Gimme 5 Is Here To Stay!

It may have been a while since we last saw them performing together. With the emergence of several other boybands, one may wonder what happens next for them. Were they just on leave because of that dreaded "awkward stage"? Or is it the end for their group?

But last Thursday, social media was rocked with the announcement of the return of Gimme 5, via a second album under Star Music. Their loyal fans just got so excited and ecstatic over the news. Their "bias", as the fans regard them, are transitioning from cutie-cutie boy group to a more matured, serious boyband.  

Three years ago, they were launched as this tween boy group who charmed our young hearts with their catchy hits "Hatid Sundo" and "Aking Prinsesa" off their debut album, which, as of May, reportedly has reached the Gold status. They were even seen together in several TV projects like "Wansapanataym: Perfecto", "ASAP" and the top-rating serye "Bagito". And to top it all, they headlined more than 20 sold-out mall shows all over the country, the last in Pangasinan in May.  

So what have these guys been up to during that short break or "hiatus"?

Grae Fernandez, touted as the next leading man among them, had been part of "Pangako Sa 'Yo", where he was paired with Andrea Brillantes. He also made rounds of guestings in several shows like "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "Ipaglaban Mo", showing his promise and potential in dramatic roles, reminding us of a younger Paulo Avelino and, well, Mark Anthony Fernandez, his father in real life.

Brace Arquiza may have also done some memorable TV dramna stints like in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "MMK: Ang Dakilang Fan", but viewers remembers him more these days as one of the best teen dancers around. His performances in "ASAP" and "It's Showtime" proved that, if given the right training and exposure, he can be the next dace floor heartthrob, just like Rayver Cruz and John Prats back when they were younger.

When not busy with his showbiz commitments, John Bermundo busies himself in studying as he is currently on Senior High, Grade 11 under the K-12 program. He also does occasional stage acting for his group, Philmarts. And he has a semi-regular stint on the daytime series "Langit Lupa".

Chinito cutie and former commercial kid wonder Joaquin Reyes did several guestings for "MMK". He also took time studying other musical instruments, which he now uses everytime he performs for shows.

And of course, there's Nash Aguas, who has been a star to us ever since he was 5. He played an important role in the recently-concluded long-running afternoon series "Doble Kara", with loveteam partner Alexa Ilacad. And he enrolled in college last year, taking up Film Making. Looks like he has plans of directing and/or making films and TV projects in the future, behind the camera that is!

Now, they're grown up! Boys no more! "Binata na", as some of us would put it. GIMME 5 IS SO BACK - and they're here to stay.