Two friends, two guitars, two voices reunited
Since it’s a Thursday, here’s a throwback: Did you know that singing starmaker Ronnie Henares–famously credited for turning “Bagong Kampeon” winner Chona Velasquez into classy songbird Regine Velasquez–was a music heartthrob himself in the ‘70s? But he wasn’t a solo act like his many talents today, but a sought after duo with an equally talented singer and guitarman by the name of Jojit Paredes.
Singing heartthrobs of the ‘70s Jojit Paredes and Ronnie Henares, then and now
Close buddies from their La Salle grade school days, Henares and Paredes together with the latter’s cousin, Apo’s Jim Paredes, were lead vocalists of a band they called “Les Violents.” Landing second place in their first battle of the bands competition, the musical pals suddenly had endless invites to sing at parties and gatherings. Deciding to call their duo The Twofus (pronounced as “Two of Us”), a very popular act of the ‘70s was born, noted not just for their performances but for their boyish good looks and buena familia backgrounds.
Their most memorable collaborations included writing the movie theme for Tina Revilla’s “Funny Girl,” and landing a regular gig on “D’ Sensation’s, then the highest rating prime time TV show featuring Vilma Santos and Boboy Mortiz.
A few years later, the time came for Twofus to pursue different paths, with Henares going full time into talent management and producing, and Paredes finding greener pasteurs in the US.
But because the best pairings never lose their appeal, Twofus finally gave in to the clamor for a reunion concert—all the way in the States—which was such a success that they are all set to give it a go again on home ground.
“These days we need a dose of yesteryears when love songs were tender, lengthy laugh trips were highly contagious and dancing expressed the soul’s joy and rhythm…more importantly when friendships lasted lifetimes,” Henares put it best in an interview.
Come September 1 then, ’70s music lovers will be in for a night of musical throwback as “Twofus…Reunion of Friends” takes over the stage of The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino.
“We’ll captivate old and new audiences alike with hits from Chad and Jeremy, Mamas and the Papas, Everly Brothers, Beatles, Lettermen, Lovin Spoonfuls, Cascades and more,” promised Paredes.
Joining in on the fun are long time friends of Twofus, namely Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the APO Hiking Society, funny lady Mitch Valdes, and the ‘70s top dancing duo, the Aldeguer Sisters. How’s that for a grand throwback?
At the helm of Reunion of Friends is a dream team that includes director and writer Floy Quintos, musical director Roy del Valle, art director Christian Henares, the group of Sisa Hernandez Kalson for production, Francis Libiran for the wardrobe, and carefully selected session back up singers and musicians.
“We’re ready. Just the Twofus,” the boys chorused.
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