Joey de Leon wants to write songs for VST & Co anew

If only Joey de Leon would have his way, he'd eagerly go out and coax Vic and Tito Sotto to re-form the legendary Filipino pop band VST & Co. "Actually si Vic and Tito lang ang walang oras, e," said Joey at the launching of his new album titled Kagat Labi under EMI Philippines. The press conference took place last March 11 at the Magellan function Room of the Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City. Joey is so excited with the thought of a VST & Co. reunion that he is more than willing to handle songwriting duties if called to do so. "Kung gustong buhayin ang VST, ako lahat [ang] magliletra... Basta ako sa letra, laban tayo diyan," he mentioned. VST & Co. rose to popularity in the '70s and is credited as one of the bands responsible for ushering the so-called "Manila Sound." The group was touted as our answer to the Australian pop band-turned-disco group the Bee Gees. Some of the songs popularized by the group are "Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko," "Disco Fever" and "Rock Baby, Rock." VST & Co. also dished out romantic ditties such as "Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal," "Ipagpatawad Mo," and "Huwag Na Sanang Magagalit." Although not officially listed as a member, Joey de Leon was an integral part of VST & Co.'s creative process. Joey wrote "Ipagpatawad Mo" and "Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko," two of the most memorable VST & Co. songs. TVJ TOUGH HITS. It was also during the '70s when Joey invited both Vic and Tito to join him in the afternoon variety show Discorama. Merging their wits together, the trio inserted a segment called "Tough Hits" where they would do parodies of various Top 40 hit songs. It was Joey who wrote most of the made up lyrics. The segment gained enormous popularity and was even acknowledged as Discorama's saving grace. Career wise, Tito, Vic, and Joey's stunt served as their introduction to the public as serious comedians [years later, a rapper-turned-comedian named Michael V would incorporate the same act in his repertoire to boost his career]. Vicor Music Corporation later released "Tough Hits" as an album. Due to the enormous amount of materials collated from the Discorama "Tough Hits" segment, the collection was issued in 12 volumes, which continues to sell even to this date. "Tough Hits? Ang dami niyan, e," enthused Joey. "Actually, wala na silang iku-compile pang iba. Pero ‘yang Tough Hits na ‘yan, every week may nagpapapirma sa amin niyan," he shared proudly. Strange as it may sound, but the trio never receives any monetary rewards from record sales of the collection. "Puwera lang ‘yon sa VST [& Co.]," clarified Joey. "'Yong sa VST, talagang may tinatanggap kami," he added, talking about royalties and other fees. In an article posted yesterday, March 13, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) reported Joey's desire to devote more of his time to writing and other creative endeavors. Writing songs is one of the many avenues he'd like to revisit as of the moment. "Wala naman akong bisyo. Wala naman akong golf," smiled Joey before dishing out his usual daily routine. "TV, bahay, sulat, TV, bahay, sulat." He furthered: "Startalk naman kung kailan ko lang gusto. Minsan ‘pag ayoko nung guest, ‘di ako pumapasok. Inaalam ko, ‘Sino'ng guest n'yo?' ‘Si Ganito, si Ganyan.' E, ayoko. ‘Di ako papasok." HONORED IN HOLLYWOOD. Just recently, the trio of Tito, Vic, and Joey flew to Hollywood to grace the first Visionary Awards held at the prestigious Kodak Theater. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon were conferred the honor Outstanding Variety Shows Hosts for their untiring work in the country's longest running noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! The show has been around since July 30, 1979. "Okey, nakakatuwa ‘yon," winked Joey to PEP while signing a few copies of Kagat Labi. TVJ was in full-force and even Eat Bulaga! co-host Francis Magalona was there to accept his own trophy for Pioneer Award for Music. Still nursing a hangover from the entire experience, Joey enthusiastically shared, "Maganda! Iba, e. Kasi Kodak Theater 'tapos ang ganda ng trophy." - Philippine Entertainment Portal