The Greatest Hits of Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Rising Class – Staff Picks

P-pop continues to ascend and break through several barriers — making its way into the mainstream consciousness with every passing day.

Several of the Filipino music scene’s most promising talents have emerged within the local P-pop scene, with many of them even making their way into the global music scene. It’s clear that P-pop isn’t a mere novelty genre anymore; it’s well on its way to becoming one of the hottest sounds –– with several of its artists set to become the biggest names in the Philippine music industry.

Given the reveal of Billboard Philippines‘ P-pop Rising Class just a few days back, we’re seeing the likes of G22, ALAMAT, VXON, BGYO, KAIA, and GAT lead the next generation of acts within the genre. As they continue to showcase both the Philippines and the rest of the world what they’re capable of, Billboard Philippines has rounded up the greatest hits from their respective discographies — highlighting their need-to-know hits, their sleeper tracks, and the underrated gems that have flown under the radar.

VXON

• The Need To Know Hit: “SSP (Saksak Sa Puso)”
• The Sleeper Hit: “Tabi Tabi”
• The Underrated Gem: “Sandal”

VXON have rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic acts in the ever-expanding P-pop landscape, and understanding their musical range starts with a few key tracks that highlight their artistry. Among their biggest hits is “SSP (Saksak Sa Puso),” which, because of its blistering production, aggressive hooks, and emotionally charged performance, encapsulates the group’s ability to fuse raw intensity with melodic accessibility.

Beyond the high-octane singles like “SSP,” however, the rest of the group’s discography also reveals a depth often missed by casual listeners. “Tabi Tabi” is somewhat reminiscent of those hard-hitting pop-rock singles from the early 2010s, yet its sharp lyricism and angsty edge are effective in empowering both VXON and their listeners. But on the more underrated end of their catalog sits “Sandal,” an emotionally rich R&B-inspired deep cut that underscores the group’s range. Smooth, introspective, and carried by their catchy vocal delivery, “Sandal” is proof that VXON isn’t confined to your usual P-pop sound.

ALAMAT

• The Need To Know Hit: “Maharani”
• The Sleeper Hit: “Dagundong”
• The Underrated Gem: “Say U Love Me”

Amidst the diversity of the P-pop landscape, no other group is incorporating their heritage and culture into every aspect of their craft as much as ALAMAT do. At the heart of that fact is “Maharani,” which made history as the first P-pop song by a boy group to debut on the Billboard Philippines charts — and has even incorporated the singkil dance of the Maranao people into the lyrics and music video, as well as instruments such as the kanun, gamelan, and gangsa within the track. Renowned for its seamless blend of P-P-pop, R&B, and neo-soul genres within one track, there’s no doubt that this song alone serves as a strong example of the versatility and artistry that put them on the map.

On the other hand, the opening track to the group’s debut album IsaPuso, titled “Dagundong”, serves as the perfect example of a hit that should’ve been bigger than what it was. “Dagundong” captures a different facet of ALAMAT, given how it’s rhythmic, brooding, and rich in sonic texture, with a palpable intensity that simmers rather than explodes. However, what ultimately deserves more recognition from the general public is “Say U Love Me,” given that it showcases the group at their most tender and melodic. Stripped of overt theatrics, the song leans into heartfelt vocals and smooth production, providing a refreshing counterpoint to their more anthemic work.

G22

• The Need To Know Hit: “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban”
• The Sleeper Hit: “Boomerang”
• The Underrated Gem: “Babalik”

Among the vanguard of P-pop girl groups, G22 has established themselves as a fierce and unapologetic force, combining confident lyricism, sharp choreography, and genre-fluid production. Their most recent comeback, “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban,” serves as the perfect track to get to know the ‘Female Alphas of P-pop’, given its status as a commanding anthem that embodies everything G22 represents: empowerment, an unbreakable fighting spirit, and unrelenting energy. With its explosive beats and chant-like hook, the track doesn’t just make a strong statement, but it announces G22’s bold musical identity at full-volume.

Though beyond their headline-grabbing singles, G22’s discography also holds deeper cuts that reveal more textured dimensions of their artistry. “Boomerang” is one such example — as it stands as an infectious blend of pop, R&B, and sleek vulnerability. While it may have flown under the mainstream radar (especially after the success of “BANG”), its refined production and emotional undercurrent make it a standout for fans seeking more than just hype. On the other hand, “Babalik” is arguably the musical trio’s most underrated track. As a poignant, emotion-driven ballad that diverges from their high-octane image, it’s a rare glimpse of where G22 trades bravado for sincerity, delivering a heartfelt performance that’s as raw as it is beautifully restrained.

BGYO

• The Need To Know Hit: “Divine”
• The Sleeper Hit: “Tumitigil Ang Mundo”
• The Underrated Gem: “The Baddest”

Since there debut back in 2020, BGYO has consistently set the bar for performance excellence and conceptual ambition within the P-pop scene. At the center of their discography is their latest hit single “Divine,” which stands as a standout track in their catalog and a masterclass in modern pop craftsmanship. With its polished production, genre-blending sound, and soaring chorus, “Divine” encapsulates the refined artistry that has propelled BGYO into a new level of their career. The track’s thematic confidence and sleek visual identity solidify its status as not just a fan favorite, but a defining moment in BGYO’s artistic evolution.

However, digging deeper into their catalog reveals even more layers. “Tumitigil Ang Mundo” may not have exploded in its initial release, but it has since become a quiet staple for longtime listeners with thanks to its nostalgic pop sensibility, charming melodic hooks, and romantic overtones that showcase a softer, more accessible side of BGYO. Yet on the more overlooked end, “The Baddest” flies under the radar compared to their bigger singles, even when its packed with the attitude, swagger, and subtle complexity that reminds you how BGYO can command the room with their mere charisma and control.

KAIA

• The Need To Know Hit: “Dalawa”
• The Sleeper Hit: “Walang Biruan”
• The Underrated Gem: “You Did It”

As one of the most promising girl groups in the P-pop landscape, KAIA has steadily carved out their own space where vocal finesse, emotional depth, and sleek pop production intersect. Leading the charge is one of their earlier hits, “Dalawa,” a breakup track that blends vulnerability with mainstream appeal. With its heartfelt lyrics, soaring chorus, and polished arrangement, “Dalawa” captures KAIA’s knack for delivering emotionally resonant music without sacrificing pop sensibility.

But beyond their headline single, KAIA’s discography reveals a deeper emotional and sonic complexity. “Walang Biruan” is a shining example of that fact, given its segue into a more bubblegum pop soundscape. Subtle in its power and rich in sentiment, the track leans into minimalism and lyrical honesty, creating a slow-burning impact that grows stronger with each listen. Yet on the flip side, “You Did It” remains one of KAIA’s most underrated tracks, given its angsty and emboldened disposition. The dark-pop elements of the track give it a lot more edge than we’re used to, but it surprisingly works wonders in showcasing KAIA’s versatility, also serving as proof that the group can shift from introspective ballads to empowering tracks without losing their distinct emotional core.

GAT

• The Need To Know Hit: “Daleng Dale”

GAT may only have one hit track so far (arguably cause they haven’t officially debuted as of yet), yet the immense success of their pre-debut single “Daleng Dale” has already solidified their place within the P-pop landscape. Even with its status as a modern reimagining of MMJ’s version from 2013, the boy group’s version of the track blends nostalgia with a fresh and contemporary edge.

The track wastes no time asserting GAT’s identity, one that is fierce, unapologetic, and rooted in Filipino pride. It’s sonically aggressive, built on hard-hitting beats and a pulsating bassline, but is still balanced with catchy hooks and confident vocal deliveries that are enough to grab one’s attention. Yet more importantly, it’s a track that signals that GAT isn’t entering the scene to follow trends –– but they’re here to set them.