One South On Bringing The Sound Of The South To The Spotlight
This rising P-pop group from Mindanao earned the most votes in Billboard Philippines’ recent P-pop poll, and now they’re here to share their story.
Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
When One South topped the fan-voted Which P-pop Group Do You Want To See Featured On Billboard Philippines? poll with an overwhelming 304,128 votes, it marked another milestone for a group whose journey began far from the bright lights of Manila.
Hailing from South Cotabato, the five-member boy group proudly carries the sounds and stories of Mindanao to the national stage. One South — composed of Jace, Drey, Jhev, Arvy, and Rover — blends contemporary pop with indigenous-inspired sounds, drawing from the rich cultural traditions of Mindanao.
Reaching listeners across the country, their music continues to travel beyond their hometown, with “Galak” and “Hiyaw” both landing on the Top 10 Most-Voted P-Pop Releases Of The First Half Of 2026.
Now based in Manila under Vibrant Voice Production and Talent Management, the group is charting a new course in the P-pop scene without losing sight of where they started.
In this exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, One South share how they bring Mindanao’s culture to bigger stages and inspire aspiring artists from the south to dream beyond their borders.
Billboard Philippines: One South have been making a strong impression in our polls. What has it been like receiving this kind of recognition and seeing your audience grow so quickly, especially now reaching beyond Mindanao?
Drey: Sobrang saya namin kasi nakapasok sa Top 10 ‘yung dalawang songs namin sa Billboard PH. Siyempre, kasama namin doon yung mga idols namin and hindi talaga kami makapaniwala na nakapasok ‘yung songs namin. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Tinig — ‘yung name ng fandom namin — kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi namin mararating ‘tong top na ‘to.
(We are so happy that two of our songs made it into the Billboard PH Top 10. Of course, we’re up there alongside our idols and we can’t believe our songs made the list. We want to thank Tinig — that’s the name of our fandom — because we wouldn’t have achieved this without them.)
Jace: Overwhelming siya, at the same time, who would have thought na ganoon ‘yung mangyayari kasi kami po ay simpleng performers lang na galing sa Mindanao, specifically sa South Cotabato. Napakasaya namin kasi nakapasok ‘yung dalawang songs namin na “Galak” and “Hiyaw” sa Billboard Philippines.
(It’s overwhelming, and at the same time, who would have thought things would turn out this way because we’re just simple performers from Mindanao, specifically South Cotabato. We are so happy that two of our songs, “Galak” and “Hiyaw,” made it onto Billboard Philippines.)
Before getting to where you are now, how did the group come together, and what were your beginnings like pursuing the local music scene?
Drey: One South started with Jace. Doon talaga nag-umpisa lahat — chinat niya kami isa-isa and nakitaan niya kami ng potential. Hindi po namin in-expect na mangyayari ito, kung ano kami ngayon. Si Jace kasi sobrang dedicated siya talaga na bumuo ng group. Tsaka idol talaga namin ang SB19. Nabuo talaga ang One South dahil sa SB19. Sabi namin na, “Kung kaya nila, why not i-try natin?”
(One South started with Jace. That’s really where it began — he messaged us one by one and saw potential in each of us. We never expected that this would happen, to be who we are now. Jace was really dedicated to forming a group. Also, we really look up to SB19. One South was formed because of them. We thought, “If they can do it, why don’t we give it a try?)
Drey: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
Has entering the local music scene and starting this career been your dream ever since?
Rover: Yes, kasi na-inspire kami ng SB19. Idol namin sila kasi na-mirror din sa sarili namin ‘yung hardships at challenges na naranasan nila before sila naging SB19. Parang ganoon ‘yung pinanghahawakan namin.
(Yes, because we were inspired by SB19. We look up to them because we saw our own experiences mirrored in the hardships and challenges they faced before becoming SB19. That’s what we hold onto.)
Jhev: Sabi kasi ni Kuya Pablo, “Kung walang maniniwala sa inyo, kami ang maniniwala sa inyo.” (Like what kuya Pablo said, ‘If no one believes in you, we will.’)
Arvy: Before kasi kami naging group, A’TIN kami. Isa talaga kami sa mga fans ng SB19. (Before we became a group, we were A’TIN. We were among the fans of SB19.)
What does it mean to represent Mindanao in the P-pop scene today? Do you feel some experiences or perspectives come from being a Mindanao-based group that you want to bring into the wider P-pop conversation?
Jhev: Sobrang proud kami na bitbitin ‘yung pangalan ng Mindanao papunta dito sa mainstream. We want to break the stereotype kasi na kapag galing ka sa Mindanao ay hanggang doon ka lang talaga. Gusto naming ipakita na hindi lang kami basta taga-Mindanao. Maraming nangangarap din sa Mindanao, pero kami ang naunang nagpakita na kaya namin, so kaya niyo rin.
(We are really proud to carry the name of Mindanao into the mainstream. We want to break the stereotype that if you’re from Mindanao, that’s as far as you’ll go. We want to show that we are more than just people from Mindanao. There are so many others in Mindanao with these dreams, but we were the first to show that if we can do it, you can too.)
Jhev: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
How do you incorporate your roots into your music, performances, and identity as artists?
Jace: Through blending modern pop into ethnic tribal sound. We really wanted to create music that resonates [with] people. Basically, ‘yung ginawa namin (what we did was), what if pagsamahin natin ang (we combined) tribal and modern pop para makilala din siya (so it could gain recognition) nationally. Not only nationally, but internationally.
Rover: ‘Yung mga costumes namin ini-incorporate talaga ‘yung mga textiles na meron sa Mindanao. ‘Yung mga cultural na damit na sinusuot. Ayan ‘yung dala namin sa every performance namin. Siyempre, itong mga accessories, to create our distinct personality as we represent Filipino pop.
(Our costumes incorporate textiles from Mindanao. The traditional cultural attire. That’s what we bring to every performance. Of course, these accessories create our distinct personality as we represent Filipino pop.)
Rover: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
You’ve released songs including “Hiyaw,” “Galak,” and “Sfire.” Tell us about these releases and how they help shape the group’s identity.
Arvy: We’re happy na nakapag-produce kami ng songs kasama ‘yung “Hiyaw,” “Galak,” and “Sfire.” ‘Yung “Hiyaw” kasi it represents a celebration of the young personalities of the Filipino people. Tapos, ‘yung “Galak,” it represents [kung gaano] mahalaga sa’yo ang isang tao sa lahat ng oras.
(We’re happy to have produced songs like “Hiyaw,” “Galak,” and “Sfire.” “Hiyaw” represents a celebration of the young personalities of the Filipino people. While “Galak” represents how important a person is to you at all times.)
Arvy: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
Jhev: ‘Yung “Sfire” is pinagdugtong na “spire” tsaka “fire.” Ang “spire” is “tuktok” tapos “fire” is “fire.” Pinagsama namin sila kasi hindi ka makakapunta doon sa tuktok kung wala ang nag-aalab mong puso — sa passion o kung ano ang gusto mong marating sa buhay. Hindi ka basta-basta makakapunta doon kung hindi nag-aalab ‘yung gusto mo sa buhay.
(“Sfire” is a combination of “spire” and “fire.” “Spire” means “peak,” while “fire” is “fire.” We combined them because you can’t reach the peak without a burning heart — without passion or drive to achieve what you want in life. You simply can’t get there unless your desire for what you want in life is burning.)
Jace: Without the elements of fire, you cannot achieve those dreams. Fire represents passion, persistence, and perseverance.
How involved are the members in the creative process, like with songwriting, music production, choreography, concepts, etc.?
Jhev: Si Jace talaga ang hands-on sa pag-compose. Kapag nagko-compose siya, hindi namin siya puwedeng kausapin. Pero ang maganda kay Jace kasi humihingi siya ng ideas like, “Okay na ba ito?” or “Baka may gusto kayong idagdag,” or “Ano bang magandang elements dito?” At least nakikinig siya. Lahat kami nag-aambagan sa kanta, pero ang creativity at ideas is kay Jace talaga. Pero, ‘yun nga, as one kami. Hindi niya puwedeng i-release kung hindi namin narinig or nabasa ‘yung mga lyrics. Tiwala naman kami sa kanya.
(Jace is the one who is really hands-on with composing. We can’t talk to him while he’s composing. But the good thing about Jace is that he asks for ideas like “Is this okay?” or “Is there anything you’d like to add?” or “What other elements would work well here?” At least he listens. We all contribute to the song, but the creativity and ideas really come from Jace. Still, we act as one. He wouldn’t release anything without us hearing it or reading the lyrics first. We trust him.”)
Jace: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
Rover: Sa choreography, kung minsan naman may choreography din kami na sinasama. Sa “Hiyaw,” meron kaming chinoreograph na sa One South talaga, iba pa sa coach. Para siyempre, meron din ‘yung touch ng One South na maibabahagi at maipoperform namin sa mga tao.
(As for choreography, we sometimes incorporate choreography of our own. In “Hiyaw,” we have routines by One South, distinct from the coach. So that, of course, there’s also that One South touch that we can share and perform for the audience.)
Who were your biggest inspirations when you were starting out and even today?
Jace: ALAMAT. Ang ALAMAT, nagre-represent din ng identity ng Filipino culture. Especially ‘yung “Maharani” nila, sobrang ganda. Pinaghalo ang R&B genre tapos may kulintang doon. (ALAMAT also represents the identity of Filipino culture. Especially their song “Maharani,” it’s really beautiful. It blends the R&B genre with the kulintang.)
Rover: “LuzViMinda” din. May multilingual sila na atake. Kasi, as One South, gusto din namin mag-offer kumbaga ng bagong food na ibibigay, na ipapakain sa mga tao katulad ng Alamat. Ang ganda kasi first ever mo na marinig na nag-multilingual sa isang [kanta]. Bago talaga siya sa mesa na ihahain sa mga tao.
(Also, “LuzViMinda.” They have a multilingual approach. As One South, we also want to offer a fresh kind of food to serve to audiences like Alamat. It’s great because it’s the first time you hear a multilingual track. It’s something new being served at the table for the public.)
Drey: Sa international naman, siyempre, BTS and Bruno Mars.
With the group slowly gaining more recognition nationwide, what are some of the goals you want to achieve next as One South?
Jace: On behalf of my group, na makamit namin ‘yung maraming kanta at i-represent siya internationally para makita din nila kung ano ang kwento ng One South. Kasi every lyric ng One South, doon naka-stipulate or doon naka-attach ‘yung mga story namin.
(On behalf of my group, to produce a lot of songs and represent them internationally so that people can see the story of One South. Because our stories are attached to every lyric of One South songs.)
One South: Photographed by Lyndon Asuncion. Art Direction by Easel Manes.
Are there upcoming releases, performances, collaborations, or events that fans can look forward to?
Jhev: May mga bagong kanta kaming i-re-release. Alam ko na mararamdaman talaga ng mga tao ‘yung puso ng One South doon sa kanta na ‘yun. Before namin siya i-release, nag-iiyakan na kami lahat.
(We have new songs to be released. I know people will truly feel the heart of One South in that song. Before we even released it, we were already crying.)
Finally, to your fans and supporters who have been voting, streaming, sharing your music, and helping One South reach more people, what would you like to say to them?
Drey: Sa Tinig, maraming-maraming salamat talaga sa lahat ng suporta ninyo. Parang family na namin [kayo]. Wala kami dito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa Tinig. Maraming-maraming salamat, Tinig. I love you all.
(To Tinig, thank you so much for all your support. You are like family to us. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Tinig. Thank you so much, Tinig. I love you all.)
Jhev: Nagpapasalamat din ako sa inyo kasi hindi niyo kami iniwan since nag-umpisa kami. Unang-una talaga nandoon [kayo]. Hanggang sa lumaki, from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao na ang mga Tinig. Salamat kasi kayo ang naging boses namin at kung bakit kami nandito ngayon.
(I am also grateful to you all because you haven’t left us since we started. You were there from the beginning until you grew, with Tinig expanding across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Thank you for being our voice and for being the reason we are here today.)
Jace: To all Tinigs out there, thank you for always supporting One South. Every time na sinusuportahan niyo kami, umiiyak talaga kami (that you support us, we really cry). I mean, ako (me) personally. So, dala namin ang kwento niyo at dala rin ninyo ang kwento ng One South (we carry your stories with us and you carry the story of One South). Thank you.
Arvy: Thank you Tinig sa pagmamahal sa amin at sa pag-suporta sa amin. (Thank you, Tinig, for loving and supporting us.)
Rover: Personally talaga, hindi ko din in-expect ang tulong at pagmamahal na binibigay sa amin ng Tinig. No words can express talaga how thankful I am na nandiyan sila, nagmamahal at sumusuporta sa amin. Grabe sila mag-suporta. Isa din sila sa dahilan bakit kami nagpapatuloy. Parang sila ang gasolina sa fire namin.
(Personally, I never expected the help and love that Tinig have given us. No words can express how thankful I am to have them there, loving and supporting us. Their support is incredible. They are one of the reasons we keep going. They’re like the fuel to our fire.)
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
Photographed by Lyndon Kyle Asuncion. Art and Fashion Direction by Easel Manes, assisted by Gaby Molina.
Production by Liezel Restauro. Written by Andrea Manuel. Billboard Philippines, September 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
One South is a five-member P-pop boy group from South Cotabato, Mindanao, composed of Jace, Drey, Jhev, Arvy, and Rover. The group is now based in Manila under Vibrant Voice Production and Talent Management and blends contemporary pop with indigenous-inspired sounds.
“Galak” and “Hiyaw” both landed on Billboard Philippines’ Top 10 Most-Voted P-Pop Releases Of The First Half Of 2026. One South also topped the fan-voted poll on which P-pop group readers wanted featured on Billboard Philippines, with 304,128 votes.
One South blends contemporary pop with ethnic, tribal-inspired sounds drawn from Mindanao’s cultural traditions. Their stage costumes incorporate Mindanao textiles and traditional cultural attire. Member Jace composes most songs, with the group reviewing lyrics before every release.
One South members were SB19 fans (A’TIN) before forming the group, and the formation was inspired by SB19’s own path from hardship to success. Jace brought the members together by messaging them individually, motivated by the thought that if SB19 could do it, they could too.
“Hiyaw” celebrates the young personalities of Filipinos, “Galak” expresses how important a person is to you at all times, and “Sfire” combines “spire” (peak) and “fire” to say that reaching the top takes passion and persistence.
