From KAIA to 1st.One: P-pop’s rising stars open up about goals, creating OPM niche

“P-pop Rise” is the industry’s battlecry. The moment a Filipino act steps onstage, the determination to represent the local music scene takes over their entire being, as reflected in their performances. After all, each P-pop act is hungry to showcase their artistry to the world.

With SB19, BINI, BGYO, MNL48, and Alamat leading the pack, many acts are empowered to bring the industry to greater heights, and these rising stars are proof of where the industry is headed, with some setting their sights to being a force of their own.

Speaking to INQUIRER.net in an exclusive interview, P-pop acts KAIA, 1st.One, Press Hit Play, VER5US, Calista, Dione, and Mona open up about their goals as artists and why they’re eager to take the industry to new heights.

KAIA

KAIA. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

KAIA, consisting of Angela, Charlotte, Sophia, Alexa, and Charice, is a girl group who shows girl power, as reflected in their singles “Kaya,” “5678,” and “Blah Blah,” with every member putting their own spin.

But for leader Angela, it takes a lot of work behind-the-scenes to deliver an electrifying performance. “We’re stronger, very eager, wiser, and very involved. Ngayon, kapag may gusto kami, especially sa music namin, talagang nagsasalita na kami… Gusto namin kasi, lahat ng mga releases namin, may parte ‘yung KAIA, na mararamdaman mo na d’un ang KAIA (When we want something, especially with our music, we’re really speaking up… We want our releases to have a part of KAIA, and you would feel KAIA.).”

The group is now “very persistent.” Siyempre ‘yung music namin (Of course our music), we want it to come from our hearts.” said Sophia.

“Mas okay if we are hands-on sa lahat ng ginagawa namin, mas personal siya and dahil d’un, mas nakakarelate ang ZAIA namin and ‘yung mga nakikinig sa’min,” she added, referring to their dedicated fans as ZAIA.

(It’s better if we are hands-on with everything we do, with more personal touch. Because of that, our ZAIA will relate more and will listen to us.)

While speaking about their goal, they remained persistent on showing that one of their goals as KAIA is to “promote OPM.” And while they were included in MsMojo’s “brand new era” of global girl groups, they believe that every Filipino has a story to share.

“[We want] to promote OPM, to promote our own talent, story natin, and maipakita sa music na lahat ng mga P-pop groups. Ang galing ng mga Pilipino and nakakatuwa na nakikita ‘yun nang unti-unti ng mga international fans (We want to promote OPM, our own talent, own story, and show the P-pop groups’ music. Filipinos are really good, and it’s so nice to see that international fans are recognizing that),” Angela said.

1st.One

1st.One. Image: Instagram/@1st.oneofficial

1st.One, composed of Ace, Max, Alpha, J, Joker, and Jason, believe in the power of having a “trainee” or beginner mindset, even if it’s been three years since their official debut. Prior to their launch, the group was busy participating in various competitions.

Thus it’s not hard to see how much the group has grown since their debut, compared to their humble beginnings. Despite this, group leader Ace believed that they are still “beginners” in their “dream.”

“Kahit meron na kaming success and achievements (Even if we achieved some success and we have our share of achievements), we’re still beginners. We like to think that we’re students of this game of life and this dream that we want to pursue until the end,” he said, while his bandmates nodded in agreement.

Ace shared that 1st.One’s mindset is to stay rooted to their goals, no matter what happens. “Gusto naming isipin na kahit ano mang achievements na meron kami, kung hindi kami rooted sa ground, we won’t go further. That’s the mentality we always have. No matter what happens, we’re still the same.”

(We want to believe that even if we have a lot of achievements, if we’re not rooted to the ground, we won’t go further. That’s the mentality we always have. No matter what happens, we’re still the same.)

“We still believe that we’re trainees. Kahit nag-debut kami (Even if we already debuted), we’re still hungry for learning. Everything is a learning process,” J added.

When asked about their thoughts on what makes P-pop different from their counterparts, Ace admitted that he and his groupmates have “different opinions” on the topic, although he explained that they all believe that the industry is a “culture” in the local music scene.

“P-pop is not just music. It’s a culture. Once we stop thinking of P-pop as just music, I think that’s where we can take the next step. That’s where we’ll be willing to shatter the thought that P-pop is just a copy of K-pop,” he said.

The P-pop idol then admitted that while he believes that everyone is “entitled to their own opinion,” he hopes that his countrymen would love P-pop as their own.

“It’s a self-riveting term especially when we hear it from our fellow Filipinos. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but if you’re a Filipino who’s hating on a fellow Filipino, ano ka ngayon. Start loving more of your own,” he said.

VER5US

VER5US. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

If they would have a chance to talk about their P-pop groups, VER5US said it would take more than an hour to answer the question alone. This witty response is proof that even if they’re still a pre-debut group, they’re more than ready to step into the spotlight.

“We view them as a friend and an ally,” Gab said, when he spoke about their fellow P-pop artists. His bandmates Kheene, Joe, Ken, and Josh nodded in agreement.

“Meron kaming isang goal na maipalaganap ang OPM, we never took them as an opponent kasi sa gan’ung paraan magiging confusing ‘yun sa ibang tao,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Joe pointed out that the industry is “still a baby,” as he stressed on how teamwork is a must in the industry. “The P-pop industry is [still] a baby kaya walang pwedeng gawin kundi magtulungan,” he said.

The boy group, who won the reality show “POPinoy” in 2021, hoped that they would touch the hearts of their fans, especially when it’s their time to debut.

“Gusto namin maapektuhan sila through our songs. We plan to elevate P-pop music through our songs, sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat tungkol sa ating karanasan at puso ng Pinoy. Kasi lalabas siya sa song, lalo na kapag passionate ka,” Kheene said.

(We want to touch people’s hearts through our songs. We plan to elevate P-pop music through our songs, and through writing about our experiences and the Filipinos’ heart. Because it will come out in its lyrics, especially if you’re passionate about it.)

Calista

Calista. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

It’s been more than a year since Calista debuted with “Race Car,” but Anne, Dain, Laiza, Elle, Denise and Olive believe that they already evolved from babies to women.

“From babies kami to women,” an energetic Denise said, which made her bandmates laugh in response. She immediately switched to a professional demeanor as soon as she spoke about the girl group’s chemistry.

“Iba na ‘yung connection namin ngayon kasi ang dami na naming live performances, experiences, and sa bawat performances na ‘yun, gawing gawi na namin siya (Our connection is different now since we have a lot of live performances, experiences, and in those performances, we’re very familiar with each other),” she said, noting Calista’s “muscle memory” whenever they perform.

While they believe that they still have a long way to go, Anne hopes that their music can “inspire” people, and eventually build a bigger fanbase. “We want to inspire people and build a bigger fanbase. We want to be known sa Philippines and international. ‘Yung tipong pag narinig ang P-pop, iisipin na, ‘Huy, Calista. P-pop yan. Ang galing nila (We want to be the type that when you mention P-pop, people would think, ‘That’s Calista,’ ‘That’s P-pop,’ or ‘They’re really good.’”

The group’s leader also noted how P-pop’s “culture” is different from K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and Western counterparts in pop. She admitted that it’s hard to note what that “special something” was, but her eyes brightened as she pointed out the “hugot” in local music.

“What makes P-pop different is our culture. May innate special something ang Filipinos pagdating sa boses, damit, and sayaw. And iba kasi ang lyrics ng Pinoy, may hugot siya (P-pop has an innate special something when it comes to singing, outfits, and dances. And Filipino lyrics hit different, there’s some sort of feeling),” Anne noted.

Mona

Mona Gonzales. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

Mona Gonzales revealed that she started her singing career as a “content creator” who posts “acapella covers,” until her fateful debuted in November 2022.

“My journey is a very challenging journey which started with a re-direction because I was a pre-med student. I really wanted to take up medicine or become a microbiologist. Pero dumating ang opportunity (the opportunity arrived) at that time. So, para siyang (it’s some sort of a) redirection,” she said, while looking back at her roots.

As she navigates her career, Mona — who describes her music as a combination of “pop, bubblegum pop, and rock,” — confessed that she “never thought” she would be a dancer who’s capable of certain styles, as well as the many facets of the P-pop industry.

“I’ve learned that I am capable of the things that I never expected. I never thought that I could dance certain dance styles, I never thought that I could learn instruments, I never thought I would be more expressive because I’m an introvert,” she said.

Yet despite being a solo artist, she hopes that her music and fellow P-pop artists would be known as the “representatives” of the local music scene. “My main goal as a P-pop artist is not just for myself. Of course, I have self-goals like I want my songs to reach the right people.”

“It’s a collaboration, not just artists and fans, but also the platforms, companies, and record labels,” she continued. “It’s really a teamwork [because] no matter how good an artist is, or how supportive their fandom is, if they’re not in the right circle, I think it won’t work. If the people around their circle are not doing their best or may kulang (something’s missing), I don’t think it would work so it’s really a teamwork for everyone.”

Press Hit Play

Press Hit Play. Image: Instagram/@presshitplay

Press Hit Play is a group that’s determined to share “stories of life,” and as mentioned by Chrls and Sev, with JP and Yuuki eagerly nodding their heads during the interview, their main goal is to create their “own path” in OPM.

“The main goal is to get our own path, ‘yung path na magma-mark sa OPM (our path that creates a mark in OPM),” Chrls said, while pointing out that P-pop is a “sub-branch” of OPM.

“Kumbaga, the main goal is kapag nagawa ito ng SB19, kaya din namin ‘to lahat. We’re doing our best to create our own path para masundan ng future generations (In other words, the main goal is if SB19 can do it, we can all do it. We’re doing our best so future generations are inspired to follow),” he continued.

Meanwhile, the group’s youngest member Sev couldn’t help but express his pride for the growth of the P-pop scene, while noting that it’s a privilege to push for “P-pop Rise” with SB19, BINI, BGYO, MNL48, and Alamat.

“Iisa lang talaga ang goal — to introduce P-pop and get accepted by the masses. Nagkakaroon na siya ng growth and sana it would get bigger, sooner or later,” he further added.

(We’re very happy because it marks a new beginning for OPM. It’s a privilege to be a part of this with them. We all have the same goal, to introduce P-pop and get accepted by the masses. It’s starting to grow, and I hope it would get bigger, sooner or later.)

Dione

Dione. Image: Instagram/@firstone_dione

Dione represents four women who are worshipped in Greek mythology, which can also describe the members of the girl group of the same name. While Joyden, DK, Clara, and Ella’s breathtaking looks couldn’t be ignored, they emphasized their desire to be recognized as a group that infuses passion into their music.

“Ang music po namin, nilalabas nang hindi for the sake nang may mailalabas. Kapag gumagawa kami ng kanta, mine-make sure namin na makakarelate lahat. Once maka-relate lahat, patuloy na mas makakakilala at tatangkilik (Our music is done not just for the sake of pushing something out. When we create our songs, we make sure that everyone can relate, so that people would know and support us more),” said Joyden, the group’s leader.

Touching on her passion as a P-pop artist, Joyden said that she and her bandmates are determined to release music that is entirely their own. “Gusto po namin maipakita na ma-elevate ang kanta na mismong gawa namin, pinaghirapan namin.”

“Gusto namin makilala bilang ito kami, ito ang nararamdaman namin sa bagay o sitwasyon na ‘to,” she continued.

(We want to elevate the music that is ours, what we’ve worked hard for. We want people to know us as ourselves, and this is how we feel about certain things.)

Meanwhile, a starry-eyed Clara hopes to be a producer in “three to five years,” where she would be known for creating music for her fellow artists. “In three to five years, gusto ko na ako na ‘yung nilalapitan ng P-pop groups for their music (In three to five years, I want P-pop groups to approach me to make music for them).”

When asked about what it feels to perform onstage with their fellow artists, the girls giggled in delight, as they expressed their excitement to be with their friends and idols backstage.

“Lahat po talaga sila, friends namin. And ang saya makita na magkakasama kami sa P-pop Convention. Nilu-look up namin sila. Lahat kami, gustong itaas ang P-pop sa international kaya ang saya makita na iisa ang ginagawa namin (Everyone is our friend. And it’s so nice to be with them at the P-pop Convention. We look up to them. We all want to raise P-pop in the international scene, so it makes us happy to see us having the same goal),” Clara said. EDV

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