Making beautiful music with the Naughty Boys

It’s not everyday that children under 10 years of age take the spotlight in the local music scene but eight-year-old David Dre Ramos, 10-year-old Thomas M. Atalig, and nine-year-old Joseph Herman Dela Cruz recently got a taste of being at the center of attention after creating waves with three of their songs.

“It’s fun and I like it,” Dela Cruz, who idolizes hip hop artist Nelly, said during a recent interview.

Atalig, who named Eminem as his idol, echoed this, saying that his goal is to one day “become a star” in the music industry.

“It’s really fun and I like to sing,” he said. “It’s like my hobby now but I want to be a star. It’s not easy, though,” referring to recoding sessions that have them singing the same song again and again until it’s perfect.

Recognizing the potential of the three youngsters, local artist Walter Manglona took the three under his wing and dubbed them Naughty Boys.

“I heard them sing and was very amazed and realized their potential,” Manglona said.

He guided, recorded, and produced the boys’ three songs, and even filmed their hit single Baby Girl, which aired on Marianas Music Videos. The song was also aired on Power 99, and continues to hit the radio waves with numerous requests from the community.

“Many people heard the song and thought they’re from the [U.S.] mainland,” Manglona said. “That’s a plus for these guys.”

Both Atalig and Dela Cruz explained that the airings of their songs on the radio and television have livened up their reputations among their peers.

“They come and tell me, ‘Hey, I saw you on TV’ and then say ‘I want a CD for my exchange gift this Christmas,’” Dela Cruz said.

They disclosed that their singles have resulted in more of their peers finding interest in the music industry.

Manglona said since the release, many of the boys’ friends would “hang out” with them and want to be a part of the group.

The trip also recorded the songs Dream and Alright.

Manglona said the three songs is just a little piece of an album slated to be completed in late January next year. The album, he says, would comprise 10 songs employing a variety of styles, such as hip hop, ballads, and a touch of “island” style.

Known for his hit single “Snoopy,” Manglona said he is driven to use his experience and talent to open doors for young musicians. He is credited with all instrumentals in the songs, and was featured in Alright.

“I realized how hard it was for me to record,” he said. “I had to fly to Guam, Tinian, Saipan. I went through a lot, and they have an uncle that went through that. I just want to share and open the door for them. For some people, it’s business, but for me, music is just music and something to have fun with. I just want to help.”

Even family members were excited with the turnout of the three’s recording sessions, as well as their video.

“They really got the attention and [the families] were happy because of how cute [the songs] sounded because they’re kids,” said Kimberly Reyes, a family member.

The three come from families who are well versed in music.

“The family is into music, and they [Naughty Boys] are around it all the time,” Manglona said.

Dela Cruz and Atalig both reside on Saipan, while Ramos lives on Rota. Ramos was not available for comment.

Jose is the son of Diego and Lani Dela Cruz; Thomas is the son of Tricia and Jesse Atalig; and David the son of Jason and Daviann Ramos.