Viva Hot Babes celebrate 23 years of sisterhood ahead of reunion concert

The Viva Hot Babes are ready to take fans on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they celebrate more than two decades in the entertainment industry and prepare for their highly anticipated reunion concert.

During their appearance on the “Oh My Gan!” vodcast on Wednesday, members Katya Santos, Gwen Garci, and Ella V reflected on the group’s formation in 2003, their rise to popularity, and the experiences that have kept their friendship intact through the years.

Santos said the group was formed when its members, who already had individual careers in acting and modeling, were personally selected by Viva Entertainment executives.

“Parang we were personally picked na by Boss Vic (del Rosario),” Santos recalled, explaining how the members came together to form the iconic girl group.

The Viva Hot Babes quickly became a household name, captivating audiences through their performances, mall tours, and hit novelty songs, including “Bulaklak,” “Kikay,” and “Basketbol.”

Santos recalled the group’s memorable Hot Babes in the Flesh fashion show at the NBC Tent, describing it as a groundbreaking production that drew massive crowds. Ella V also remembered how overwhelming their mall tours could be, particularly in provincial locations where fans would gather in huge numbers just to catch a glimpse of the group.

“There were times na talagang wala ka nang madaanan sa loob ng mall,” Santos shared, recalling how their production assistants sometimes had to carry them through crowds.

Despite their popularity, the members said their journey was not without challenges. They experienced disagreements, jealousy, and occasional misunderstandings, but emphasized that communication helped them maintain their bond.

“Magkakaroon kami ng issues, pero ang usapan namin, i-address n’yo na ‘yan dun sa person na ‘yun, para tapos na agad,” Santos explained.

For Ella V, the group’s reunion represents something far more meaningful than performing their greatest hits. Now based in the United States, she described her fellow members as family and expressed gratitude that their friendship has survived despite their different life paths.

“The bond is so deep,” she said, emphasizing that their connection goes beyond the entertainment industry.

The group also discussed the differences between their generation of performers and today’s girl groups. Santos expressed hope that emerging Filipino acts would develop more distinctive identities rather than relying too heavily on foreign influences.

Meanwhile, the Viva Hot Babes are introducing their legacy to a new generation through a new single that incorporates elements of their classic hits with a more contemporary sound. The song was composed by fellow member Jennifer Lee.

Their reunion concert, titled the “Bulaklak Reunion Show,” is scheduled for October 23 at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

For the members, the event is not simply an opportunity to revisit their biggest hits. It is also a celebration of the fans who supported them throughout their careers and the friendship that has endured for 23 years.

As Santos put it, the reunion is a celebration of their sisterhood and a way to thank the fans who have remained with them through the years.