Hear The Thoughts Of P-pop’s Rising Class Of 2025 On Billboard Philippines Volumes
Having experienced their own respective paths in the industry, each member lends their unique insights into what it means to be have the opportunity to be in a position of responsibility to bring Philippine talent to a higher platform.
Fueled by inspiration, grit, and ambition to bring Philippine music to a higher stage, the Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Rising Class of 2025 have marked their place in the industry as torchbearers for the upcoming generation of the genre.
In this week’s episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes, VXON’s C13, BGYO’s Gelo, KAIA’s Sophia, GAT’s Ethan David, G22’s Jaz, and ALAMAT’s Alas have gathered to lend their own insights on the growing cultural phenomenon that is P-pop. Having experienced their own respective paths in the industry, each member lend their unique insights into what it means to be have the opportunity to be in this position of responsibility. More than just fulfilling the role of a performer, these idols carry out their activities as a mission with purpose, pride, and passion.
When describing P-pop’s rise, Alas shared his insight by describing his own group, ALAMAT: “Para sa’kin, yung word na ‘P-pop,’ malawak siya, diverse siya. Kung titignan ka sa group namin, sari-saring kultura.” (“For me, the word ‘P-pop’ in itself is broad and diverse. If you look at ALAMAT alone, it’s a collection of different cultures.”) On a similar note, Ethan David noted, “For me, P-pop’s rise is more of helping each other — from the groups to the fans. It’s like a community, so we really have to lift each other up.”
“For me when I think of the phrase ‘P-pop Rising,’ I think of the word ‘hope,’ because I know that each of our groups, we have our own styles. But, at the same time, I know that when you put us all in the same room, we are all equally talented. I know that this is something we can take pride in for the country. Ang talentadong Pinoy (Pinoy talent) is something to be proud of — so, with the talent I see in the P-pop community, it gives me hope, because I know there’s a lot of potential in this community,” said KAIA’s Sophia when describing the growing force of the P-pop community.
When speaking about the turning point of BGYO in their career, the group’s leader, Gelo, opened up, “Sa buong career namin bilang P-pop, masasabi ko talaga na overwhelming siya kasi isa sa pagde-define ng para mabuo ‘yung definition na P-pop ay kung saan siya patungo.” (“Throughout our entire career as P-pop idols, I would really say that it’s been overwhelming because one of the defining factors of P-pop is where it’s headed.”)
He adds, “But at the same time, it’s inspiring kasi (because) we’re all part of this common movement na about music. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na isa tayo sa mga reasons kung bakit pinapalawak natin yung talent ng Filipino sa buong mundo (It feels great to be one of the reasons why Filipino talent is becoming more known throughout the world).”
Similarly, Jaz of G22 imparted her own eexperiences, having grown up abroad, “Personally, I was raised outside of the Philippines — but [Filipino culture] was super driven in me and rooted in me. From the food, and the traditions, and when I started training with G22, they would always speak to me in Tagalog, and I really tried to learn the language and we would do many different kinds of dance practice — including Filipino folk, which is really interesting.” She delves further, “There is always a question of how to stand out, and how to be more Filipino. But I think, what’s most important is being yourself, because being Filipino is Filipino enough.”
Lastly, conveying his insight on the bright future of P-pop was VXON’s leader, C13, “When we debuted three years ago, we were asked the same question – and to see everything happen so fast within the span of three years instead of [typically] five, we’re very proud, we’re very humbled. Sobrang natutuwa rin kami na nagkaroon ng maraming platforms like Billboard Philippines, marami maraming salamat sa inyo at totoong sumusuporta sa P-pop (We’re overjoyed that there have been many platforms like Billboard Philippines, thank you very much for your genuine support for P-pop).”
On a final note, he adds, “Before, gusto na natin magkaroon ng mga concerts sa mga (we wanted to have concerts in) small venues, but now, look at what’s happening. We’re selling out arenas, not just for one day but for two, and may international [tours]. We’re very proud of where P-pop is right now.”
In addition to conversing on their perspectives on the modern P-pop scene, the members also share their favorite P-pop songs from other groups, discuss the legacies they’d like to leave behind, and more.
Watch the full episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes featuring VXON’s C13, BGYO’s Gelo, KAIA’s Sophia, GAT’s Ethan David, G22’s Jaz, and ALAMAT’s Alas below: