Why The Company's Bente Performance Went Viral

Veteran vocal ensemble The Company has proven that after four decades in the music industry, they still have the ability to captivate audiences across generations.

- By CARLO OROSA

During their 40th anniversary concert on June 14 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City, the group debuted a new song titled Bente, an homage to SB19's hit single Gento. The performance has since gone viral, amassing more than 1.3 million views on YouTube within days and drawing widespread acclaim for its clever blend of parody and cultural commentary.

Bente takes the infectious beat and structure of Gento and transforms it into a lighthearted tribute to the privileges of senior citizens, in particular the 20 percent discount mandated by Philippine law. The lyrics reference common experiences among older Filipinos, including free movies, restaurant perks and discounts at pharmacies.

During the live performance, the audience responded with enthusiastic laughter, applause and spontaneous standing ovations, signaling that the group had struck a resonant chord.

Online reactions were swift and overwhelmingly positive. Many long-time fans praised The Company for their ability to stay relevant while showcasing their trademark vocal harmonies. A Facebook user commented, "This is genius. Only The Company can turn a senior citizen discount into a national anthem." Another wrote, "I'm 62, and this made me feel cool again. Thank you for reminding us that aging can be fun."