It will be the ‘70s all over again on Sept. 1, 8:00 p.m. at the Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino when Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes get together for a one-night rare reunion in Twofus…Reunion of Friends.
Today’s audiences instantly recognize Ronnie Henares as a mainstay in the popular comedy series Pepito Manaloto where he surprised people with his comic flair. Ronnie is also widely recognized as the manager in tandem with wife Ida, responsible for transforming steel-throated Ang Bagong Kampeon champ Chona Velasquez into the classy musical superstar Regine Velasquez. Others developed under their Primeline Management & Production, Inc., were Lani Misalucha, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nanette Inventor, Tux, Gino Padilla and the list goes on.
Jojit, on the other hand, has since opted for a quieter life in the States.
But in the 70s, Ronnie and Jojit were the musical heartthrobs of the day. They were, in a manner of speaking, the equivalent of Leif Garrett and Rex Smith in the Philippines, with throngs of screaming and swooning fans.
How it started
Close buddies from their La Salle grade school days, Ronnie Henares and Jojit Paredes together with Jim Paredes became lead vocalists of Les Violents, a high school band formed by the Paredes cousins. The band was formed to enter a “Battle of the Bands” competition sponsored by De La Salle High School. They won Second Prize.
“The high school band was the start of my musical partnership with Ronnie,” recalls Jojit. “We were invited to perform at all sorts of parties and gatherings.”
One of those gatherings was a weekend at the Laurel beach house in Matabungkay, Batangas upon the invitation of Lynnie Laurel. In the midst of the merriment, Ronnie and Jojit grabbed their acoustic guitars and started singing for the guests who were impressed by the two’s harmonious vocal blending.
The Twofus (pronounced as “Two of Us”) was born.
With boyish good looks and (social) class-transcending appeal, the Twofus would become a big hit among college and university campuses, the invites coming initially from exclusive private schools and later from public schools as well.
Soon, Ronnie and Jojit would invade radio, print, and television. They shuttled back and forth gigs on prime time TV, musicals, live shows, road tours, concerts, and radio shows. When the Twofus was introduced to Tower Productions, they turned composers for the first time, writing the movie theme for the fan flick starring Tina Revilla “Funny Girl.”
Ronnie and Jojit then became part of the highest rating prime time show that time, D’ Sensations, which featured Vilma Santos and Boboy Mortiz.
For a couple of years, Sunday evenings televiewers were enthralled by the Twofus. In record time, Ronnie and Jojit cemented their status as national teen idols.
But the time to pursue different paths eventually came. Ronnie Henares went into hosting, singing, dancing, acting, directing, producing, and managing the careers of future superstars. Jojit Paredes enjoyed a solo career as an actor, singer, and recording artist until he decided to explore new adventures in America.
The road back
Some good teams, however, never lose their appeal.
The Twofus will 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.
Joining in on the fun are longtime friends of Ronnie and Jojit like music icons Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo of the APO Hiking Society, funny lady Mitch Valdes, and the ‘70s top dancing duo, the AldeguerSisters.
Twofus…Reunion of Friends gathered together the best production team that includes director and writer Floy Quintos, musical director Roy del Valle, art director Christian Henares, the team of Sisa Hernandez Kalson for production, Francis Libiran for the wardrobe, and the very best session backup singers