By Angelito Cabigao
On a rainy October 4 evening in Queens, we saw how SexBomb, this iconic all-female group, gave fans in the NYC area a special opportunity to relive fun memories by singing and dancing the night away.
SexBomb is part of Filipino pop culture history. For Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines or in Filipino American households, SexBomb could be seen on TV through Eat Bulaga! or heard on soundtrack playlists in the early 2000s.
SexBomb was formed, according to published reports, by choreographer Joy Cancio in 1999.
They began as back-up dancers and later added singing novelty numbers to their repertoire. Their songs later became standard Pinoy pop hits.
The group of 20 women brought their high-energy performances that got fans out of their seats and dancing. Notable favorites included “Di Ko Na Mapipigilan,” “Daisy Siete,” and, of course, “The Spaghetti Song.”
The members of the group, according to a GMA article, include Rochelle Pangilinan, Jopay Paguia, Evette Pabalan, Izzy Trazona, Weng Ibarra, Monic Icban, Sugar Mercado, Aira Bermudez, Sunshine Garcia, Cheche Tolentino, Mia Pangyarihan, Aifha Medina, Jacky Rivas, Johlan Veluz, Mae Acosta, Louise Bolton and Sandy Tolentino.
During the media event, we got a chance to get to know the SexBomb members beyond their singing and dancing talents. Being in New York, we learned how much they treasure the opportunity to experience the iconic city while enjoying the infamous NYC foodie scene, from slices to hot dogs. We also got to see how much they appreciate the support of their LGBTQ+ fans, including having New Yorker Cassey Fierce as part of their show.
They shared individual stories of their beginnings that revolved around determination and consistency. This included getting up for work Monday through Saturday and commuting from various parts of Metro Manila to the GMA studios. By simply showing up for work, the group was formed.
That same determination and consistency helped make their reunion tour possible, and the Queens concert happen. It’s not always an easy task to make happen in a place like New York City.
As I walked around the concert venue, I enjoyed seeing how fans seated in the back had the same energy as those in the front row. If you’re reading this and happened to be the group of three friends sitting in the back, dancing and singing from the very start—you all were amazing!
EKG is the producer of the NYC concert. Myrna Gutierrez of Upstream is the marketing coordinator. It enjoyed the support of local businesses and organizations, including Philippine Airlines, Jollibee Queens, Thai Royale Spa, Tito Rad’s Grill, Kan-anan USA, DJ Filipino Events, Bong Chavez, Caylan Earl Hope, Apung Uring’s, IAMWorldwide, Fiesta in America, and FAFI.