At 40 years, The CompanY goes viral with ‘Bente,’ a P-pop parody of getting old

Philippines' premier vocal group, The CompanY, recently celebrated their incredible 40th anniversary, but it was an unexpected P-pop parody that truly stirred up a buzz, even among younger audiences who might have asked, "Who are they?" For those in the know, this quartet — composed of Moy Ortiz, Annie Quintos-Uy, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, and OJ Mariano — stands as OPM icons, comparable to the industry's biggest names.

The idea for this viral hit, titled "Bente," emerged during discussions for their anniversary concert. Wanting to acknowledge the current P-pop phenomenon dominated by groups like SB19 and Bini, they decided to create a P-pop-inspired number, not to compete, but for comedic effect. This approach aligns with their known sense of humor, though they admitted to some initial apprehension in navigating today's easily offended landscape.

Despite concerns, the group felt compelled to engage with P-pop's significant moment, recognizing its positive impact on OPM by galvanizing Filipino support for local music and artists. Their goal was to celebrate this while also acknowledging the "beautiful anomaly" of their own four-decade longevity in a youth-centric industry.

"Bente," co-written by Moy Ortiz and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, takes the high-energy, trap-influenced sound reminiscent of groups like SB19 and applies it to the relatable theme of aging. The lyrics humorously enumerate the realities and benefits of growing older, such as taking maintenance medication and enjoying the 20% senior citizen discount, free parking, and VAT exemption granted by Republic Act 9994.

The group fully committed to the parody during their concert performance at The Theatre at Solaire, complete with fitting choreography and production design that paid homage to P-pop aesthetics. This dedication resonated strongly with the live audience.

The public reaction online was overwhelming. A video of the performance shared on The CompanY's official Facebook page quickly garnered over a million views, and a #BenteDanceChallenge even took off on TikTok, with younger users joining in.

The CompanY members expressed genuine surprise and delight at the widespread positive reception, particularly from the younger generation. They noted the unexpected appeal of pairing P-pop music with lyrics about the experiences of aging, calling it a "pleasant surprise" and even the "wildest of wildest dreams" for the group.

This viral moment adds a new chapter to The CompanY's storied career, known for classic OPM hits like "Now That I Have You" and "Muntik na Kitang Minahal." Their ability to adapt to various music trends over the years, coupled with their talent, professionalism, camaraderie, and willingness to embrace self-effacing humor, has contributed to their enduring presence.

Only Ortiz and Quintos-Uy are technically in the senior citizen age bracket, while Plantado-Tiongson and Mariano joined later. However, the concept for "Bente" sparked from a place of shared humor about the realities of aging, even drawing from personal experiences like taking maintenance medicine, demonstrating their collective embrace of the theme.

Beyond the humor, the song serves as a witty commentary on ageism within the entertainment world and society at large. The group is happy to show that creativity and connection can transcend age, finding it deeply rewarding to still be artistically and commercially accepted after 40 years, challenging the notion that pop music is solely for the young.

The inclusion of various tito- and tita-friendly ointment brands in the song's final verse even sparked playful ideas among the members, with the youngest, OJ Mariano, manifesting potential product endorsements given the song's relatable content for an older demographic.

Ultimately, "Bente" has resonated widely, becoming an unexpected anthem for many seniors and proving that The CompanY, at 40, can still introduce fresh sounds and messages that entertain, connect, and affirm that it's never too late to create something embraced by many.