Marching Onwards: G22’s AJ and KAIA’s Angela On Leading The Next Generation Of P-pop Girl Groups

How does one exactly lead a P-pop group? Well, it’s not easy. Just ask G22‘s AJ and KAIA‘s Angela.

Both debuting in early 2022, G22 and KAIA have been on a stellar rise in the past two years, making their mark alongside a growing number of fellow P-pop acts that continue to captivate music fans, both local and abroad. However, the road to stardom doesn’t come without its own trials and tribulations. In AJ and Angela’s case, it’s them taking on the role of leaders in their respective groups.

Behind all the glamour and flashing lights that countless fans get to see, the two have dealt and continue to deal with challenges unseen – ones that have tested their limits, changed them for the better, and, most of all, helped them grow closer with their members as they continue to aim for the top, towards a future where they both see P-pop dominate globally.

As the landscape of modern P-pop continues to evolve, the two leaders consistently display that they are able to go toe-to-toe with the changing times. Throughout their journey, both AJ and Angela have showcased that, with both determination and compassion, there is more than one way to be the kind of leader any P-pop group crucially needs. Most especially, those who aim to make waves and positive changes throughout the local music scene and beyond.

In this candid conversation with Billboard Philippines, AJ and Angela bring us behind the scenes of what it actually takes to be the leader of their respective groups, going beyond any labels or expectations, and the impact they hope to make as they look towards a brighter future for P-pop.

Billboard Philippines: First and foremost, as leaders of two P-pop girl groups on the rise, what is the personal significance of taking on this crucial role for you two? 

AJ: First of all, it’s not an easy role na magampanan. There’s really a lot of weight to it; there’s a lot of pressure. (First of all, it’s not an easy role to take on. There’s really a lot of weight to it; there’s a lot of pressure.)

But one of the significant things of being a leader is that you’re able to share your hardships, your achievements with your group. Hindi ka lang mag-isa (You’re not alone). You’re there with your teammates who are also there to support and have your back. 

Angela: I agree with AJ. ‘Yung makita mo sila na mag-grow, nakikita mo ‘yung weakness[es] nila, nakikita nila ‘yung weakness[es] mo, [at] ‘yung strengths ng bawat isa – nafe-feel namin ‘yun throughout the years na magkakasama kami. Hindi siya madali. It’s a big responsibility which is why we take it very seriously, we work hard, tina-try namin ipakita sa kanila na we’re good role models. 

(I agree with AJ. To see them grow, see their weaknesses, them seeing your weaknesses, and the strengths of each one – we feel all of it throughout the years that we’ve been together. It’s not easy. It’s a big responsibility which is why we take it very seriously, we work hard, we try to show them that we’re good role models.)

In relation to that, what are your favorite parts about being leaders of your respective groups?

AJ: In G22, wala nang role. We dropped all of our roles. However, I’m still doing my work as a leader [and] my favorite part is leading leaders as well. Tatlo kami [and] we all have our parts – ‘yung strengths namin. We lead together in a way na [we help] navigate ‘yung isa’t isa. ‘Yun ‘yung best doon e: ‘yung sabay [naming] tinu-turn ‘yung weakness into strength. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakamagandang part for me.

(In G22, there are no more roles. We dropped all of our roles. However, I’m still doing my work as a leader [and] my favorite part is leading leaders as well. There’s three of us and we all have our parts – our individual strengths. We lead together in a way that we help navigate one another. That’s the best part about it: us turning weakness into strength together. That’s the best part for me.) 

Angela: Katulad ng sinabi ni AJ, nakikita ko rin ‘yung aking members as leaders, as aces. Magaling po talaga sila. Ako, I know I have a lot to learn pa and hindi ako pinakamagaling sa lahat. [The best part of being a leader] siguro ‘yung binibigyan nila ako ng trust na i-lead sila kapag may mga bagay na hindi nila alam. May advantage ako [sa pagiging leader] kasi kasama ko [in the group] ‘yung kakambal ko, my twin sister [Charice]. So, I think it’s easier because we can communicate [on] deeper levels. 

(Like what AJ said, I also see my members as leaders, as aces. They’re all really great. Me, I know I still have a lot to learn and I’m not the best. The best part of being a leader is maybe them giving me their trust to lead them when there are things that they don’t know about. I have an advantage as a leader] because I have with me in the group my twin, my twin sister Charice. So, I think it’s easier because we can communicate on deeper levels.)

As leaders, what are some unique challenges you face that other people might be surprised to find out about or are not commonly heard of? How do you deal with them?

AJ: Personally, my members, they help me a lot with my mental health condition. In times of crises, grabe ‘yung support nila. I’m the eldest sa group namin, so, naturally, [it’s assumed that] you’re the strongest. Pero, feeling ko magugulat ‘yung mga tao na mas sila ‘yung tumutulong sa akin when it comes to, like, online things, like ‘yung mga comments. Hindi po kasi ako nakakabasa ng comments kasi may takot ako [kung ano sinasabi nila], so sila ‘yung nagsasabi sa akin [kung] safe [magbasa], [na] positive ‘yung mga sinasabi. 

(Personally, my members, they help me a lot with my mental health condition. In times of crises, their support is something else. I’m the eldest in our group, so, naturally, it’s assumed that you’re the strongest. But, I feel like people would be surprised that it’s more of them who help me when it comes to, like, online things, like the comments. I can’t read comments because I have this fear of what they say, so they’re the ones who tell me if it’s safe to read them, that what people are saying is positive.)

May times na ako ‘yung nagiging Ate sa kanila. Pero may times na sila ‘yung Ate sa akin. (There are times where I’m the older sister to them.  But there are times where they’re the older sisters to me)

Angela: I think ‘yung hindi alam ng mga tao is hindi ako lahat. ‘Yung mga members ko, may part sila and ginagawa nila ‘yun perfectly, ginagawa nila ‘yung best [nila]. I think ‘yung struggle ko nung early years ng group [ay] ‘yung feeling na kapag leader ako, dapat ako ang gagawa lahat. Tapos ‘yun pala, naghihintay lang [‘yung members], gusto nila [akong] tulungan.

(I think what people don’t know is that it’s not all me. My members, they each have a part and they do those perfectly, they do their best. I think my struggle during the early years of the group was the feeling that if I’m the leader, I should be the one doing everything. When, the case was that the members were just waiting for me, that they wanted to help me.)

A leader can have weaknesses too and ang nagiging strength ‘nya kapag weak siya ay ‘yung mga members. (A leader can have weaknesses too and what becomes their strength when they’re weak are their members.)

Speaking of the early years, compared to when you first started leading your groups prior to your debut, in what ways can you say that you have positively improved as a leader in the present?

AJ: Oh, marami! Nung early days namin, I was actually very strict, I was a perfectionist, ‘Yung tipong nasasakal na sila. Grabe kasi ‘yung pressure nung early days namin. Kapag nagkakamali kami, sa leader ‘yung sisi. So, ako sinasalo ko lahat ‘yun. Ganun ‘yung pressure dati.

(Oh, a lot! During our early days, I was actually very strict, I was a perfectionist. The kind where I was suffocating them already. The pressure during our early days was a lot. If we made a mistake, the leader would get blamed. So, took all of it. That was the sort of pressure we had on us before.)

But now that nag-progress kami at mas lalo kaming nag-grow together, mas na-realize ko na mas lalo kaming nag-gro-grow apart nung time na sobrang strict ko, sobrang perfectionist ko sa mga performances. Kumbaga, hindi na kami nag-e-enjoy. 

(But now that we’ve progressed and we’ve grown even more together, I realized more that we were growing apart even more during the time when I was so strict, too much of a perfectionist with our performances. That’s to say, we weren’t enjoying them anymore.)

So, I learned how to let go. Na-realize din namin na, nung tinanggal namin ‘yung positions namin [in the group], mas lumawak ‘yung box. Kumbaga, nawala na ‘yung harang. Mas naging magaan ‘yung atmosphere at maluwag ‘yung girls. We were happier [at] mas nagiging creative. Everyone can become a leader in times when they have to step up. 

(So, I learned how to let go. We also realized that, when we removed our positions in the group, the box became wider. The boundaries were now gone, so to speak. The atmosphere became lighter and the girls became much more loose. We were happier and became more creative. Everyone can become a leader in times when they have to step up.)

I can see how removing those labels really helped your group!

AJ: Yeah! Sobrang laking tulong. Kasi, alam mo ‘yung nakatali ka sa labels? ‘Yung parang, dahil lang may “role” ka, ‘yun lang ‘yung iisipin ng tao na kaya mo. (Yeah! It’s a big help. Because, you know how when you’re tied to certain labels? Like, just because you have a “role,” people will think that’s the only thing you can do.)

How about you Angela?

Angela: Ako naman, nanggaling kasi [‘yung KAIA] sa isang parang “competition.” So, kung sino matira, matibay. So, very competitive kami at first. Merong tension [sa amin] kasi pinapatunayan namin ‘yung sarili namin. 

(For me, KAIA came from some sort of “competition.” So, it was survival of the fittest. So, we were very competitive at first. There was tension between us because we were trying to prove ourselves.)

So, nung early stages namin, hindi maganda ‘yung flow ng communication. Nagkakaroon ng misunderstandings pero ayaw namin ng confrontations. Pero na-realize ko na kailangan ko sabihin sa kanila, na they have to be aware if mali ‘yung ginagawa nila, may nasasaktan sila, or na i-invalidate ‘yung feelings ng iba. 

(So, during our early stages, the flow of communication wasn’t great. We had misunderstandings but we didn’t want any confrontations. But I realized that I needed to tell them that they have to be aware if what they’re doing is wrong, that they’re hurting someone, or they’re invalidating the feelings of others.)

So, for me, I think ‘yung communication [skills] ko ‘yung pinaka-nag-improve. We trust each other more now. Wala na ‘yung dating ikinikimkim namin. There’s always a right way, a right time para sabihin ‘yung mga kailangan naming sabihin. 

(So, for me, I think it’s my communication skills that have improved the most. We trust each other more now. We don’t keep how we truly feel to ourselves anymore. There’s always a right way, a right time to say the things that need to be said.)

Okay, so, since we’re on the topic of improvements you’ve made, let’s switch it up. What do you think you still need to improve on as leaders?

Angela: Honestly, up until now, in relation to communication rin. Ako kasi, medyo malayo ‘yung age ko sa ibang members. Eh kapag tumatanda, nagiiba ‘yung understanding mo. Nag-wa-widen siya. Nagbabago siya. So, habang iniitindi nila ako habang tumatanda, mas iniitindi ko rin sila. 

(Honestly, up until now, it’s also in relation to communication. In my case, my age is a bit far from those of the other members. And when you get older, your understanding changes. It widens. It changes. So, while they’re trying to understand me as I grow older, I also try my best to understand them even more.)

How about you AJ?

AJ: Ako naman po siguro, a better mindset everyday. Kasi, sa industriyang ‘to, ang hirap magkaroon ng positive mindset. 

(For me, a better mindset everyday. Because, in this industry, it’s difficult to have a positive mindset.)

Angela: Minsan talaga kinakain ka ng negativity.

(Sometimes you really get eaten up by the negativity.)

AJ: Minsan talaga kinakain ka ng negativity! Pero dahil doon, sana mas ma-improve ko pa ‘yung mas makita ‘yung brighter side, na mas mag-mature ako in a way na mas maintindihan ko rin ‘yung point-of-view ng ibang tao at magkaintindihan din kami. 

(Sometimes you really get eaten up by the negativity! But because of that, I hope that I can improve even more on seeing the brighter side, that I can mature more in a way that I can understand more the point-of-view of other people as well and that we can see eye-to-eye.)

Both of your groups are known for your songs’ inspiring and empowering themes, and it’s no secret that both G22 and KAIA are known for uplifting and championing your fellow women, both within P-pop and beyond. As leaders of your groups, what do you believe is the importance of using your platform to advocate such messages in your music and the rest of your artistry?

AJ: Nowadays, sa social media, sobrang daling makasakit ng ibang tao. But we have the platform. We have our music to share awareness, positivity, and empowerment sa nakakaraming babae. ‘Yun ‘yung power namin. Kasi, kami? We’ve been there.

(Nowadays, on social media, it’s so easy to hurt other people. But we have the platform. We have our music to share awareness, positivity, and empowerment to many women. That’s our power. Because, us? We’ve been there.)

As artists now, ‘yun ‘yung message na gusto naming maibigay through our songs: na nandito kami, na aakayin ka namin, at kahit na mayroon mang tumatapak sa ego mo, ‘wag mo sila pansinin. ‘Yung moniker [ng G22] na “Female Alphas,” kayo ‘yun. Alpha ka kapag may pinaglalaban ka. Alpha ka basta wala kang tinatapakang ibang tao. Alpha ka pa rin kahit umiiyak ka na, kasi vulnerability is strength.

(As artists now, that’s the message that we want to convey through our songs: that’s we’re here, that we will lead you, and even if there’s someone who will step on your ego, don’t pay attention to them. G22’s moniker of being “Female Alphas”, that’s all of you. You’re an Alpha when you’re fighting for something. You’re an Alpha as long as you’re not stepping on other people. You’re still an Alpha even though you’re in tears already, because vulnerability is strength.)

Angela: Yes! I agree! It’s important to create awareness na you can be weak kasi strength pa rin ‘yun. At the same time, we’re using our platforms to connect with our fans. ‘Yung ma-feel ng isang tao na may naniniwala sa kanila, malaking bagay na ‘yun. 

(Yes! I agree! It’s important to create awareness that you can be weak because that’s still a strength. At the same time, we’re using our platforms to connect with our fans. For one person to feel that there’s someone believing in them, it can mean a lot.)

‘Yung message ng songs [ng KAIA] is really about encouragement— na, “Kaya mo yan!” So ayun, we’re using our platforms na maging source of happiness, inspiration, and empowerment sa mga nakikinig sa amin. Na kahit saang lupalop ng mundo naman kayo naroon, we want to remind you of our catchphrase “KAIA Is Here,” that KAIA is always here for you all and we want to uplift you and make you feel loved and supported. 

(The message of KAIA’s songs is really about encouragement — that, “You can do it!” So there, we’re using our platforms to become a source of happiness, inspiration, and empowerment to our listeners. Whichever part of the world you might be, we want to remind you of our catchphrase “KAIA Is Here,” that KAIA is always here for you all and we want to uplift you and make you feel loved and supported.)

Undeniably, being a leader of a P-pop group is no easy task as you have to juggle a lot of responsibilities outside being an artist and a performer. For those who look up to you because of your roles, especially your fellow young women, what piece of advice or message would you personally want to give them?

AJ: Be your own standard. ‘Wag ka makinig sa standard ng kung sino-sino lang. Kapag fina-follow mo, kasi, ‘yung standards ng ibang tao, nawawala na ‘yung sarili mo e. ‘Yun ‘yung ma-a-advise ko sa kanila.

(Be your own standard. Don’t listen to the standards of just anyone. Because, when you follow the standards of other people, who you are will disappear. That’s what I would advise them.)

Angela: Embrace your individuality. Tama ‘yung sinabi ni AJ. As long as you try to please other people, makakalimutan mo na ‘yung sarili mo. For example, trying to change yourself every time you see or hear bad comments. Pero POV lang nila ‘yun. Hindi ikaw ‘yun! Love yourself. If you start loving yourself, you’ll stop comparing yourself to other people. 

(Embrace your individuality. What AJ said is right. As long as you try to please other people, you’ll start to forget about yourself. For example, trying to change yourself every time you see or hear bad comments. But that’s just their POV. That’s not you! Love yourself. If you start loving yourself, you’ll stop comparing yourself to other people.)

[Also,] accept your weaknesses. ‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-hard pill to swallow, na mahina ka, na hindi ka pinakamagaling sa lahat. Pero you get to realize na hindi p’wedeng alam mo na lahat. Dapat you’re willing to learn.

(Also, accept your weaknesses. That’s the hardest pill to swallow, that you’re weak, that you’re not the best. But you get to realize that it’s not possible for you to know everything already. You should be willing to learn.)

As you move forward and fly high the flag of P-pop, what positive changes do you hope to make and achieve alongside the rest of your group, both within and beyond the realm of P-pop?

AJ: Hopefully, through our music, we’re able to share positive things with people. Especially, to be kinder to others. Hopefully, maging positively open din [sila] sa genre ng P-pop and, hopefully, mawala na rin ‘yung fanwars. (Hopefully, through our music, we’re able to share positive things with people. Especially, to be kinder to others. Hopefully, they’ll also become positively open to the genre of P-pop and, hopefully, the fanwars will stop already.)

Angela: Yes! If a group is striving, let’s support them!

AJ: Kasi, the more na marami ‘yung fanwars, mas mahirap sa ating lahat na umangat. If we just accept [each other] and put ourselves sa mindset na pareparehas lang tayo ng goal, which is “P-pop Rise!,” aangat lahat. There’s always room for everyone. 

(Because, the more that there’s a lot of fanwars, it becomes harder for all of us to rise. If we just accept each other and put ourselves into the mindset that we all have the same goal, which is “P-pop Rise!,” all of us will rise to the top. There’s always room for everyone.

Angela: Ako, [in addition], [it’s] to address ‘yung mga nangyayari sa bansa natin, both [the] positive and [the] negative, para there’s room for improvement. Important din to raise awareness sa mga tao na kailangan ng help. Isa rin ‘yung sa mga importanteng role ng artists. 

(For me, in addition, it’s to address what’s happening in our country, both the positive and the negative, so that there’s room for improvement. It’s also important to raise awareness to the people that need help. That’s also one of the important roles of being an artist.)

Speaking of moving forward, where do you see the future of P-pop heading in the next few years?

Angela: P-pop world domination!

AJ: P-pop world domination talaga! Sa Philippines muna. But after, world domination! (P-pop world domination indeed! In the Philippines first. But after, world domination! 

Angela: I think ‘yung P-pop magiging mas malaki, mas masusuportahan pa, and mas makikilala worldwide. ‘Yung hindi lang ilan ‘yung kilala [pero] buong P-pop na!

(I think P-pop will become much bigger, be supported even more, and become more recognized worldwide. Wherein, it’s not just a few that are known but instead, P-pop as a whole!

AJ: Makikita nila kung gaano kagaling, gaano kahusay ang mga Filipino artists. Hindi lang sa P-pop. Lahat! Lahat magagaling. Kailangan lang ng right platform [and the] right support.

(They’ll see how great, how talented Filipino artists are. Not just in P-pop. All of it. Everyone is talented. We just need the right platform and the right support.

Finally, as you lead your groups towards this dream of P-pop world domination, based on what you’ve learned from each other today, what message would you give to your fellow leader?

Angela: First of all AJ, you’re doing great, honestly! 

AJ: ‘Yun ‘yung sasabihin ko e! (That’s what I was going to say!)

Angela: I can see your chemistry with G22 and you’ve grown so much! I can see na you’re super connected with each other and I love that for you. I can see your achievements na talagang pinaghihirapan ‘nyo. I know na marami kayong pinagdaanan and I appreciate you for standing up for your group and for sticking around even though you felt like [saying], “‘Wag na kaya?” You’re an Alpha! 

(I can see your chemistry with G22 and you’ve grown so much! I can see that you’re super connected with each other and I love that for you. I can see your achievements that you really worked hard for. I know that you’ve gone through a lot and I appreciate you for standing up for your group and for sticking around even though you felt like [saying], “What if I just gave up?” You’re an Alpha!) 

‘Yun lang! Magaling na ‘tong batang ‘to e! (That’s all! This kid’s already great!)

AJ: Una sa lahat, gusto ko sabihin din kay Ate [Angela] na you’re doing great as a leader! You’re not only doing great as a leader, you’re also doing great as a sister to your members sa KAIA. (First of all, I want to tell Angela that you’re doing great as a leader! You’re not only doing great as a leader, you’re also doing great as a sister to your members in KAIA.)

Sobrang galing talaga! From then until now, grabe ‘yung fight ‘nyo and we totally appreciate ‘yun. Kasi kapag nakikita rin namin na lumalaban kayo for P-pop, nakakadagdag kasi ‘yun [sa] strength, sa confidence namin, na kaya rin namin lumaban kasi ‘yung KAIA nga lumalaban. Dahil lumalaban kayo, lumalaban din kami. Sobrang nakaka-proud kayo. ‘Wag kayong sumuko. Kasi kung sumuko kayo, baka sumuko na rin kami.

(You’re so great! From then until now, your fight has been something else and we totally appreciate that. Because whenever we see that you’re fighting for P-pop, it adds to our strength, to our confidence, that we can fight as well because KAIA is fighting. Because you’re keeping up the fight, we’re also doing the same. You make us so proud. Don’t give up. Because if you give up, we might give up as well.)

Angela: Sobra naman ‘yun! (That’s too much!)

AJ: ‘Wag kayong susuko! Darating din ‘yung time natin! (Don’t give up! Our time will also come!)

Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Creative Direction by Nicole Almero.