TNT Boys (from left) Francis Concepcion, Mackie Empuerto, and Keifer Sanchez
(Photo by Lester Ramos) TNT Boys members Mackie Empuerto, Francis Concepcion, and Keifer Sanchez are showing no signs of slowing down. After winning on “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” this year, then performing for the global “Little Big Shots” in the US, the UK and Australia; and after being named the Royal Cub awardee at this year’s RAWR Awards 2018 for consistently making headlines, trending on social media and on YouTube for their world-class performances – the boys are holding their first major concert “Listen: The Big Shot Concert” on Nov. 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT Boys are now regular performers on “ASAP Natin ’To” and they have launched their first Christmas album, “TNT Boys Christmastime” under TNT Records. Whew! At a press conference, the group was asked why the audience would want to see them perform in cavernous venue. “We will show out best and what else we can do. We’re not limited to performing just ‘Listen,’ you know,” Mackie said in Filipino. How has life changed for them, we asked. Keifer said: “In the past, we were not able to buy things like shoes and clothes. Now, we can.” Mackie added they’ve also gained celebrity friends, including members of the Hashtags and Vice Ganda. The three expressed elation over Jessie J reacting on their “Bang Bang” performance in the finale of “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.” “I think the TNT Boys from (the) Philippines are incredible. I’m obsessed with them. They’re so sweet and so talented, their ‘Bang Bang’... they did better than us,” Jessie commented. For the three boys, those words got them walking on cloud nine. “I watched her Facebook Live. I was thinking she would not mention us but she did. I was so shocked. When she mentioned TNT Boys, I threw my cellphone and I jumped for joy,” Keifer recalled. “I was speechless,” Mackie added. Francis revealed why it was special for him. “Jessie J has always been my idol. I didn’t see her live comment real time. I had to load up on data to watch her on the internet and I was shocked. I didn’t think she would comment on our performance,” he said. Later, the three talked about getting stage fright. So, what do they do about it? “Pray,” they said. Next conquest Aside from singing, the group wants to try acting. Mackie, who once appeared in the indie movie “Bakwit Boys,” wants to be in a movie with his brothers from another mother. He hopes the movie would either be drama or fantasy or action genre. “I want to play someone with telekinesis,” he said. Francis wants to play Wonder Boy or Thor. Keifer? As Iron Man. As the interview gravitated toward crushes, two members rattled off Kathryn Bernardo’s name. “I have a crush on Kathryn because she’s beautiful. She was my idol on ‘La Luna Sangre,’” said Francis. “I like Kathryn because she’s pretty ang talented,” mused Mackie. For Keifer, however, it’s Nadine Lustre who is the bomb.