The movies in 1:43’s mind
When Pinoy boy band 1:43 was a newbie in the scene four years ago, its members' clean-cut, buttoned-up looks made others jump to conclusion that they’re too soft to the point of being well – sissies.
“Tingin sa kanila noon, bading,” the band’s manager Chris Cahilig admits. “Pero kung nakasama mo na sila at naging tropa ka na nila, baliktad.”
A look at the band’s Facebook fan page shows why. The foursome can shed their t-shirts, display well-toned bodies and strike provocative poses. The thing is, Anjo Resureccion, Gold Aquino, Yuki Sakamato and newest member Yheen Valero (formerly of Down to Mars) haven’t shown what’s beneath their shirts all these years they have been performing and commanding a loyal following.
5-year contract
The voice behind the hits “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo" (Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards for Music Song of the Year), “Ang Saya-Saya" (theme song of the GMA 7 sitcom "Ismol Family") and “Hayop sa Ganda” were all about singing and style.
But Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario saw something else in them. The seasoned star builder saw movie star material. So he signed them up to a 5-year co-management contract (with Cahilig).
“Viva needs new artists. Ang daming bagong artista na ni-launch. We want to take it to a different level. Boss Vic started with Yuki. Then, everyone else followed,” Chris told Yahoo Philippines.
The four guys know they’re playing a totally new ballgame. But they’re sure they’re ready for its new set of rules.
First movie project
Rule 1, of course, is acting. Chris, whom the boys call "Uncle," watched his talents exchange lines of dialogue and express a range of emotions in director Lem Lorca’s workshops. The outcome will be tested in director Louie Ignacio’s advocacy film “ChildHaus,” the boys’ first big screen project, where their song, “Ngiti Lang” is the official soundtrack.
Rule 2 is the deluge of intrigues.
After their bashers branded them as mere K-pop wannabes during 1:43’s early years, the boys are ready for more intrigues.
“We know how it feels. And we are very much ready for the invasion of privacy,” says Yuki.
Life-long passion
Rule 3 is the strong possibility of going their separate ways as actors.
Again, the boys are ready to part ways on screen, but not as band members. Yuki idolizes Ace Vergel and wants to try action. So does Yheen, who enjoys Jason Statham, Vin Diesel and Robin Padilla movies. Gold prefers comedy and loves Dolphy’s brand of humor while Anjo is into rom-coms ala John Lloyd Cruz.
But all this is work. At the end of the day, music is still 1:43’s life-long passion. Besides, music will always be around for talented singers – whether they’re 16 or 60 years old.
“Whatever happens to us in the movies, the music will never die,” the boys chorus.
Forever a group
But they know they must focus on acting first because this is where they are newbies who need to absorb everything they can, on and off screen. One has to let go of one thing to acquire and polish a new skill. And that one thing they will set aside for the meantime is singing.
“I want them to explore filmmaking so they can find their niche. If the role calls for them to go sexy, so be it,” says Chris.
Yuki, with his tattoo-covered back, and Yheen, with his necklace-like alibata-inspired tattoos, seem to be the most prepared for daring roles.
'Mas colorful ang buhay'
The new challenge excites the guys.
“Gusto namin pressure. Mas colorful ang buhay,” Anjo speaks for his friends.
Chris knows his talents have a lot of catching up to do.
“They’re late bloomers,” he admits.
Late bloomer or not, it’s the talent and the packaging that matter. With a well-oiled star building machinery like Viva behind them, Chris, and 1:43 need not worry too much.
