From a baptismal and birthday celebration of Soliel Ellaineor Valderama at Shakey’s along Tomas Morato Avenue, I walked the street and stopped at Scout Gandia where the office of Water Plus Productions is located.
I thought of bringing the UST Arts and Letters ’75 Golden Jubilee Souvenir Program to Marynette Gamboa, the owner of Water Plus because she also placed an ad of “Idol” in the magazine.
I was on my way to Juan Rodrigo to hand in a copy of the same program.
So, I turned left at the street.
When I entered Water Plus, I asked the secretary at the reception if Marynette was around.
The lady receptionist said she would look for her boss.
When the secretary came back, she waved at us signaling Gamboa’s presence and her advisory of letting me in.
From where I stood, I heard entertainment columnist Obette Serrano talking.
I supposed Obette was explaining and orienting a group of all-female sing and dance because he said “…dapat lagi kayong nakangiti at may (you should always be smiling and you also have) presence of mind,” said Serrano.
True enough, when I was walking towards Marynette’s office, I stole a glance at the ladies being taught by Obette especially on social graces.
Then I went into Gamboa’s room and planted a kiss on her cheeks.
I gave her the UST Artlets souvenir program.
“Bakit hindi ka pumunta sa launch ng (Why aren’t you at the launch of) Bodies Next Gen?” asked Marynette.
“I was pressed for time,” I answered.
Indeed, I was ready to drop by Grand Eastern Hotel along Quezon Avenue that night of the launch but I still had to fulfill another commitment so I called it out.
According to Gamboa, the Bodies Next Gen has to undergo rigorous training in singing, choreography, projection, audience contact, manner of dressing and other important rudiments of performances.
Obette had to conduct a workshop on photo shoots before Water Plus sent the ladies on stage.
Director and actor Efren Reyes, Jr. was around and observing Serrano and the officially selected members of the new D’ Bodies.
It must be remembered that it was also Water Plus and Marynette who formed the B’Bodies in the early 2000.
Now that all-female sing and dance groups have reemerged since the invasion and influence of K-pop or halllyu, local talent managements like Star Magic and Water Plus have spearheaded the move of discovering and grooming Filipino girls ala-BLACKPINK.
Star builder Lauren Dyogi has just popularized Bini as ABS-CBN’s contribution to K-pop copycat syndrome.
It is also Marynette’s objectives to make famous Bodies Next Gen at par or even surpass Bini although she is quite realistic about it as ABS-CBN is a giant company.
Water Plus is also a big, independent outfit.
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