-dancer Mel Feliciano, held a superb weekend show at Quezon City’s Moviestars Café, reuniting its dancers from 1984 to 2006, who came all the way from the provinces and abroad. Interestingly, the group first regularly appeared on GMA’s Eat, Bulaga then on ABS-CBN’s (now-defunct) ‘Sang Linggo Na Po Sila and ASAP.

Before the reunion show, the SGDs guested in It’s Showtime and Umagang Kay Ganda. 

During the two-hour dance performance at Moviestars Café, families and friends gathered together to support the reunion of 57 SGDs who are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Those who performed, as their photos then and now were shown individually, were Batch 1 SGDs Nora Anio, Ma. Bella Bautista, Agnes Cabug Genaniban, Andrea Morino, Emily Samson, Jayjay Hopida, Jemmelette Cuadra San Pedro, Julie Mauro Gutierrez, Cheryl Gitalado, Ronald Sto. Domingo, Marilou Nicdao, Marfessa Flaviano, Francisco Lopez Jr., John-John de la Cruz Gaton, siblings Dindo and Mia Dina Divinagracia, Flor Almadin, Harriss Sulayao, Joey Corteza, Laurene Liu Vidal and Michelle Lao.

From the Batch 2 SGDs were MNL 48’s management head and Artista Salon owner Gio Medina, Edena Elasigue, Aaron Pulga, Johanna Lynn Ciriaco, couple Yoyoy and Girlie Bugante, Feric Pazcoguin, Dyason Beltran Viray, Gary Ventura, Sherwin Cabrera, and Moviestars Café director Alan Fortunato, Batch 3 SGDs were Mel’s wife May Francisco, Billy de Vera, Eric Ventura, Jun Ranot, Susan Castro, Suzet Torres, Jennifer Garcia, Grace Butra, Mheng Encina, Rojanie Victoria, Rochelle Bugtong, Ampy Pabello, Bernadette de la Cruz, Sharon Moriyama, Kristine Joy Balaoro, Lyka Manalo, Jessica Meyer, Alma Embalsado, Macky Balindres, Geraldine Pura, Miriam Murata, Miko Castro, Liberty Sajona, Kathy Leal and Catcho Purisima.

Choreographer Mel Feliciano with his son during the reunion show of Solid Gold Dancers which he formed in the early ’80s

There were also members of the SGDs who were just part of the audience but later on joined the dancing when Mel asked everybody, young and old, to participate in a few dancing steps to the delight of the crowd. Talent manager Daddy Wowie Roxas was also a part of the audience.

Likewise, tributes were given to the SGDs, like Danny Bolante, Jean Gonzalo, Herbie Los Banos, Au Medina and Zaldy Feliciano, who passed away. Stealing the show was SGD dancer Sherwin Cabrera (Batch 2) whose old photo in a female attire was shown, as he was mistaken to be dead but is still very much alive. 

Mel, who entertained the audience by singing some songs, was later given an award by fellow SGDs while two celebrators (Ronald and Jemmelette) were recognized during that enjoyable and unforgettable night of dance and music.