SexBomb Girls

SexBomb Girls
Also known as	SexBomb Dancers
Origin	Manila, Philippines
Genres	Pop, dance, Pinoy pop, novelty
Years active	1999 (1999)–present
Labels	Sony Records, BMG
Website	SexBomb Girls on Facebook

The Sexbomb Girls (also known as the SexBomb Dancers) are a Filipino girl group founded in Manila, Philippines, in 1999. They are known for the hit novelty songs "Spageti Song", "Bakit Papa" ("Why Father?") and "Bilog na Hugis Itlog" ("Egg-shaped Circle") that were certified platinum in the Philippines. The music video of "Bilog na Hugis Itlog" aimed to educate Filipino voters on the new election procedure implemented in the 2010 Philippine general election. The Sexbomb Girls' Round 2 album has sold 150,000 copies in the Philippines, becoming the best-selling album by a female group in Philippine music history. They have sold over 555,000 albums in the Philippines, making them "The Philippines' Best-Selling Female Group Of All Time". In 2008, the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Awards also recognized them as "The Most Popular Dance Group".

They are well known for the song "Get, Get Aww!". They were once mainstay dancers for Eat Bulaga!, a noontime variety show in the Philippines. However, the SexBomb Dancers no longer appear on Eat Bulaga. They are currently freelancers; they can appear in any channel and guest in any TV show except Eat Bulaga due to some misunderstandings. They can be seen in Manny Many Prizes and Party Pilipinas every Sunday on GMA-7; some members are also part of Banana Split and Luv U on ABS-CBN. They also appear as guests on It's Showtime and Wil Time Bigtime. They have shows and concerts at The Library, Malate, Zirkoh and Klownz.

History

The Sexbomb Dancers were originally composed of four members upon their formation in 1999. They were background dancers for Eat Bulaga, the Philippines' longest running noontime variety show.

The group began in November 1999 as the 'Chicken Sandwich Dancers' which was an offshoot of the Danz Focus (house dancers of Eat Bulaga). At first there were four (Cheryl, Debra, Janine and Rochelle). The group expanded to six with the addition of Jopay and Aira. The group expanded to eight, twelve and then thirteen (during their first FHM appearance) to an all time high of 22.

In 2002, they started to bill themselves as the Sexbomb Girls in their shows and promotional materials. Their name was derived from the song "Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones. The dancers did shows under the dance albums Sexiest Hits Series and I Like. The Sexbomb Singers and Dancers are commonly still referred to as the Sexbomb Girls.

The Sexbomb Girls are managed by Joy Castillo Cancio, of Focus E Incorporated. Cancio is a veteran of the Vicor Dancers of the 1980s.

Members

Current members

• Jopay Paguia (2000–2010, 2012–present)
• Aira Bermudez (2000–present)
• Mia Pangyarihan (2000–present)
• Grace Nera (2001–present)
• Mae Acosta (2001–present)
• Sandy Tolentino (2001–present)
• Cheche Tolentino (2001–present)
• Jhoana Orbeta (2003-present)
• Sunshine Garcia (2002–present)
• Johlan Veluz (2003–present)
• Mhyca Bautista (2004–present)
• Louise Bolton (2004–present)
• Danica Gulapa (2006-present)
• Jomarie Guiterrez (2009–present)
• Jaja Barro (2010–present)
• Dona Veliganio (2010–present)
• Julie Anne Septimo (2010–present)
• Trizia Ramis (2012–present)
• Krizia Ramis (2012–present)
• Joyce Canimo (2012–present)
• Kristine Saludo (2012–present)
• Camille Lazo (2012–present)
• Jane Albaracin (2012-present)

Former members

• Rochelle Pangilinan (1999–2011)
• Debra Igancio (1999–2001)
• Cheryl Genove (1999–2000)
• Janine Reyes (1999–2000)
• Cherrie Ingal (2000)
• Yvette Lopez (2001–2002)
• JB Cifra (2001)
• Michelle Reyes-Casco (2001–2002)
• Evette Pabalan (2001–2010)
• Izzy Trazona-Aragon (2001–2011)
• Weng Ibarra (2001–2007, 2008–2011)
• Sugar Mercado (2001–2003, 2004–2006)
• Annie Batumbakal (2001-2003)
• Jane Lao (2001-2003)
• Natalie Imperial (2001–2002)
• Jacky Rivas (2002–2010, 2012)
• Monic Icban (2002–2005, 2008–2011)
• Cynthia Yapchingco (2002–2010)
• Jacques Estevez (2002, 2003–2006)
• Nimfa Rafidi (2002–2005)
• Joy Anne (2002)
• Marie (2002)
• Evita P. aka Solein H. (2002)
• Aifha Medina (2003–2010)
• Jovel Palomo (2004–2009)
• Danielle Ramirez (2004–2010)
• Mariam Al-Obaidi (2004–2005)
• Cherry Ann Rufo (2004–2006)
• Rodellyn Joice Pecho (2004–2005)
• Kathleen Sacay (2006)
• Molly Baylon (2006)
• Hazel Taligatos (2006–2007)
• Charm Saldon (2007)
• Alice Almocera (2007)
• Kryz Moreno (2007)
• Michelle Mercado (2007–2008)
• Shane Gonzales (2007–2010)
• Sheena Flores (2008–2012)
• Stephanie Lantion (2009)
• Yui Gutierrez (2010–2011)

Careers

Singing career

Originally, the group consisted of Rochelle Panglinan, Jopay Paguia, Weng Ibarra, Evette Pabalan, AB Cifra and Sugar Mercado. They were known as the Sexbomb Singers in early 2002, and were introduced through their first album, The Sexiest Hits in 2002. But in late 2002, due to AB and Sugar's departure from the group, Izzy Trazona and Monic Icban were hired to fill their spot. In late 2002, the new singers were introduced through their very first album called Unang Putok, which features vocals from Rochelle, Jopay, Weng, Evette, Izzy, and Monic. In early 2004, Mariam Al-Obaidi was hired as an additional member for the singers' line-up. Mariam was introduced on their third album. But after one year, Monic and Mariam left the group and Cheche Tolentino was hired to fill their spot. She was introduced on their fourth album. But CheChe's singing spot from the group was short-lived as the management decided to retain the remaining original members of the group. Fans had thought that Monic's and Mariam's replacement would be the DJ Bomb Girls Danielle Ramirez and Jovel Palomo, and many had also thought that other members from the dancers were to be the new singers' additional members. Fans had also thought that the former member, Kristel Moreno, would be the additional member because in season 17 of their TV show Daisy Siete, Kristel appeared as a singer. In 2010, a new sub-group of the SexBomb Dancers named the 'Daisies' was formed; the title referred to their defunct show Daisy Siete. Daisies is composed of six SexBomb members, each representing a flower color: Cheche (yellow), Louise (green), Mhyca (blue), Jomarie (lavender), Jaja (pink) and the newest addition, Dona (red). There was a rumor going around that Cheche was not an original member of Daisies but rather the former member Shane. However, since Shane left the group to pursue her studies, Cheche filled in her spot.

Discography

Studio albums

• 2002: Unang Putok (4x Platinum)
• 2003: Round 2 (5x Platinum)
• 2004: Bomb Thr3at (2x Platinum)
• 2005: Sumayaw, Sumunod: The Best of the Sexbomb Girls (compilation) (Platinum)

Christmas albums

• 2002: Wish Ko sa Pasko (Gold)
• 2003: Spaghetti Sa Pasko (single)
• 2004: Pik-piripik-pik (Busina Ng Pasko) (single)

Dance compilation albums

• 2002: Sexbomb's Sexiest Hits (Gold)
• 2002: Sexbomb: I Like & Other Hits (Gold)
• 2003: Sexbomb's Sexiest Hits: 2 (Gold)
• 2004: Sexbomb's Sexiest Hits: 3 (4x Platinum)

These albums are performed by various artists (mostly European Eurodance artists). The dance choreography of these albums were popularized by the Sexbomb Dancers. Mall shows were held nationwide to promote these albums.

Compilation albums

• 2006: Daisy Siete: V-DAY Music from the TV Series
• 2007: Tabachingching: Sexbomb
• 2008: Vaklushii: Daisy Siete Season 19 Soundtrack
• 2010: Adam or Eve

Solo albums

• 2005: Jacque Estevez (Gold)
• 2007: ROC: Rocaholic (Gold)

Acting career

Movies

The Sexbomb Girls have their own movie, Bakit Papa, which was released nationwide in the Philippines in 2002. The Sexbomb Singers took the lead, with the Dancers playing support. Others in the cast include Allan K., Wendell Ramos, Epi Quizon, Chynna Ortaleza and Richard Gutierrez. It was produced by Regal Films and had an opening day of P3.5 million, with the total box-office sales estimated at P20.6 million. A movie based on their drama series Daisy Siete is in the works.

• 2001: Tusong Twesome (Debra)
• 2002: Bakit Papa (Sexbomb Girls, together with Jomar Velasco and Joelah Solis)
• 2002: Bertud ng Putik (Rochelle)
• 2002: Lastikman (Jopay)
• 2004: Anak ka ng Tatay Mo (Cynthia) (Jomar)
• 2004: Fantastikman (Jopay, Grace, Rochelle, Jacky, Cynthia)
• 2004: Enteng Kabisote (Aira)
• 2005: Ispiritista (Aifha, Cynthia, Sugar, Danielle, Jovel, Jomar)
• 2005: Enteng Kabisote 2 (Louise, Mhyca, Cherry Ann)
• 2008: Iskul Bukol 20 Years After (Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure) (Aira)
• 2011: Panday 2 (Jhoana, Jomarie)

Television

The girls had their own top-rating afternoon drama series Daisy Siete, aired over GMA Network weekdays at 2:30pm. The hour-long program showcases the girls' wide acting range.

• Seasons 2 to 6 were weekly episodes, wherein the story is not continuous. Seasons 1 and 7-9 followed a teleseries-like approach. The first seasons were light and the real dramatic highlights were provided in Season 7 and so forth.
• Season 7: May Bukas Pa ang Kahapon (2005)
• Season 8: Tahanan (2005)
• Season 9: Ang Pitong Maria (2005–2006)
• Season 10: Sayaw ng Puso (2006)
• Season 11: Nasaan ka? (2006)
• Season 12: Landas (2006)
• Season 13: Moshi, Moshi, Chikiyaki (2006–2007)
• Season 14: Siete Siete, Mano Mano (2007)
• Season 15: Isla Chikita (2007–present)
• Season 16: Tabachingching
• Season 17: Ulingling
• Season 18: Prince Charming and the Seven Maids
• Season 19: Vaklushii
• Season 20: Tinderella
• Season 21: Tarzariray
• Season 22: Kambalilong
• Season 23: Chacha Muchacha
• Season 24: My Shuper Sweet Lover
• Season 25: Bebe and Me
• Season 26: Adam or Eve

Daisy Siete has been a ratings mogul since its premiere, charting its highest rating at 30% in December 2003 (season 1). This is a very high rating for the afternoon block. Nowadays, Daisy Siete rates anywhere from 19% to 25%. It has blown away all the shows put up by rival networks to compete with it. Some of these shows are Colgate Trip Kita, Sarah the Teen Princess, and Kapamilya Cinema.

From 2002–2003, the girls were also part of Daboy en Da Girl, with Rochelle as Britney, and the girls as Japayukis.

The girls have appeared on different guestings in the GMA Network. Magpakailanman has featured the life stories of several Sexbomb Girls with them playing themselves: Sunshine Garcia, Jacque Estevez, Aira Bermudez, Evette Pabalan, Johlan Veluz and Aifha Medina. Rochelle Pangilinan's story was played by Rufa Mae Quinto. Rochelle has portrayed other characters twice, and Aira played the Aeta featured in one episode. All of these were winners in the ratings game.

Their mananger, Joy Cancio, has also been featured on the show and had Rochelle, Aira, and Jopay as guests. Like the Sexbomb episodes, this again received high ratings. To date, there is not one Sexbomb-related episode of Magpakailanman that was not successful.

The Sexbomb Dancers were mainstays on QTV Channel 11's Let's Get Aww! which aired last November 2005. The show was short-lived.

Aside from Daisy Siete, the following are appearances from the Sexbomb Girls (current and former) on TV (including guestings):

• Rochelle - Amaya, Party Pilipinas, Broken Vow, Kusina Master, Manny Many Prizes
• Jacque - Love to Love Season 5: Love Blossoms, Darna
• Jopay - Love to Love Season 8: Love-an o Bawi, Etheria, Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas, Time of my Life, Showtime, Gandang Gabi Vice, Wil Time Bigtime, MARS, Kusina Master, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Izzy - Maynila, ASAP Rocks, Happy Yipee Yehey, Banana Split, Cielo de Angelina
• Sunshine - Banana Split, I Heart U Pare, ASAP Rocks, Reputasyon, I Dare You, Gandang Gabi Vice, Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin, Valiente, Be Careful With My Heart, Kris TV, MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya)
• Aira - Banana Split, Happy Yipee Yehey, Eat Bulaga, Survivor Philippines, Showtime, Gandang Gabi Vice, Wil Time Bigtime, Kusina Master, Artista Academy, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Louise - Showtime, Time of My Life, MARS, Protege, Wil Time Bigtime, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Cheche - Showtime, Banana Split, Kusina Master
• Sandy - Showtime, Time of My Life, Wil Time Bigtime, MARS
• Mia - My Lover My Wife, Amaya, Wil Time Bigtime, Kusina Master, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Aifha - Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown, Bagets
• Danielle - Bagets
• Monic - Showtime, Gandang Gabi Vice, Pinoy Henyo (Eat Bulaga), currently disc jockey of Energy FM 106.7
• Mhyca - Mister Donut TV commercial, Showtime, Wil Time Bigtime, Artista Academy, Protege, MARS, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Mae - Kay Susan Tayo!, Palmolive TV commercial
• Jomarie - Wil Time Bigtime, Artista Academy, Banana Split, Sharon, Kasama Mo Kapatid
• Trizia and Krizia - Luv U
• Camille - Luv U, Banana Split

Awards and recognitions

Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Awards:

• 2007: "Hall of Famer" - SexBomb Dancers
• 2002–2008: "Most Popular Dance Group" - SexBomb Dancers

Artistry and influences

Musical styles

On the Sexbomb Girls' debut album, the group was noted to have a distinct, mixed style of reggae, pop, novelty pop and dance.

Thematically, Sexbomb Girls' music explores independence and female empowerment, such as in songs like "Tequila" and "Stupid Ka Rin" ("You're Stupid Too").

Image

The Sexbomb Girls are known for a "unique and edgier style" and them being "sexy".

Sony BMG Philippines described Sexbomb Girls as a pop group characterized by bold, bright outfits and big, catchy hooks punctuated by rap verses and an "in-your-face swagger".

Styles and themes

The Sexbomb Girls have recorded R&B/novelty/pop songs with styles that encompasses urban, contemporary, and dance-pop music. The Sexbomb Girls have revealed that R&B female group Destiny's Child and British pop group the Spice Girls are among their influences.

Legacy

The Sexbomb Girls' Round 2 album has sold 150,000 units in the Philippines becoming the best-selling album by a female group in Philippine music history. They have sold over 555,000 albums in the Philippines making them the Philippines' best-selling female group of all-time. In 2008, The Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Awards also recognized them as "The Most Popular Dance Group".

The Sexbomb Girls have influenced numerous music artists throughout their career such as Sarah Geronimo, Mocha Girls, the EB Babes, and TV5's Big Time Girls.

Controversies

Near breakup

The Sexbomb Girls almost broke up when internal fighting amongst its members started in late 2004 and it was all about money matters. All the members, notably Jopay Paguia, complained that Rochelle Pangilinan (the most senior member) was overpaid with her monthly salary of P400,000. The Sexbomb Singers (including Paguia) at that time received only P80,000 a month. The dancers, on the other hand, were being paid only P30,000 a month.

The scuffle intensified in early 2005 when ABS-CBN (the rival of the band's home network GMA) featured an exclusive interview with some of the band's members. Many fans felt that the controversial TV interview signified that the band was definitely coming to an end as it was viewed as a rebellion not only against GMA but also against manager Joy Cancio.

Conflict and return to Eat Bulaga

The Sexbomb Girls (both dancers and singers) rebelled and stayed away from working in Eat Bulaga when one of its producers hired Sugar Mercado and promoted her heavily. Manager Joy Cancio claimed she decided to take the famous girl group off the show in protest at this.

As a result, media sources reported that the Sexbomb Girls were being hired by rival network ABS-CBN to star in their revived Wowowee noontime show, but Cancio denied the report and stressed that the band still has a long term contract with the GMA Network, especially in regards to the hit afternoon drama show Daisy Siete.

The producer of Eat Bulaga accepted a texted apology from Cancio, but also said the time was right to move on. The Sexbomb Girls are unlikely to return to Eat Bulaga as they have been replaced by the young and fresh EB Babes, a group of dancers (products of a contest aimed to find replacements for the Sexbomb Girls).

After a 9-month absence from Eat Bulaga, the tension between Sexbomb manager Joy Cancio and Eat Bulaga producer Malou Choa Fagar ended. There were rumors of a return engagement for the Sexbomb Girls on the noontime show. On December 16, 2006, the girls made their much anticipated return during the "Give Love on Christmas Day" portion with a song and dance number with former Sexbomb Girl, Sugar Mercado.

"Mock rivalry" with EB Babes

On February 3, 2007, the Sexbomb Dancers, Sexbomb Girls and EB Babes had a special presentation. It was a supposed "showdown" between the two groups - Sexbomb and the EB Babes, their successors in the show. Both groups performed at a high level of intensity. Two incidents arouse from the so-called showdown: EB Babe Saida Diola accidentally butt-bumped Sexbomb Rochelle Pangilinan, and Sexbomb Mhyca Bautista accidentally clawed EB Babe Kim Guevarra.

There were press statements on Startalk after the show. Both parties discounted any serious allegations. It was all "quirks of the show".

Criticism

The Sexbomb Girls have long been criticized by moralists and conservatives in the Philippines. Their critics pointed out that the girl band promote the idea of sex through their songs (double-meaning lyrics), their dances (sex-oriented movements) and their appearances (showing off cleavage and underwear).

Because their songs have been hits among the Philippine mass as well as children, moralists stress that more and more Filipinos now think of sex as a fun and enjoyable thing.

Aside from the sexual innuendos, the Sexbomb Girls were also slammed for immorality as well as their meddling in national politics (particularly when they performed as the official cheerleaders of defeated presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr. in the 2004 elections).