G22 believes you don’t have to be perfect to be a role model
P-pop is definitely on the rise. With such a talented roster of young people, it’s interesting to see how they navigate the industry.
G22 debuted in 2022 under Cornerstone Entertainment with their song BANG. They’re known as the "female alphas" of P-pop, with the title coming out naturally due to their individual visions and perspectives. It’s a tag they wear proudly and authentically, reflecting in their explosive performances.
In this conversation with The Philippine STAR, AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of G22 share their beliefs on their strong team dynamics, staying true to themselves, and owning their power as women in music.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Before debuting in 2022, you faced rigorous training and several pushbacks. What thoughts were running through your head then, and what pushed you to persist despite the challenges?
AJ: Siguro ‘yung question na, “Kailan kami magdedebut?” kasi our debut date was pushed back multiple times. We were doubting (and asking) ourselves, “Ano pa ang hinahanap nila?” Ang nagpupush sa amin na ituloy ‘to ay ang pangarap and kung anong nakita namin sa isa’t-isa. Sayang naman if dahil lang sa konting doubt, ititigil (namin).
ALFEA: And also ‘yung mga doubts na 'yun, as much as possible, tinuturn namin into something na magd-drive sa amin to push harder and be better.
While you come from different backgrounds, your strengths complement each other. In what ways do you believe that you’re stronger together?
We wanna be one of the reasons why more women are accepted. We (want to help) remove the stereotypes.
JAZ: Stage presence. We all have different presences when we go on stage alone, but when we are performing together we have this “alpha aggression.” (laughs) But seriously. We give each other…
AJ: Energy.
JAZ: Yeah, and it just becomes astronomical. We (also) learn different things from each other, even if it has nothing to do with (our) career. (We’re) better together.
You’ve also said that you critique each other and hindi kayo nagsu-sugarcoat. How has this helped you grow?
JAZ: I think (we) really need that because strangers will be severely harsh to you (just) because you’re in the industry. So to hear it from someone close to you first, who sees firsthand how hard you try, will condition your mind and brain (to be) like, “I will fix this for myself.”
AJ: Mas okay na marinig mo ‘yung harsh words sa ka-close mo, kasi at least alam mo sa sarili mo na totoo ‘yun. Kasi (kapag galing) outside, binibigyan ka nga ng compliment, backhanded naman. Minsan nakakabulag din ‘yun.
ALFEA: ‘Yung mga sinasabi namin sa isa’t-isa, hindi puro negative. We also say positive things. Parang nagbabalance (ang lahat).
@g22official doneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ✋🏻 #G22 #G22AJ #G22Alfea #G22Jaz ♬ 오리지널 사운드 - REDY
How do you resolve conflicts or disagreements between each other?
AJ Give time. Kasi if everyone’s emotions are are so high, meron talagang masasabing masasamang words. After, kailangang mag-usap. Saan ka ba nanggagaling? Saan ako nanggagaling?
JAZ: The thing about (us is), if we talk now, we will be good. If we talk later, we will (still) be good.
Sometimes, women water themselves down in fear of coming on too strong or to seem more approachable. Have you ever felt the same way?
AJ: Of course, especially sa industry na ito. Kaya siguro rin na naging strong kami—nakaka-experience rin kami ng ‘di nagbabagong misogyny.
JAZ: We felt that there is a prevalent standard of women that they all accept. Thankfully it’s slowly developing (to be better), but we wanna be one of the reasons why more women are accepted. We (want to help) remove the stereotypes. Each woman is a woman regardless of how they look, what they say, what they wear.
You encourage your fans to not hide behind “a perfect image.” Why is it important for you to spread this kind of message?
JAZ: Because first of all, no one is perfect. Whenever we do “normal” things, (people say things) like, “Uy, ‘yung image niyo.” I do not like the idea that we have to be perfect in front of you. That’s not the (type of) role model we want to be. We want to be the best (version) of ourselves, but we want to be ourselves.
AJ: Kaya ang branding namin ay parang “unapologetic pero responsible.” Hindi kami ‘yung magme-make ng certain image na hindi naman kami. In the first place, kaya rin nabuo ‘yung “female alphas” kasi ‘yun kami. ‘Yung message namin is ‘wag natin ikulong ‘yung sarili natin sa isang box.
What advice can you give to other young women, whether they’re in entertainment or not, who may be struggling to speak their minds?
AJ: Be your own standard. Don’t follow other people’s standards.
JAZ: Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t doubt and compare (yourself) because it’s just gonna make you miserable. You’ll never reach your full success if you’re trying to compete with another’s success.
ALFEA: If you’re struggling to have confidence sa sarili mo, it’s okay to find inspiration outside. Pero don’t make that inspiration your identity. Make your own.
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G22’s latest single I Hate Boys is out now on all music streaming platforms via Republic Records Philippines.
