The Jets' Impromptu Serenade at 19 East Sparks Memories
It seems many missed out on The Jets' two-day concert at the Newport Performing Arts. But thanks to an impromtu jamming session of the group at 19 East in Sucat, Muntinlupa City last January 28, some fans of the Tongan-American family band had the opportunity to enjoy their music and induge in nostalgia.
The band's performance posted on 19 East's Facebook page showed the three sisters Elizabeth, Moana, and Haini Wolfgramm singing their 80s hit song "Make It Real," which evidently transported many fans down memory lane.
I loved you
You didn't feel the same
Though we're apart
You're in my heart
Give me one more chance to
Make it real
Have any of us ever dedicated that song to our grade school or high school crush at one point?
The track, written by Don Powell, the group's manager, along with Linda Mallah and Rick Kelly, was actually a last-minute addition to The Jets' "Magic" album, which was released in 1988. The lyrics of the song reminisce about a former love and the desire to rekindle that romance.
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The song achieved significant acclaim, cementing its status as the band's fifth and final top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number four during the later part of June and into early July of 1988.
"Make It Real" also climbed to the top of the Adult Contemporary chart, becoming the second song by the group to achieve a number-one spot there, after their hit "You Got It All" the year before. Moreover, the song attained the 24th spot on the Hot Black Singles chart.
Back to The Jets' performance at 19 East.
According to Wowee Posadas, owner of the bar, there was a benefit show that night at 19 East featuring Joey G, Juris, Luke Mejares, and Crib x Mela.
The former Side A frontman happened to know The Jets' concert producer, so he invited the Tongan-American family band to watch his show. Only the three Wolfgramm sisters were able to attend, and when they were requested to perform, they graciously agreed.
"They ended up singing two songs--Make It Real and You Got It All. The audience went wild," shares Posadas. "[The Wolfgramm sisters] were very friendly. Walang ere. Whoever approached them, they talked to. They even had their pictures taken with some of the guests."
Comments poured in on the "Make It Real" video. "Maaannn, I'm singing this right now and brought back sooo many memories. I was 12-13 and this song just spoke to me and I felt it to the core. Just classic, love you Jets! Will never forget you guys," one post went.
"Hearing this beautiful song for almost 40 years now and I still wanna hear it for more. Thank you so much for all the memories," wrote another.
"Still one of my all-time favorite songs. Whenever I hear it, it brings me back to my grade school years, [to memories of] my first ever crush, Yvette. I still have her Valentine's card from fourth grade to this day. Where Yvette is now, I don't know.... I liked her but she didn't feel the same..."
Those who want to see The Jets perform live can still catch them on February 4 at the Waterfront Grand Ballroom, Cebu City.
