It’s about time for 17:28

Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Westlife, N’Sync, 98 Degrees. Boy bands are currently raking it big in the global music industry. Songs on top of the billboard charts are by boy bands. They have dominated not only the music scene but also fashion, lifestyle and even, as is the case with N’Sync’s Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, film.

It is no wonder, then, that more and more teenage boys who can carry a tune are coming together and forming their own bands. In the Philippine recording industry, we have Jeremiah, Wiseguys. And now, a new breed of Filipino boy band is set to conquer the local music scene.

Billed 17:28, the group is made up of four young performers who effortlessly combine the dynamic moves of hip-hop and the cool throbbing tempo of R&B.

17:28 is composed of Joaquin Valdez, who at 16 is already considered a pro in the entertainment industry, being a singer and theater actor since the tender age of six; Jonard Yanzon, the 20-year old who won first place in the first Metro Pop Young Singers Competition in 1998; Gian Magdangal, 18, whose performance is nothing short of inspired; and 17-year-old Chino Alfonso, a Pre-Med student at the Ateneo whose love for music cannot simply be denied.

These talented performers have all trained under Trumpets stalwarts Audie Gemora and Freddie Santos, musical director Mon Faustino, choreographers Jason Zamora and Rene Zagaran of the Manouevers. Respected singer and theater actor Carlo Orosa is managing 17:28.

The quartet recently had their television debut via the songwriting competition, Jams, launched by ABS-CBN. Though the group did not win, 17:28 showed promise and an abundance of potential. Joaquin, Jonard, Gian and Chino wowed audiences with their soulful rendition and vibrant electrifying moves.

Make way for 17:28. It’s about time!