My Boyband Fangirl Journey
Yesterday, I watched a documentary about the legendary boyband Menudo, and it took me down memory lane. It reminded me of when my love for boybands began. I realized that my fangirl journey started when I was just 7 years old, and Menudo was the first group I ever adored. My bias? None other than Ricky Martin.
Although I was quite young back then, I vividly recall watching a news segment about Menudo’s concert in Manila, Philippines, and that moment sealed my admiration for them.
The Start of My Fangirl Journey: Menudo
For those who may not know, Menudo was a Puerto Rican boyband formed in the 1970s, famous for having a rotating lineup of young members. They were trailblazers, setting the stage for the boyband craze that followed in the 90s and 2000s. The group’s concept was simple: once a member turned 16, they were replaced by a younger talent, which kept the band forever youthful. Some of their most iconic members include Ricky Martin, who later became a global superstar, along with Ray Reyes, Roy Rossello, Robby Rosa, and Charlie Masso.
The lineup I followed featured Ricky Martin, and two of my favorite songs were “Cannonball” released in 1982 and the timeless ballad “If You’re Not Here (By My Side)”, released in 1984. These songs captured the hearts of fans worldwide and cemented Menudo’s legacy as pop icons. For me, it was the upbeat energy of “Cannonball” and the emotional depth of “If You’re Not Here” that resonated most.
My Evolution as a Fangirl
As I grew older, my interests evolved, and so did my boyband obsessions. After Menudo, I became a fan of the Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), particularly Wowie De Guzman. UMD dominated the dance scene in the Philippines in the 90s, and they brought a unique local flavor to the boyband phenomenon.
Then came the Streetboys, another legendary Filipino dance group, whom I still adore to this day. Their electrifying performances and star power, including Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, and Sphencer Reyes, made them unforgettable in my fangirl heart.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, international boybands took over my playlists. N’Sync and Backstreet Boys became household names, and like many teens, I swooned over their synchronized dance moves and harmonies. Who could forget N’Sync’s Justin Timberlake or the incredible vocal range of Backstreet Boys?
Today, I’m a proud Super Junior fan. This South Korean boyband brought my fangirling to a whole new level, with their stunning performances and catchy K-pop hits. I realized that my love for boybands has never truly faded—it just evolved with the times.
Why Menudo Still Matters
To the younger generation who may not be familiar with Menudo, think of them as the original boyband—they paved the way for many of today’s beloved groups. Menudo’s influence can be felt even in the global K-pop phenomenon today. Their unique member rotation system, energetic performances, and wide-reaching appeal created a template for future boybands to follow.
If you want to explore Menudo’s music, I recommend starting with their songs “Cannonball” and “If You’re Not Here (By My Side).” Even decades later, these tracks still hold up!
Music is a time machine—it takes us back to moments we thought we’d forgotten.
As I revisit the sounds and memories of Menudo, I realize that fangirling is more than just admiring a group of performers—it’s about treasuring the moments and experiences that shape our lives.
#MenudoMemories #FangirlForLife #BoybandHistory #RickyMartinEra #NostalgiaFeels #KPopAndBeyond #SuperJunior #BackstreetBoys #Nsync #UMD #Streetboys #Menudo #karen #KarenKheaye
Karen Kheaye 
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