P-POP GROUPS: Let them rise!

“Ang baduy!”, “Napaka trying hard naman ng mga yan haha!”, and “Sino ba mga yan?”, some of the common phrases that we hear or see in the comments whenever a Pinoy Pop (P-pop) group is exposed to the public eye. 

Even before the main course is served, the verdict is already too hot. Some Filipinos find it so hard to have enough appreciation of their own. Luckily, many P-pop groups have managed to stand firm in the limelight. Among them all, the upcoming names will surely open your mind to appreciating the P-pop culture.

BGYO

First on the list is one of the popular boy groups in the industry, BGYO, formed through a group debut project of ABS-CBN in 2018 and officially introduced in January 2021 after releasing their first-ever single, entitled “The Light.” Local fans began to follow them during their pre-debut days as they released several cover performances that gained millions of views and thousands of likes in one day. They consist of five (5) members: JL, Mikki, Nate, Gelo, and Akira. Meanwhile, the group’s name is abbreviated from the phrase “Be the Change, Go Further, You and I, Originally Filipino.”

BINI

Another group from the same label (ABS-CBN and Star Magic) is Bini. It consists of eight (8) all-girl members: Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, and Sheena. BINI has accumulated multi-award nominations and won the Best Female Group award in the 2021 Saludo Excellence Awards. They are known for their bubbly and fruity concept, which is apparent after releasing their pre-debut single “Da Coconut Nut” and now turning tables with their powerful and fearless official debut single “Born To Win.”

KAIA

One of the newest Filipino girl groups from ShowBT entertainment agency is Kaia, pre-debuted in December 2021 with their inspiring and catchy single “Kaya.” Their latest debut single, “BLAH BLAH,” released on April 8, 2022, is out and about, spreading the strong potential of the rookie girl group and converting new fans nationwide.

VXON

Make way for the latest P-Pop sensation, VXON! The five-membered boy group officially debuted in January 2022 with their single “The Beast,” which now has 1.2 million views and counting on YouTube. The group is handled by the Filipino record label and talent agency Cornerstone Entertainment, the same agency that handles Yeng Constantino and Moira Dela Torre.

Press Hit Play

Press Hit Play (PHP) shook the P-Pop scene on August 6, 2021, as they re-entered and released their fresh debut single, “WIN.” Fans continue to praise their presence in the industry as they continue to offer out-of-the-zone, fun, and positive vibe concepts despite undergoing prior disbandment in 2018.

SB19

The P-Pop sensation kings, the decade-defining act, the multi-awarded supergroup, you name it all—SB19. This Filipino boy band, handled by a Korean agency called ShowBT Entertainment, consists of five members, including Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin, who debuted in 2018 after training for three years. As one of the first pioneers in the industry, SB19 received criticism for being a P-pop act and almost disbanded before releasing its make-it or break-it single “Go Up.” The group is recognized for their self-written songs and established song styles and concepts after growing up and undergoing many experiences as P-Pop Idols.

The Philippines is known worldwide for its natural performers and international talent recognition. Our arts have improved and exposed our powerful potential over the years. Still, some spectators have continued erecting barriers of disparagement, insults, and unfair criticism — sabotaging the start of anyone who aspires to make it to the top. 

As these P-pop groups push through the challenging industry, giving them the opportunity to show us their potential and why they are worth watching, instead of treating them as adversaries, will help us to raise the Filipinos’ talents. Be part of the audience that will acknowledge Filipino performers loud and proud, as no one can do these things better than a Filipino.

LAYOUT BY: Christian Aviv A. Cruz

PHOTO SOURCES: Privé Alliance, Mega Man, The Smart Local