Getting to know 17:28 and their ‘Last Love Song’

I met Jonard, Gian and Chino of 17:28 last year at the concert of Cris Villonco at Dish. They seemed shy at first perhaps because they were busy studying their songs, but then, we got to steal some time to have fun conversations. And fun we had! At that moment I knew that they were friends I want to keep. As time went by, I got to know them individually. On the last day of Cris’ concert, we all exchanged numbers and said that we would keep in touch and I even promised to watch their gigs on my free time. I kept my promise! I would go to their gigs as often as I could.

I would talk to Jonard every now and then. He would always tease me about anything that pops in his head. He’s somewhat the joker of the group. The noisiest one in the group as I would say! He’s the heartthrob among the three. He seems to get the ladies’ attention all the time. Mr. Suave himself is "maginoo pero medyo bastos!" And I have to admit we only get to talk whenever he has love problems. He would ask me stuff like what should I do, do you think I should wait, or do you think she likes me and on and on.

Gian is my closest friend in the group. He’s such a darling! What you see is what you get! We got to hang out a lot of times and we would chat on the phone for the longest time! There are days when he would turn sentimental on me and would start talking about life and problems. Then I would start sharing my own sentiments then we end up making each other feel better. But believe me, there are days when we actually can’t even talk anymore because we would just keep on laughing until our tummies ache and tears start falling.

Chino is the youngest among the three gentlemen. He’s very determined. I heard that he wants to be a doctor and that he writes well. Chino seems really quiet and reserved but when you get to know him better, he actually turns out to be a game type of person.

Anyhow, it was such a coincidence that I was offered to do the MTV of Last Love Song, Ron Jansen Solis’ entry to Himig Handog Love Songs. It all started when TV director Mae Cruz gave my sister a call asking if she could use the house of our grandmother and asked if she knew anyone who could play the leading lady in the MTV. My sister mentioned my name to Mae and she thought that it was a great idea. My sister gave me a call and asked if I was busy on the date of the shoot. When I found out that it was going to be 17:28, I got really excited, thus, I said yes immediately since I’m not just a friend, but a fan as well.

When I first listened to Last Love Song, it sank in my head right away. Not only because of the beautiful arrangement but the meaningful lyrics and melody all combined in this love song. It made me feel the pains of saying goodbye. The song has its sentimental lesson of losing hope and letting go.

It was such an amazing experience working with these very talented and friendly guys. I got to know how three young men act as singers and individuals. Three different personalities gel into one passion, Music. 17:28’s music is a responsible touch of modern OPM. Why? The quality and quantity of their songs are not only entertaining but also have a powerful sense of spirituality, which we don’t get much nowadays.

Vote for Last Love Song before the Himig Handog Love Songs finals night on March 5. Text HIMIG<space>5<space>YOUR NAME. Then send to 2366 for all mobile phone service providers. You can also call 1-902-1HIMIG2. Vote for Song no. 5 Last Love Song.