Watch Out For BE:FIRST On Billboard Philippines Volumes
Got questions for the rising J-pop group who recently collaborated with SB19 on the Wakas At Simula track “Toyfriend”? Send them here.
BE:FIRST: Photo from @befirst__official on Instagram
BE:FIRST: Courtesy of AVEX MUSIC CREATIVE Inc.
Rising J-pop force BE:FIRST are set to appear on an upcoming episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes.
Formed through the audition program THE FIRST under SKY-HI’s BMSG label, the six-member group — Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, and Leo — have steadily built a reputation for precision, versatility, and a performance style that blurs the lines between pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Since their debut in 2021, BE:FIRST have carved out a distinct space in the Japanese music landscape, pairing technical skill with an artistic direction that continues to evolve with each release.
Their rise has been marked by chart-topping singles, a nationwide arena tour, and increasing visibility beyond Japan, positioning them as one of the country’s most globally minded acts. That global outlook was further highlighted through their cross-border collaboration with SB19 on “Toyfriend,” a track that brought together two of Asia’s most compelling boy groups and underscored the growing connection between the J-pop and P-pop scenes.
Now, at a time when their international presence continues to expand, BE:FIRST are bringing their story to Billboard Philippines’ flagship podcast.
On the upcoming episode, the group will reflect on how BE:FIRST has evolved into something larger than a group, shaped by growth, ambition, and shared purpose. They’ll revisit their early challenges, the moments that defined them, and what it meant to step onto the global stage. The conversation also touches on their collaboration with SB19 on “Toyfriend,” what they’ve learned from working across borders, and how they’re navigating an expanding international audience while defining their legacy.
As with the previous Billboard Philippines Volumes episodes, fans will have the opportunity to send in their questions — offering a closer look at the music, mindset, and ambitions that define BE:FIRST’s ongoing ascent.
Stay tuned for the full episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes with BE:FIRST, coming soon on our YouTube channel.

Jason Caballa
Currently the Managing Editor at Billboard Philippines, Jason Caballa's career in music journalism has spanned decades, having most notably served as Music Editor of PULP Magazine and then Associate Editor for the now-defunct Pinoytuner.com.
He has also contributed music articles for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rogue Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, and other print publications from as early as his college years. After shifting to advertising as a copywriter in several agencies, he has returned to documenting local and international music with the establishment of Billboard Philippines in 2023.
Having been a musician himself in Manila's rock and indie scenes since the late '90s, Jason is often inclined towards featuring bands and recording artists who come from that world, as his firsthand experiences allow him to come up with insightful angles and questions for his subjects, resulting in unique and in-depth stories.