Rookie Group GAT Are Ready To Be The Next P-pop Sensation

GAT, short for Gawang Atin ‘To, are an up-and-coming boy group looking to make waves and redefine the P-pop scene.

Under the management of Ivory Music and VAA (Viva Artists Agency), the five-piece boy group consists of Ethan David, Charles Law, Michael Keith, Derick Ong, and Hans Paronda.

Rooted in the Filipino honorific “Gatdula,” once given to Filipino gentlemen who brought pride and honor to the country, such as Gat Jose Rizal and Gat Andres Bonifacio, the name was chosen by Vic del Rosario, founder and CEO of VIVA Entertainment.

At their press launch held at Viva Café in Cubao last March 5, the group introduced themselves with a performance of “Daleng-Dale,” their hit cover, originally by dance, hip-hop, and R&B act MMJ — that brought them further into the spotlight of the P-pop music scene. The song, which also went viral through a dance challenge on TikTok, is also part of the original soundtrack for the Viva One romantic-comedy web series Ang Mutya ng Section E, with members Ethan, Charles, Michael, and Derick also part of its supporting cast.

“We are excited to showcase our diverse backgrounds as Filipinos while embracing our pride in being Filipino,” Michael shared. With P-pop experiencing a renaissance, he added that they want to break away from a set template and carve out their own path. Ethan, the group’s de facto leader, mentioned that they look up to BINI and SB19 but are eager to start small and focus on growing and evolving over time.

Last January, P-pop fans got a glimpse of what GAT had in store with their pre-debut performance video, covering the James Reid hit “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit.” The group mentioned Reid’s early pop sound as an inspiration, particularly the then-fresh sounding of P-pop akin to a modern harana. They aim to showcase music that is chill, swabe, and perfect to listen to on a road trip.

On the other hand, they aim to establish their own identity apart from their brother group, ALAMAT, by showcasing not only their singing and dancing skills but also their acting abilities. After all, performing has always been deeply rooted in their identity, even as individuals.

Ethan started singing and joining competitions when he was eight. He represented Canada at the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) and was named the 2015 Junior Vocalist Grand Champion of the World. Before joining GAT, he made his P-pop debut with the boy group Nitro in 2017 and was the fourth member to join BOIZ in 2022. He also appeared in the films Squad Goals, Two Weeks, End, and How To Love Mr. Heartless.

Charles, on the other hand, auditioned for VIVA to become an actor. He appeared in the films Penduko, The Ship Show, and The Rain in España, as well as the TikTok shorts series He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. He was inspired to venture into performing in a group through ALAMAT.

Michael was raised in California and starred in commercials for Nickelodeon and Disney. He released his debut single, “Thrill Me,” under VIVA in 2020. He left the Philippines but returned in 2023, hoping to gain support from his roots.gain support from where he’s from. He is into R&B and is considered the “ace” of the group, serving as their producer and composer.

Derick grew up with supportive parents who encouraged his singing, crediting their love for karaoke as his foundation. He also competed in singing competitions. More than a performer, sports is also in his blood — being a hockey and volleyball player by heart.

Hans was a runner-up of the reality competition show, Born to Be A Star, in 2020. Having joined amateur singing contests at age nine, he has shown his dynamic range with his solo music career. He released a cover of “Kahit Kailan” for the VIVA film More Than Blue.

As of this writing, they are still training, but the group took eight months to prepare, “It’s a short time but kasi po solo performer[s] na rin po kami. So we had experience sa stage. We really put our experiences there in the table. Boss Vic also put that in mind na nakapag-perform na po kami,” Ethan said.

When we asked the group about setting their own expectations for themselves before their official debut, Ethan said that each of them has something to offer to the group, saying, “Gusto ko po yung music namin yung lahat po kami may contribution dun sa sound niya. Kasi we have different sounds po eh. [Michael] is more pop, [Hans] is R&B, I’m a balladeer, [Charles] is a pop artist. Parang gusto po naming ipag-mix yun lahat into one song sa debut po namin. Gusto namin na yung sound po namin yung makakarelate po yung lahat ng mga tao na papakinggan mo sa roadtrip.”

Looking into the future, they dream of collaborating with ALAMAT and SB19, while Skusta Clee, Al James, and O SIDE MAFIA in the world of Pinoy hip-hop. They also shared their aspirations of working with “Popstar Royalty” Sarah Geronimo, “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez, and “The Philippine King of R&B” Jay-R.

They also briefly hinted at their upcoming debut single, which has already been approved and is awaiting its arrangement.

2025 is set to be a breakout year for the group. They will perform at Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival at the CCP Open Grounds on March 15, as well as at the P-Pop It Up event at Viva Café on March 22.

As we anticipate their debut single, listen to GAT’s cover of “Daleng-Dale” below: