Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario reveal dance group Streetboys nearly broke up after an argument with Director Chito Rono


At a glance

  • Jhong stated that Vhong was the only one brave enough to engage in a shouting match with Direk Chito that nearly caused the team to split years ago.


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The Streetboys perform at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City (Images courtesy of New Frontier Theater)

After 31 years, the popular all-male dance group "The Streetboys" reunited for a one-night-only concert dubbed "SB90s The Streetboys Reunion Dance Concert" at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on Nov. 8, bringing back the spirit of the 90s.

Throughout the two-hour show, the fans were entertained by the amazing dance prowess of the iconic dance group. The 11 members of the dance group displayed their killer dance moves as they grooved to the tunes of "The Sign," "Dying Inside To Hold You," "MmmBop," "Get Your Freak On," "Boom-Shack-A-Lak," “On Ne S'Aimera Plus Jamais,” "Beautiful Life," "Ragamuffin Girl," "Aringkingking king," "Macarena," "Ecstacy Extano," and more.

The group also reminisced about their beginnings and how their journey as Streetboys helped them reach their dreams.  

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It was a surreal experience for "The Streetboys" as they did not expect a sold-out crowd and the heartfelt support from their fans.

"Nangyari nga ito after 31 years at nakita namin itong punong-puno. Nakita rin namin yung hiyawan, palakpakan, at pagmamahal kaya labis kaming nagpapasalamat na patuloy silang nandyan para sa amin," Vhong Navarro said.

Jhong added,"Na shock kami na ang daming tao. Yung iyak namin kanina kasi hindi namin alam kung mauulit pa ito. Nagulat kami na naka-survive kami and walang injury."

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The group also reminisced about their humble beginnings and how their journey as Streetboys helped them reach their dreams.  

But now it can be said that Vhong had a heated argument with the group's manager, award-winning director Chito Rono, during their early years in The Streetboys. 

Jhong stated that Vhong was the only one brave enough to engage in a shouting match with Direk Chito that nearly caused the team to split years ago.

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"Hindi namin pwedeng hindi kasama ang tao na siyang dahilan kung bakit kami narito ngayon," said Jhong. "Hindi namin mararating ito kung hindi dahil sa inyo." Then Direk Chito joined the group on stage.

Jhong added: "Itong tao na ito, hate na hate namin dati. Totoo. Bakit? Ilang mura ang inabot namin dito. Ilang lighter ang nasira dahil sa kakabato sa amin. Muntik na kaming sumuko. Si Vhong ang magpapatunay niyan. Si Vhong lang ang may-apog na sagutin si Direk Chito. Amin mo yun!:"

Vhong answered: "Inaamin ko yun kasi nga hindi ako dapat Streetboys. Di ba dalawa yung nag-audition? Ang pinapatawag pala hindi ako. Yung gwapo kong kaklase. Namali yung tawag. Ako yung nagpunta. So walang choice kundi mahalin ako at tanggapin ako."

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"Strikto siya dahil may pinupunto pala siya. Ngayon naiintindihan na natin yun dahil ngayon mga magulang na rin tayo. 

"Ang pagkakamali ko yung nasagot ko siya dahil hindi ko pa naiintindihan (ang ibang bagay) noong mga panahon na yun.

"Ngayon, boss, salamat sa mga pangaral mo sa amin. Dahil doon naging matino kami. For 31 years, wala kaming naging kontrata kay Direk Chito. 

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"Ang pinanghahawakan po namin ay ang salitang mina-manage niya kami. Mahal niya kami. Yun lang po," said Vhong.

Jhong also made a joke in reference to age. "Alam ninyo kung bakit kami naiiyak? Wala na yung power ng pain reliever." To which the audience laughed.

Meynard Marcellano, another member of the group, celebrated his 50th birthday as he blew a birthday cake on stage. "Mukha na ba akong 50? Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!" 

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Direk Chito believes that, despite their age, the Streetboys can still charm audiences with their dance moves.

"Base sa nakita ko ngayon, kaya pa nilang mag perform after 31 years," the director said during an interview after the concert.

When asked if there would be a repeat of the show, Direk Chito said: "Hindi ko alam kasi yung ibang members ng group nakatira na abroad. Tignan natin."

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Other members of the Streetboys were Sphencer Reyes, Danilo Barrios, Sherwin Roux, Joey Andres, Chris Cruz, Nicko Manalo, Joseph De Leon, and Michael Sesmundo.

The Streetboys meet SB19

Stell and Justin of the popular P-pop group SB19 made an appearance in a finale number with the Streetboys. After their number, Stell and Justin thanked the group for being an inspiration.

"Gusto naming magpasalamat sa opportunity na ito to be with The Streetboys. Congratulations!" Maraming salamat po!" said Justin.

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Stell said: "Nandito ngayon ang mga tunay na idol nating lahat ang Streetboys! Maraming salamat po dahil this is a once-in-a lifetime experience to perform with this talented and legendary group nabalita ko kapag sumayaw sila nagtitilian ang lahat.

"Maraming salamat dahil kayo ang inspirasyon ng mga parents namin. Tuwang-tuwa ang mga magulang ko nang nalaman nila makakasayaw ko kayo. Nakasama na raw namin ang mga ninuno namin. Maraming salamat," Stell added.

The Streetboys were delighted to see SB19's Justin and Stell who personally reached out to the group to join their concert.

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Kryzl Jorge (Robert Requintina)

Jhong said: "Grabe! Pinagbigyan kami ni Justin and Stell. Ang laking bagay nun lalo na't alam namin na busy kayo pero pinagbigyan ninyo kami."

Kryzl Jorge dances

The country's youngest CEO, Kryzl Jorge, lit up the New Frontier stage with the iconic dance group, The Streetboys, last night at the "SB90s The Streetboys Reunion Dance Concert."

According to Kryzl, "It was a wonderful experience. I'm so happy to share the stage with 'The Streetboys."

She also revealed that she only had three days to prepare and memorize the steps of the 90s medley dance.

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"I practiced for it for around three days, and it was easy to remember. The members were also kind to help me prepare for the dance," said Kryzl, youngest CEO of Purple Hearts, a company that produces health supplements for children.

The group also reminisced about their beginnings and how their journey as Streetboys helped them reach their dreams.  

Aside from the "SB90s The Streetboys Reunion Dance Concert," fans of Kryzl can catch her perform at the "Ogieoke 2 Reimagined" this Nov. 30 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.  The show is produced by Alcasid Total Entertainment and Artist Management Inc.