Three best-selling albums, a string of monster hits, multi-million views of their music videos on Youtube, and hundreds of jam-packed performances across the archipelago later, who wouldn’t think thought that OPM boy band 1:43 started four years ago with quite a handful of detractors saying that they were just a K-POP spin-off, that they didn’t have the range to become successful music performers.
Well, well, 1:43 members Anjo Resurreccion, Argee Golding, Gold Aquino, and Yuki Sakamoto have not only proved their detractors wrong. They have also exceeded expectations by becoming one of the country’s most successful (and most desirable) music groups in recent memory.
This focus on learning and growth shows in their latest album, #KalyePop,(KPOP) released under MCA Universal. While the record still carries the “kilig” ballads in the vein of ”Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” (hailed as Song of the Year by 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music ), it’s notable for including tracks that straddle genres: pop, novelty, and dance. The accusation that they are some K-Pop wannabes is dispelled by this album that captures the musical blend beloved by the Filipinos: a combination of lightness, humor, and catchy hooks. In 1:43’s music is a true-blue Filipino heart.
It doesn’t hurt that 1:43’s musical growth coincides with their maturity as men. When before they looked like your typical boys next door as they were starting in the industry, now the 1:43 members are full-fledged men, with well-defined muscles (Anjo’s rippling abs are legendary) that make girls swoon. In fact, even some of them faint during 1:43’s performance.
While the four boys have found success as a group, individually, they still pursue their own passions. Anjo, Myx VJ Search finalist, is now doing hosting gigs; Gold is an entrepreneur and about to launch his own perfume company; while Yuki and Argee are honing their acting chops to prepare them for eventual appearances in soaps. “It’s important to us to have our own projects,” says Argee, the latest addition to the group. “It makes us bring something new to the table each time we perform together.”
Despite having proven their mettle in the cutthroat music industry, 1:43 continues to challenge themselves, hone their musical style, and reach out to as many fans as they can to bring their refreshing and captivating take on Original Pilipino Music. With their hearts in the right place, the 1:43 boys are here to stay.
