| History |
| The goal of Blend 32 is to entertain with secular and contemporary songs, bless others with Christian songs (English and Tagalog) and promote Philippine culture through the arts. |
| In 1995 , Bessie (Navarrete) Kirkman , Neni Navarrete and Mimi Funtanilla got together on Sundays and practiced singing. After their trio performed a concert, they learned of others also interested in forming a singing group. The trio expanded to four part harmonies with the original founding member trio adding Rhollie Pamilar, Popoy Sangel, Cecile Dagohoy, Bambam Funtanilla, Sharon Pascual (Diaz), Sharon Pardilla and Christine Pardilla. When someone brought up the idea of naming the group, they decided to take the average age of the whole group. Thus Blend 32 was born. |
| Blend 32 has been performing since 1996 and has performed as backup singers to guest soloist Rollie Torres in the jazzy "Ngayon at Kailan Man" in Farle Luchan's concert "Golden Moments". When Blend 32 needed a solist at the last minute, Melvin Maghuyop, stepped in and learned the song within a week. Despite being sick with a fever of 102, Melvin's professionalism persevered and he performed with the group at the 1996 Rizal Day celebration at the Hyatt. Blend 32 girls, along with Gladys , Geraldine and Gift also provided background vocals for Angelo Tolentino in First Call's "Messiah" |
| For one year, Blend 32 desbanded and then reformed with Chichi Andrade and Bessie's future husband, Gary Kirkman (Kababayan Band), performing for the Philippine Nurses Association, Samar Leyte and other Philippine organization events as well as churches and fund raisers. |
| Blend 32 later expanded their reperotoire to include Philippine folk dances with Robert Cane, Gary , Bessie and Neni. They had their first public performance on KPRC Channel 2's "Neighborhood Weather" with Chuck George. This was followed by requests specifically for Philippine Folk Dance in Filipino and International events in addition to their singing engagements. |
| The Blend 32 Hawaiian Dance Troupe, Tropical Rhythms, performed at the Coat of Many Colors luau fundraiser at Gold Ribbon, Tagalog Association's Tribute to the Seniors and at the APAHA festival 2002 Fun Day at the Park sponsored by the Mayor. Since the addition of Maricar Laranang and Carolyn Paraguya, the troupe has grown and their repertoire has expanded from attending hula workshops led by Polynesian Cultural Center of Hawaii and Kumu Hula Chang from Dallas. |
| The highlight of the vocal ensemble was being the opening act of Gary Valenciano's concert at St. Thomas Aquinas. |
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| Popoy, Sharon, Mimi, Sharon, Bambam Rhollie,Rollie, Bessie, Neni, Cecile, Christine |
| Original Members |
| Blend 32 Performing Arts Company since 1996 Houston, Texas |