XLR8 (pronounced excellerate) is an 8-member boy group from the Philippines created by
Viva Records. On March 28, 2010, the group had their debut on GMA's Party Pilipinas" with their first single You’re So Hot. It took Viva one year of auditions, dance and voice training and to find the right songs for the boys from producers Christian De Walden and Marcus Davis
2010: Debut and first album
In March 2010, XLR8 had their official first stage performance on Party Pilipinas. The song the boys performed was called "You're So Hot", which became their first single. The group is strongly influenced by the musical styles of J-Pop and K-Pop, combining distinct elements of Pop, Techno, R&B, and Hip-hop.
XLR8 is made up of Aki, Carlo, the twins MJ and MM, AJ, Kiko, Arkin and Caleb. They are now regulars in the Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas on GMA 7. The all-original CD also includes Tonight’s The Night, I Wish Lang, Dance With Me, I Love You Girl, I’ll Be There, She Was Mine, Anyway, Ms. Beautiful, Precious Love, For You and Money Money.
The group is part of Viva's P-Pop music line, with Pop Girls as the girl group equivalent.
Members
- Full Name: Adrian Justine Muhlach
- Birthday: May 20, 1992
- Height : 5′7
- Weight : 136lbs.
- Instrument(s): vocals, guitar, drums, piano and flute
AJ has show business in his blood. His father is Cheng Muhlach. Aga Muhlach is his half-brother. He is nephew to movie queen Amalia Fuentes and cousin to Niño Muhlach. What he loves most is music. He plays the guitar, drums, piano, flute and loves to dance. He looks up to John Petrucci, Joe Satriani and David Cook. He likes sleeping and watching Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel. He also appeared in commercials like Poten Cee Vitamin C and Mama Sita BBQ Marinade Commercial. AJ has also wanted to act and work with his brother in a film someday.
Arkin
- Full Name: Arkin Del Rosario Jr.
- Birthday: December 23, 1992
- Height : 5’7’’
- Weight : 130 lbs.
- Instrument(s): vocals
Arkin is the acting XLR8. He grew up listening and dancing to the music of Michael Jackson and 'N Sync but somehow got sidetracked and landed in professional theater. At 11, he discovered that a renewed interest in singing. He then began appearing in professional stage plays like Florante at Laura, El Filibusterismo, Ibong Adarna and many others showcasing his incredible talent. Geleen Eugenio eventually introduced Arkin to Viva. He has also appeared on television and was already thinking about a career in acting when the chance to join XLR8 came along. He is now back to his first love — singing and dancing. Arkin believes that when people point out your weaknesses and makes fun of you, it’s an opportunity for you to rise above.
Aki
- Full Name: Torio Hideaki
- Birthday: August 21, 1991
- Height : 5’7’’
- Weight : 140 lbs
- Instrument(s): vocals
Aki was born and raised in Japan of a Japanese father and Filipino mother. He opted to make his home in the Philippines because he wants to be in show business. His career experience includes regular stints in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman and the defunct SOP (Philippine TV show). as a singer and dancer. He is a big fan of Westlife. He likes halo-halo, taho, noodles and adobo. He speaks Japanese and Tagalog.
Caleb
- Full Name: Caleb Santos
- Birthday: February 21, 1992
- Height : 5’10’’
- Weight : 132 lbs.
- Instrument(s): vocals, guitar, and drums
Caleb learned to sing in the church choir. Despite his busy schedule with XLR8, he continues to be active in church activities. It was at church where he learned how to play the guitar and drums. That is also why he considers the Christian praise and worship band, Hillsong United as his major influence. He also likes the music of Jay Sean and Jason Mraz and misses the old computer games. He always lead the prayers and encouraging others in every struggling moment. Caleb believes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Carlo
- Full Name: John Carlo Lazerna
- Birthday: October 22, 1991
- Height : 5’9’’
- Weight : 140 lbs.
- Instrument(s): vocals
Carlo is the video game addict of XLR8. He is seldom without a game going on no matter where he is. [10] He started loving singing at age 13 and would eventually appear at dance recitals and later on in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman at GMA Network. His musical influences include the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who he idolizes so much for creating a revolution in the music scene. He also is tremendously influenced by K-pop, J-pop and Anime Songs that he loves listening to as it gives him inspiration to conceptualize their own P-pop style. He likes watching anime and shows like Phineas and Ferb, The Simpsons and Spongebob. Carlo believes that the best blaze burns the brightest when circumstances are at their worst.
MJ
MJ is one of the Magno twins. At the age of 16, MJ knew that he loves singing and performing in front of many people. Together with his twin MM, they usually perform in special family occasions to the amazement of their relatives and later on would take voice lessons to improve their craft. Aside from playing numerous musical instruments like drums, organ and guitar, he is an ace in composing new songs. He is in fact making his songwriting debut in the group’s album with the songs Dance With Me, I Love You Girl and Ms. Beautiful. He has appeared in GMA shows like SiS (TV series), Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman and All Star K!. MJ knows how to give the best shot for an opportunity and he knows how to make good use of it.
MM
- Full Name: Melmar Magno
- Birthday: February 22, 1990
- Height : 5'7
- Weight : 135 lbs
- Instrument(s): vocals
MM is the twin brother of MJ. He loves dancing and playing musical instruments. He has appeared in various celebrated shows like ASAP (variety show), Wowowee, Tayong Dalawa, SiS (TV series), Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, All Star K! and The Buzz. He is a self-confessed showbiz addict. He started singing at the age of 6. He was a veteran in joining school competition that helped him improve his trade. MM dreams of becoming King Of Pop and conquering Asia like Rain. He has studied in Dominican College Sta. Rosa Laguna.
Kiko
- Full Name: Francis Albert Ramos
- Birthday: February 28, 1992
- Height : 5’7’’
- Weight : 145 lbs.
- Instrument(s): vocals
Kiko is the grandson of Ben Delgado, the first Pinoy crooner to become a success in Las Vegas. But while he can certainly dish out those sentimental ballads with feeling and has performed in stage musicals, what he really loves is dancing to R&B and hip-hop music. As a result of this combination, he likes Michael Bublé and Josh Groban and K-pop and J-pop. He has a crush on JoJo. He likes shows such as America's Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance, and films like Harry Potter and Notting Hill (film). Kiko believes in “No Pain, No Gain” mantra.
