Leading The New Wave: Meet Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Class Of 2026
The stage is set for a new generation of P-pop acts taking over the scene today and in the years to come — featuring groups built on their individuality, unique sound, and artistry, further pushing Filipino music onto the global stage.
Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
P-pop has always been a space for growth and evolution, with new talent constantly bringing their own unique energy to the scene.
With the genre experiencing the rise of emerging talent more than ever, more acts continue to break through and make their own statements about what they can offer. Following in the footsteps of those before them and holding their own as P-pop has gotten its foot in the door of the global scene — performing on the biggest stages and at major festivals, and raising the flag of what Filipino music can offer across the globe — the only way from here is up.
Billboard Philippines proudly showcases the next evolution of the genre, with these groups bringing their own distinct flavors through their music, artistry, and performances, helping shape what P-pop is today and what it can become. Debuting is one thing, but consistently thriving and navigating a scene where everyone is striving to stand out and be unique is another.
With years of training, dedication, and passion, backed by the unwavering support of their respective fandoms, this year’s pool of rising stars in P-pop is ready to take the next step in shaping the future of the genre.
P-pop’s Next Generation: How the Class of 2026 Is Shaping the Genre’s Global Future
Welcome to Billboard Philippines‘ P-pop Class of 2026.
1621
1621: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
1621 continue to rise up the ranks and be a thrilling addition to the ever-evolving P-pop landscape since making their debut. With a breakout hit on their hands, the five-member boy group has quickly caught the attention of listeners. Shaping a sound that blends a revival of 2000s OPM with modern P-pop, 1621 further refine their identity as an exciting act to watch out for.
AJAA
AJAA: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
Brimming with youthful energy and wonder, AJAA are a rising force in this new generation of P-pop, unafraid to showcase their brighter side through their performances, radiating positivity and happinnes on every stage they step foot on. Charming listeners with their vibrant sound, the four-member boy group continues to embody their fighting spirit in full color.
HORI7ON
HORI7ON: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
Since the very beginning, HORI7ON have fully embraced the global landscape, training and working under the K-pop system while staying true to their Filipino identity. As the first all-Filipino K-pop boy group, the seven-member group continues to bridge cultures and represent a new wave of P-pop artistry, bringing an exciting mix of genres and influences through their global pop sound.
VVINK
VVINK: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
Fully embracing bubblegum pop and hyperpop, and creatively blending dance-heavy sounds with local styles such as budots music, VVINK continue to rise as one of the leaders of the next generation of P-pop. With each member having something to prove, along with years of experience and grit to break into the scene, VVINK stand for second chances, growth, and coming together as one.
XONARA
XONARA: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
XONARA are more than ready to bring their explosive energy, authenticity, and identity to solidify their place in the P-pop landscape. The seven-member girl group moves as a unit while also each member bringing their own perspectives with intention and confidence. Under the guidance of veterans and mentors in the scene, they’re poised to be more than rookies — but artists ready to take on every challenge that calls them.
YGIG
YGIG: Photographed by Excel Panlaque. Art Direction by Gelo Quijencio.
A group that has experienced a rebirth in their visual identity and direction, YGIG welcome a fresh wave of energy and are breaking through the boundaries of what P-pop is usually thought to be. Bursting with a new creative force and individuality, the four-member Filipino girl group continues to embody a renewed energy, amplified by teamwork, unified dreams, and the drive to break barriers on the global music stage.
Together, Billboard Philippines‘ P-pop Class of 2026 — 1621, AJAA, HORI7ON, VVINK, XONARA, and YGIG — represent the next generation shaping the present and future of the ever-evolving P-pop landscape. Through their unique sound, dynamic performances, and genre-blending artistry, they continue to expand the scene and open doors to new audiences, both locally and globally, serving as a testament to what the genre can offer today.
Billboard Philippines‘ P-pop Class of 2026 are set to deliver and showcase what they’re made of across Billboard Philippines Studios, Billboard Philippines Volumes, and more. Stay tuned by following Billboard Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Class of 2026 consists of six acts: 1621, AJAA, HORI7ON, VVINK, XONARA, and YGIG. The selection spans boy groups and girl groups across a range of P-pop styles, from bubblegum hyperpop and global K-pop-influenced sound to 2000s OPM revival and dance-driven formats.
HORI7ON is a seven-member all-Filipino boy group that trained and debuted under the K-pop system while maintaining a Filipino identity. They are recognized as the first all-Filipino K-pop boy group and are noted for bridging K-pop industry structures with P-pop artistry on the global stage.
VVINK blend bubblegum pop and hyperpop with local Filipino styles including budots music. The group is noted for their dance-heavy sound and for incorporating regional Filipino music influences into a contemporary P-pop framework, positioning them as one of the more genre-experimental acts in the current P-pop generation.
The Billboard Philippines P-pop Class is an annual showcase recognizing emerging Filipino pop acts positioned to shape the next phase of the genre. The 2026 edition features six groups — 1621, AJAA, HORI7ON, VVINK, XONARA, and YGIG — selected for their artistry, distinct sound, and trajectory within the P-pop landscape.
P-pop, or Philippine pop, is a Filipino-language and Filipino-identity-driven genre that draws on the idol performance model associated with K-pop while rooting its sound in local music traditions including OPM, budots, and regional styles. Unlike K-pop, P-pop is developed primarily within the Philippine music industry by local agencies and artists.
