Founded by husband and wife duo Rodney and Chyrell Ronquillo, the Vocal Groove Collective epitomizes Toronto’s diverse music scene. Originally renowned as duet singers, their journey expanded to prestigious venues like the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena and Ceasar’s Palace, where they showcased their vocal prowess to captivated audiences.
Their repertoire underwent a significant transformation, moving away from ballads and anthems to explore new musical territories.
MUSIC MAKEOVER: EMBRACING DANCE MUSIC’S VIBRANT VIBES
Despite Chyrell and Rodney’s foundation in traditional vocal styles, Rodney’s deep-seated love for Electronic Dance Music (EDM) opened up a new avenue of creativity. Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of EDM festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra, Rodney was captivated by the genre’s pulsating rhythms. Drawing inspiration from diverse artists including Pitbull and Armin Van Buuren, he envisioned blending EDM’s modern sounds with the enduring charm of vocal performances.
RHYTHMIC REVELATION: UNLEASHING THE PARTY SPIRIT
The turning point unfolded at the 2022 Fun Philippines festival, where a collaborative performance featuring Chyrell, Pablo Quiogue, and Aida Go’s dance ensemble electrified the audience. Their rendition of You’re the One that I Want from the movie Grease sparked an infectious energy, igniting a frenzy of excitement that had the entire crowd on their feet, cheering with exhilaration.
The fusion of music and dance resonated deeply, prompting Rodney to envision a collective that would push the boundaries of musical expression.
The energetic response of the crowd revealed a long-awaited revelation for Filipino festivals: a hunger for more party-dance hits and fewer ballads. Traditionally, these festivals showcased local singers with a repertoire primarily consisting of love songs and ballads, perfect for intimate concert settings but not always suited for outdoor festivities.
Eager to captivate audiences with electrifying performances that turn up the party vibes and get everyone grooving, Rodney and Chyrell embarked on a new chapter in their musical journey.
ROCKING THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT
Soon after, invitations poured in for community events and cultural festivals. This paved the way for a series of performances in 2023, including Rodney and Pablo’s rendition of Footloose at the Salo-Salo festival held at Earl Bales Park. The vibrant synergy between the vocalists not only captivated audiences but also ignited an infectious energy that had the crowd rocking.
UNITED RHYTHM FUSION
At the 2023 Pinoy Fiesta Filipino Festival in Scarborough, Ontario, for the first time ever, Rodney and Chyrell teamed up with Aida’s Dance team for an unforgettable performance. Their energetic four-song set sparked a dance craze among the audience, earning them an invitation to the Taste of Asia festival in Markham, Ontario.
Representing the Philippines, this collaboration with Aida’s Dance team, comprising members of Philippine, Chinese, and Korean heritage, showcased a vibrant blend of talents from various Asian cultures. This well-received success not only delighted the audience but also caught the attention of the town’s mayor, highlighting its cultural significance and widespread appreciation.
Their involvement in events like the Taste of Asia underscored their knack for captivating diverse audiences. With infectious energy and a dynamic stage presence, they effortlessly entertained attendees, leaving a lasting impression wherever they performed.
As invitations poured in for prestigious festivals, Rodney, Chyrell, and Aida’s Dance team found themselves in the spotlight. This surge in attention fueled their determination to infuse every event with the lively energy of a party, especially at Filipino festivals, which traditionally leaned towards ballads.
Expanding their repertoire and maintaining energy levels for longer sets as a duo posed a challenge. However, within this challenge lay an opportunity for innovation and creative solutions.
UNLEASHING A NEW SOUND
Toronto’s Fun Philippines 2023 Festival witnessed the unveiling of “Fun Philippines on Fire,” a collaborative creation by Rodney Ronquillo and Mon Torralba. With Chyrell leading on vocals and Rodney delivering a spirited rap segment, this pop-EDM anthem infused the air with a contagious summer-party vibe, marking the duo’s first foray into upbeat compositions.
GROOVE IN FOCUS: LIVE MUSIC VIDEO SHOOT LIGHTS UP THE GROUNDS
As a 200-member dance ensemble grooved to the irresistible beats, the duo’s musical evolution took center stage. A spontaneous decision to film a music video during the live performance captured the energy and enthusiasm of the moment, with Aida’s Dance Team and future Collective member Pablo Quiogue adding their flair to the visual spectacle.
If you look at the video closely in the beginning, you will also see future Collective member Ryan Orlanda piloting the drone shots.
EMERGENCE OF THE COLLECTIVE
The 2023 Mabuhay Festival presented an opportunity to form a mega-group of singers who could also dance. This provided an opportunity to conserve each singer’s energy, with each taking turns for solo performances and then joining together for exhilarating group numbers.
Rodney devoted considerable time to brainstorming the band’s name. Following thorough research, Rodney and Chyrell ultimately agreed on “The Vocal Groove Collective.” With the name established, the process of building the group commenced.
The ensemble’s dynamic sound and stage presence were further enriched by the addition of talented performers like Pablo Quiogue, affectionately known as “The Secret Weapon” for his ability to infuse performances with an edge. Joining him were Rommel Sudan, Don Torres, Lalaine Osea, Ryan Orlanda, Jhoanna Valdez, Coleen Oabel, Edmund Arevalo, Gabi Catral, and Dani Catral, each contributing their unique talents to the collective.
The Vocal Groove Collective’s diverse repertoire spans genres from BTS, ABBA, and The Pointer Sisters to Earth, Wind, and Fire, captivating audiences with soul-stirring melodies and infectious energy. Countless nights of rehearsals and unwavering dedication paved the way for their success. Along the journey, a strong bond of friendship and professional collaboration began to form within the group.
RAIN CAN’T STOP THE BEAT
On August 26, 2023, The Vocal Groove Collective stormed onto the stage at the Mabuhay Philippines Festival in Nathan Philipps Square, Downtown Toronto, captivating a massive crowd with their dynamic performance. Despite an early rainstorm casting doubt on the event’s success, the group’s infectious energy and talent shone through, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
IMPROMPTU STAR POWER
In a standout rendition of September, transformed into an EDM masterpiece, the Vocal Groove Collective seized the spotlight at the Mabuhay Festival. Their innovative approach to music captured the attention of international star Martin Nievera. Impressed by their creativity, Nievera spontaneously joined the Collective backstage, surprising both the audience and the ensemble with an impromptu collaboration. This unexpected performance not only astonished the group but also cemented their reputation as a high-energy music group.
EMBRACING A NEW CHAPTER
It was during this period of evolution that Aida’s Dance Team unveiled their exciting new persona as The A+ Dance Team.
The Vocal Groove Collective and A+ Dance Team received an invitation to take center stage at the Durham Filipino Festival in September 2023. Their performance, led by Rodney, Chyrell, and Rommel as the lead vocalists, and energized by the A+ Dance Team, left an indelible mark on the festival organizers, earning them the privilege of returning for the festival’s anticipated next edition in 2024.
CABBAGETOWN GROOVE FEST
Building on the momentum from their previous success at the Durham Filipino Festival, the group was invited to headline the 2023 Cabbagetown Festival. Drawing a diverse crowd, their performances captivated the audience, with hundreds of enthusiastic spectators crowding the streets to catch a glimpse of their electrifying show. As the Vocal Groove Collective took the stage, they ignited a vibrant energy that spilled out into the streets, transforming the festival into a joyous celebration.
THE COLLECTIVE ROCKS AEGIS CONCERT
The biggest highlight of the end of the summer of 2023 was when the Vocal Groove Collective earned an esteemed invitation to open for the legendary Philippine Rock Band, AEGIS, at the Global Kingdom Ministries event venue in Scarborough (a city on the Eastern side of Toronto). As a complete unit and joining forces with the A+ Dance Team, they delivered an exhilarating 45-minute show that ignited the crowd. This marked the first-ever collaboration between the two music groups, and it was a triumphant success.
As the Vocal Groove Collective expands its reach, their commitment to providing electrifying entertainment remains steadfast. With fresh talents joining the ensemble, they are poised to deliver high-energy performances at festivals, concerts, gala nights, and corporate functions, ensuring that audiences are thoroughly entertained wherever they go.
Yearning for some high-energy entertainment at your event? Get in touch with us through our Contact Us page and let’s get the party started!