17:28
| Company type | Vocal group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Gian Magdangal, Jonard Yanzon, Chino Alfonso, Joaquin "Wackie" Valdes |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Philippines |
Area served | Philippines |
Key people | Gian Magdangal, Jonard Yanzon, Chino Alfonso, Joaquin "Wackie" Valdes |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 4 (members) |
| Parent | Star Music (first album), Viva Records (second album) |
17:28 was a Filipino boy band active during the 2000s, though they identified primarily as a vocal group. The ensemble consisted of four members: Gian Magdangal, Jonard Yanzon, Chino Alfonso, and Joaquin "Wackie" Valdes.
1997–2002: Origins and Jam Himig competition
The group came together while its members were attending college—Magdangal at De La Salle University-Manila, Alfonso at Ateneo de Manila University, and Valdes at University of the Philippines, Diliman. Prior to forming the band, they performed collectively in the Christian theater company Trumpets. Yanzon and Valdes initially collaborated in Trumpets' staging of The Chronicles of Narnia and subsequently invited Magdangal after hearing his performance in The Little Mermaid. The trio, having known each other for some time, conducted auditions to recruit Alfonso as the fourth member. Each had prior experience in entertainment: Valdes had been involved in singing and theater since he was six years old, while Yanzon was the winner of the 1998 Metro Pop Young Singers competition.
Their talent caught the attention of producer Vic del Rosario during a live bar performance. The band’s name, 17:28, is derived from Acts 17:28 in the Bible, symbolizing their shared Roman Catholic beliefs.
They competed in the Jam "Himig" songwriting contest with their rendition of Ron Solis's "Last Love Song." In the final round, their interpretation of Paul Amercin's "Network I" gained significant acclaim; although they did not take first place, it led to a recording contract with Star Records and earned them recognition at the 8th Katha Music Awards. Additionally, their version of "Last Love Song" was accompanied by an official music video directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar. This exposure paved the way for 17:28 to audition for and eventually sign with Star Records.
Up until 2002, prior to releasing an album, they continued performing at various bars and served as opening acts for well-known Filipino artists' concerts.
2002: Debut album 17:28 and Valdes' exit
Toward the end of 2002, the band launched their first album titled 17:28, containing 18 tracks under Star Music. Prominent songs included "Sukob Na" (which served as ABS-CBN 2’s rainy season station ID for 2002), "Come Breathe Me", and "Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?". The members took on associate producer roles; notably, Valdes composed "Come Breathe Me" while Gian wrote "Sabi Nila". They promoted this release through a tour beginning at Greenbelt Makati and appeared on the television program ASAP. Later that year, Wackie Valdes departed from the group to concentrate on his architecture studies at UP, leaving three remaining members.
2004: Second album Cozy and disbandment
In early 2004, 17:28 signed with Viva Records and issued their sophomore album titled Cozy, featuring 12 tracks comprising pop ballads and R&B styles. Singles such as "S.H.B.G.", "Sana Muli", and "Close Your Eyes" were highlighted, most of which were penned by the band members themselves.
Before 2005 commenced, the group announced their dissolution. Following this, Yanzon emigrated to the United States, Alfonso pursued a career outside music, while Magdangal returned to show business by competing in Philippine Idol, where he reached the top three finalists. Magdangal also performed at Hong Kong Disneyland, appeared on Ang Probinsyano, and took part in Philippine theatrical productions. Meanwhile, Valdes resumed his focus on musical theatre with leading roles in Heathers: The Musical and the world premiere of Death Note: The Musical.
The band held one last concert in their hometown before officially disbanding on February 2, 2007. In 2020, they reunited briefly to produce a new recording of "Sukob Na," which was released via Valdes' YouTube channel.
Artistic Style and Inspirations
The ensemble focused on pop, modern R&B, and gospel genres, highlighting their vocal blend. Their musical range also included elements of hip hop, soul, and jazz. Influences that shaped their sound featured artists such as Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Boyz II Men. Valdes found inspiration in Eric Benét's work, while Alfonso looked up to OPM talents including Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jaya, and Kyla. Yanzon's musical direction was influenced by Michael Johnson’s track "Bluer Than Blue."
Awards and Recognitions
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 8th Katha Music Awards | Best Dance Song | Network I | Template:Won |
| Best Dance Vocals | Template:Won | |||
| Best Pop Vocal Duo or Group | Template:Won |