Vhong's 'It's Showtime' reunion with Luis and Billy brings back to mind Kanto Boys: Do you remember them?

Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, and Luis Manzano surprised viewers when they came together on “It’s Showtime” Tuesday for Vhong’s birthday production.

Quickly, the Kanto Boys came to mind. Do you recall that funny, multi-disciplinary group? Yes? No? Vaguely? Well, here’s a refresher.

 

A dance group 

The Kanto Boys was a popular male dance group that was so notorious for not being synchronized, their dance numbers became funny instead.

Comprised of showbiz personalities, the Kanto Boys was formed in 2009 on ABS-CBN’s Sunday musical variety show. With a segment of their own, they regularly appeared on the show until 2015.

 

Meet the members

Apart from Vhong, Billy, and Luis, Kanto Boys was also comprised of Billy Crawford and John Lloyd Cruz.

As you can see, it’s a wide collection of talents. Vhong, a dancer, was part of Streetboys, a popular ’90s boy group that also counted Spencer Reyes as its member.

Billy, a graduate of “That’s Entertainment,” is known for his singing and dancing, Luis is a host. And then there was John Lloyd Cruz, an award-winning serious actor who was able to showcase his comedic side with the Kanto Boys.

 

Sam Milby and Mark Bautista was part of their original lineup 

Kanto Boys was meant to be a five-member group, with balladeer Mark Bautista and actor Sam Milby. But things happened, so Luis was thrown in for a group that’s funnier more than anything.

 

They filmed a TV commercial before 

At the height of Kanto Boys’ popularity, they were signed as endorsers and starred in TV commercials. In 2011, Kanto Boys filmed a commercial for a local seasoning brand where they are all dressed up in a police-inspired uniform.

On Tuesday, Vhong celebrated his birthday with a production on “It’s Showtime.” Kanto Boys members  Billy and Luis joined him for an entertaining performance, during which they performed a slew of hits including Edu Manzano’s “Papaya.”