From the pigeonhole:

The boys of XLR8 are the P-pop’s (Pinoy Pop) answer to the Asian (particularly Korean) boy group invasion – with the looks, moves and voices that are meant to hook hordes of young fans. In-between pictorials, rehearsals, mall shows and recording sessions, however, these eight young men are out to have fun as much as any other group of friends.

You wouldn’t think that until a few months ago, most of the boys – namely Hideaki “Aki” Torio; Carlo Lazerna; the twins MJ Magno and MM Magno; Adrian Muhlach; Francis “Kiko” Albert Ramos; Arkin del Rosario and Caleb Santos – were practically strangers. They only got to know each other after passing rigorous auditions that led to the formation of their group.

“It helps that we enjoy a lot of things in common. We like doing the same things – we all like to perform to please our audience; we all love going to the movies or going to Timezone (a popular gaming arcade). We are also all coffee drinkers,” says Kiko who reveals that their preferred coffee brand is Nescafé 3-in-1.

For MJ, who is the main songwriter of the group, drinking a perfectly mixed 3in1 coffee also helps him in the creative process.
It’s no surprise that the boys of XLR8 prefer Nescafé 3-in-1 just like other young people of college age. The convenience of carrying around instant coffee in single serve packs is a hit with busy young people.
Friends at work and at play

According to Kiko, the hard work they need to put in together as a boy group is one motivation for them to become fast friends.

“As a group we need to move, sing and dance in harmony onstage – we can only look good if we do things as a group or as a team. Kailangan namin magtulungan. So it’s better that we are really friends off-stage. Mas okay ang performance namin dahil naging magkaka-barkada kami,” says Kiko.

All the boys agreed that it’s important for their group to spend a lot of time together at work and at play.

“Individually, when we started out, we were into different things. In our group, we have balladeers, rockers, hip-hop, pop and R&B singers. Some of us have backgrounds in theater acting. Others were members of bands.”

Pros and cons

When asked what the pros and cons are of being a popular boy group, it was Kiko who answered.

“The tough part is the fatigue. As mentioned earlier, we rehearse every day and it’s physically demanding to rehearse over and over. Then there are times when we need to learn new songs, but we only have a day or two to master it,” he says.

However, the boys were unanimous in saying this: The most gratifying part of being in a boy group is knowing they are able to make their fans happy.

XLR8 is having a mall tour to promote their self-titled debut album and their first single, “You’re So Hot” which is already a hit with their fans. With their work ethic, friendship and excellent bonding, it’s not a surprise that XLR8 is gaining even more fans as they set out to be next boy group to thrill the Pop/R&B crowd.

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Kuya Kim hosts World Milk Day

The popular and well-loved Kuya Kim (Atienza), also dubbed as “King of Trivia,” was the host during the World Milk Day celebration sponsored by Tetra Pak Philippines, Inc. and held at Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City.

It was a fun-filled day as kids and their parents got to sample various ready-to-drink liquid milk products packaged by Tetra Pak cartons, joined in the milk games, interact with mascots, explore the inflatable playground.

Tetra Pak Communications and Environment Manager Tess Raymundo said: “By celebrating World Milk Day, Tetra Pak reminds Filipinos on the need for good nutrition and the importance of drinking milk.

Tetra Pak also gave a donation to Kuya Kim’s chosen charity, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for July 2, go to former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Cecile “Baby” O’Brien, Yvonne Salcedo, Techie Agbayani, Venus Salangsang, Ellie Concepcion, Mary Jean Tiples, Sylvia “Ging” Cruz, Dwight Morales, Ramy Diez, Ciara Sotto and MB’s Red Samar…