VST & Company

VST & Company was conceptualized by comedian Tito Sotto, whose initials came from his formal name Vicente Sotto, the Third, then vice president at Vicor Music Corporation, in response to the success of the song "Dahil Mahal Kita" by the Boyfriends. In a 2011 interview with Arnold Clavio, Sotto tells the story of hearing the Boyfriends tune being sung by a waitress, which gave him the impetus to create a better hit:[3]

N'ung araw, n'ung ako'y vice president ng Vicor, lahat ng hit galing sa amin. Eh, may kayabangan ako. Ayaw ko'ng nanggagaling ang hit sa ibang kompanya. Itong Octo (Arts) nakatsamba, itong Boyfriends maghi-hit yung "Dahil Mahal Kita"... kinakanta n'ung ano... n'ung waitress! Ano ba'ng kinakanta mo riyan? Maganda eh, sabi ko... kinabahan ako, maghi-hit ito. Gumawa din kami! Gumawa ako. Ginawa ko, mas class. May orkestra, 'tapos disco ang tira. 'Di ba, "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko", 'tapos yung flip-side nun eh, "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal"? 'Yung pag-labas n'un, naging monster hit.

[Back in the day, when I was vice president of Vicor, all the hits came from us. I had a bit of cockiness. I didn't want hits coming from another company. Octo (Arts) got lucky, "Dahil Mahal Kita" of the Boyfriends just made the waves... A waitress was singing it! 'Why are you singing that?' 'It was beautiful,' she said... I got nervous that this was already a hit; soon to be even more. I had to make something! I made something. What I made, had more class. There was an orchestra, and the style of execution was disco. "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko", and its flip-side was, "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal", right? When that was released, it became a monster hit.][3]

In a mini documentary special by ASAP, featuring artists that gave birth to the Manila sound movement, which then led to the beginnings of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), Male Rigor confirms Tito Sotto's anecdotal account:[4]

Tito Sotto worked for Vicor. There was one time, nandun siya sa [he was there at] Vicor... he had lunch sa [at the] canteen. Tinanong niya yung waitress [he asked the waitress], "ano'ng kinakanta mo?" ["what are you singing?"]. Sabi ng waitress (the waitress said), "Sir! Hindi ninyo alam yan? 'Yan ang kanta ng Boyfriends!" ["Sir! You don't know this? That's the song of the Boyfriends!"] And he knew it came from OctoArts. So Tito thought, kailangan may panagot doon sa Boyfriends [there must be a counter response to the Boyfriends].[4]

Foreign artists such as the Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago influenced the musical style of VST & Company, at a time when disco music dominated the airwaves during the mid-to-late 1970s. The band became a regular performer on the noontime show Eat Bulaga!, hosted by the Sotto brothers (Tito, Vic) and Joey de Leon. The band's legacy is an attestment to their enduring popularity, as their hit songs continue to be played on the radio, and used in television and in film. In an interview with GMA Network News in 2008, songwriter Joey de Leon yearned to write new songs for VST & Co.[5]

VST & Company's first major hit, and most recognizable disco anthem, "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" ("Sing and I Will Dance"), was not originally intended to be the group's first single. Composed by Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, the song was actually the B-side to the ballad, "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal" ("You Are My Love").[2] Original song arranger, Lorrie Ilustre recalls its genesis:

As I was leaving Cinema Audio recording studios in Mandaluyong after a session, I got a call from Tito Sotto... He (Tito) asked me to come up with a recording ASAP, as our rival (another recording company) was planning to produce a new single and we had to get ahead of their release. My only direction from Tito was to create something different from what was currently on the airwaves. I had to go back to the studio that very moment. Vic Sotto with his acoustic guitar and Joey de Leon with a pencil and a yellow pad paper, were there trying to put a song together. As Joey (de Leon) was writing the lyrics, Vic (Sotto) would be figuring out the melody.

After a day, back at the studio, I called Jun Regalado (drums), Roger Herrera Jr. (bass) and Celso Llarina (guitar). I just laid down the basic rhythm track as I had to fly to Davao to do a couple of shows for The Jem Fever Tour. I wrote the orchestrations at the Hijo Plantation (now I think is a resort) in Tagum, Davao del Norte where we stayed. I flew back to Manila with the horn section and from the airport, went straight to the recording studio and dubbed the horns. I had Mang Nardy Manalastas contract the string section and recorded them as well. Vocals were done and right after mixing, "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" went straight to the pressing plant.

I already had one other song previously arranged and recorded, "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal", a ballad which the record company decided to be the side A of the single which would be promoted and pushed. When the radio stations got hold of the single, the DJs preferred playing the song on side B, which turned out to be "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko". This hit song started the group VST & Company and the rest is history.[2]

Upon the release of their debut album VST in 1978, it didn't take long for it to be certified gold. The album ignited Philippine disco culture which led to "VST Mania": a phenomenal craze that quickly swept across the Philippines, turning the group into overnight celebrities.[2] Roger Rigor comments on the ups and downs of fame:

What we thought as first as a quick stint in recording turned out to be life-changing. It is important to note here that VST was already a barkada to start with. The popularity of the songs in the ‘70s exposed the guys to the rollercoaster demands of being pop idols.

In a span of three years, everything VST and its music were on top of the music scene, with the attention among the youth greatly unexpected. We realized being ordinary guys, like walking to Greenhills or enjoying time out for a movie, was not something we could do anymore.[2]

The public's overwhelming response to VST's first album heralded the band's popular appeal and star potential.[2] Roger Rigor recalls:

In those days, you couldn’t go to a store and buy band merchandise. We would be greeted by fans in our concerts and they would be wearing VST t-shirts that they customized themselves. That was something that always delighted us. The love and dedication we get from our fans, to this day, are awe-inspiring.[2]

Their first major concert at Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City, was themed "Galactica"; meant to celebrate the box office popularity of the sci-fi epic, Star Wars: A New Hope. The band's primary members wore Darth Vader masks and matching black capes. The aftermath of the highly successful concert reflected band's immediate impact on Philippine pop culture.[2]

As the disco decade came to a close, VST & Company's last performance and public appearance as a band, would be during the nationwide Coca-Cola "Coke Litro" Tour. The promotional concert tour lasted an entire year, from 1982 to 1983. At the time the band quietly exited the entertainment industry, they had already completed five full-length albums filled with double platinum hits, and made three feature films.[2]

Speculation on the true meaning of the group's name has been debated for many decades. In early interviews by local magazines and newspapers, the group playfully suggested it to be: "Very, Secret, Talaga" ["Truly, Very, Secret"]. Although in recent years, it has been revealed that the acronym is simply the initialism of the first names of the group's three founding members: Vic (Sotto), Spanky (Rigor), and Tito (Sotto), as reported in a special by PTV evening show XIAOTIME in 2016, hosted by Xiao Chua, entitled: "VST & Co.: Kultura na Nagbubuklod sa Nasyong Pilipino".[6]

During an interview on the Arnold Clavio Show in 2011, Clavio asked Tito Sotto if "VST" is an initialization of his full name, "Vicente Sotto the Third":[3]

Arnold Clavio: Vicente Sotto the Third. Ikaw yun? [That's you?]

Tito Sotto: Ah, yun ang nakatagong talagang totohanang mga ibig sabihin nun. Although nung araw, sa sales, para ma-palusot ko yun dahil baka mag tampo sa'kin... ba't mo... ikaw na lang ang may ari nito... at yung Vicor... Ang sabi ko: Vic, Spanky, Tito yun. [Ah, that's the real hidden meaning behind it. Although back in the day, in sales, so that I'd be able to slide it through as ill feelings may arise towards me... why'd you... you're the only one that seems to own this... and with Vicor... I said it was: Vic, Spanky, Tito.][3]

During VST's Anaheim concert on January 19, 2020, Roger Rigor jokingly hinted that VST meant, "Very, Secret, Talaga" ["Truly, Very, Secret"], referencing the answer they used to give the press during the band's heyday. Spanky Rigor then clarified that "VST" simply stands for, "Vic, Spanky, Tito":

Roger Rigor: This is the time that people want to know more about... exactly what VST means. Ah, "Very, Secret, Talaga" ["Truly, Very, Secret"].

Spanky Rigor: Now you're stil wondering what the VST stands for... we had at least, maybe about two days... thinking about what name to give the band. We decided on VST, which stands for: Vic, Spanky, Tito.
Roger Rigor: That's the real story.
Spanky Rigor: That's the real story. That's the real deal. Kung ano man ang sabihin ng iba [Whatever others may say]... yun po ang ibig sabihin ng VST [that, with respect, is what VST means].

Ballet Philippines (2016)
For its 2016 Holiday Season presentation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) premiered "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" on December 2, 2016: A dance musical collaboration between Ballet Philippines and ABS-CBN with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga, celebrating the music of VST & Company. Libretto by actress Bibeth Orteza, choreographery by Carissa Adea, James Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida, directed by BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. Featured singers and theater actors: Karylle, Michael Pangilinan, Markki Stroem, Kyle Echarri, Cooky Chua, Sandino Martin, Jef Flores, and Noel Comia Jr.[7][8][9] Maestro Gerard Salonga comments:

Everybody owes it to themselves to check out an art form like ballet... People should engage in historical art because the depth is so much profound. There is more life changing experiences engaging in historical art. You get to see the full extent of the human creative power.[10]

Awit Award honors (2017)
VST & Company's generous contribution to Philippine music was acknowledged after receiving the "Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino" at the 30th Awit Award ceremonies of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, on November 26, 2017.

Millennials Embrace the Music (2017)
In December 2017, the Adamson University Pep Squad won the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition, dancing to the music of VST & Company for their winning performance routine at the Mall of Asia Arena. Male Rigor made a special appearance to celebrate with cheerful students at the ADU campus in Manila, where he performed 'Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko', during the celebratory bonfire.[11] Male Rigor shares a tender moment in connecting with the younger generation:

First of all I’m very happy for Adamson that they won the UAAP Cheerdance championship, so I personally came here to congratulate them. The group members of VST & Co., including Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, were impressed kasi millennial music na ngayon eh (because millenial music is what is current). Our music is, imagine, 40 years ago pa. I’m very proud and very touched kasi (because) the students of today love the music of 40 years ago.[11]

ASAP Natin 'To Celebrates 40 Years of VST & Company
To celebrate VST & Company's 40th anniversary, ABS-CBN's longest-running Sunday noontime show, ASAP Natin 'To, opened their February 16, 2020, episode with a full musical tribute to VST & Company. The variety show's stars performed rearranged renditions VST hits: Gary Valenciano opened the show with "Magsayawan", followed by Zsa Zsa Padilla performing "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko", along with Elha Nympha, Zephanie and Janine Berdin aka J.E.Z.. Ogie Alcasid performed "Step No, Step Yes", Martin Nievera and Billy Crawford did "Rock Baby, Rock". And for the finale, the entire cast closed with "Magsayawan".

TVJ, Eat Bulaga "Dabarkads" (2015)

• August 2015, TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon) performed "Kiss... Kiss", "Ipagpatawad", and "Rock Baby Rock" on Eat Bulaga!.

Disco Manila (2016)

• August 13, 2016: Spanky Rigor and Roger Rigor, along with Jet Montelibano of "Music and Magic" and the "Sounds of Manila" band, headlined "Disco Manila", as part of the Grand Performances Outdoor Summer Series in Downton Los Angeles; curated by DJ-host Joel Quizon, nephew of Filipino comedian Dolphy.[12]

NYU Abu Dhabi (2016)

• October 2016: Spanky Rigor and Roger Rigor performed in New York University Abu Dhabi with the members of "Disco Manila". The university extended an Artist-in-Residence invitation to the two US-based members of VST.[13]

Stanford University (2018)

• April 2018: Spanky Rigor and Roger Rigor performed at Stanford University's ‘Stanford Live’ performance series at the renowned Bing Concert Hall. Accompanied by the "Union Band", the show was a first for a Filipino act at the famed venue.[13]

Ernst Community Cultural Center, Northern Virginia Community College (2018)

• April 2018: Spanky Rigor, Roger Rigor, and Lorrie Ilustre performed at Ernst Community Cultural Center of the Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Virginia.[13] Roger Rigor shared the highlights of the show:

"Ipagpatawad Mo" got everyone swooning. When we sang "Ikaw ang Aking Mahal", the crowd simply sang with us. It was humbling and truly powerful. We are really thankful for all the years we have been taken in as part of everyone’s journey. We continue to dedicate that song as our sincere response for the love from all.[13]

City National Grove of Anaheim (2020)
January 19, 2020: The band, billed simply as "VST", performed in a sold-out concert at the City National Grove of Anaheim. The show featured the Rigor brothers (Spanky, Roger, and Male) and Celso Llarina. Musical direction by Lorrie Ilustre, the original arranger of "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko", featuring a powerhouse band from Las Vegas: Pepe Jimenez (drums): Mamma Mia!, Cirque de Soliel, The Lion King, and Carlos Santana. Carlos Perez (percussion/vocals): with Ricky Martin since 1999. Pablo Gadda (acoustic and electric guitars): Las Vegas guitar legend. Monique Olivas (violin): Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, and Beyoncé. Timothy Bailey, Jr. (bass): Ariana Grande. Danny Falcon (trumpet): Celine Dion, and Lady Gaga. Eddie Rich (saxophone): Boyz II Men. The event was produced by Amore Entertainment.

Principal members

• Spanky Rigor[14]
• Roger Rigor[14]
• Male Rigor[14]
• Celso Llarina[14]
• Monet Gaskell[14]
• Val Sotto[14]
• Jun Medina[14]
• Vic Sotto[14]

Joey de Leon was also part of the band's creative process, although he is not officially listed as a member, he wrote "Ipagpatawad Mo" and "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko", two of the band’s most popular songs.[15] Brothers and co-founders Tito and Vic Sotto, became the band's lead-vocalists as well.[1] Many Filipino artists have contributed to VST & Company, such as Lorrie Ilustre from Hotdog, and Homer Flores.[4]

During the late 1970s, Filipino director Al Quinn directed two feature films that showcased the songs of VST & Company as the films' soundtrack: Disco Fever (1978), starring Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, and Cocoy Laurel; and Swing It, Baby (1979), that top-billed Vilma Santos and Romeo Vasquez, with Tito, Vic and Joey, and other stars of the decade such as Amy Austria, Walter Navarro, Rolly Quizon, Sandy Garcia, Geleen Eugenio, Bing Davao and Mike Monserrat. It was in this film that VST & Company made their big-screen debut.[2] Director Al Quinn recalls:

That was the height of disco dancing! Pag tumugtog ang VST (whenever VST plays their music), believe me, mapapasayaw kang talaga (you will feel the urge to dance).[2]

• VST official site