What's the forecast after BGYO took the P-Pop industry by storm two years ago?
Much has been said about male P-Pop group BGYO taking the industry by storm since debuting two years ago. But just like a storm indeed, it’s forecast to gain more intensity than ever.
BGYO—an acronym for "Becoming the change; Going further; You and I; Originally Filipino."—has been so busy since the start of 2023, gracing over a dozen events across the Philippines.
In May, Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate will be holding tours in Mindanao, including Koronadal, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga. This April saw events across Metro Manila, as well as in Tagbilaran in Bohol.
BGYO's much-anticipated event so far is its live album showcase at SM North EDSA Skydome in Quezon City on May 12. The group is celebrating its second anniversary, its career milestones, and its sophomore album Be Us.
During the showcase, BGYO fans or the ACEs are expected to witness all of their songs including never-performed ones, as well as new dance routines, the group previously said.
Lessons over the past two years
Before debuting in a COVID-stricken 2021, BGYO spent two years training under ABS-CBN's Star Hunt Academy program, which included mentors from South Korea. The group's sound includes elements from several genres like EDM, rock, disco, RnB, and pop.
Their songs often explore romantic love in a modern-day setting, while also tackling empowerment and nationalism.
The group has since earned millions of streams, amassed listeners, topped charts, and bagged several awards, eventually earning the title "Aces of P-Pop."
In a virtual one-on-one interview with select media outlets including PhilSTAR L!fe, BGYO members looked back to their humble beginnings and what they've learned over the course of their career.
JL said he has learned to conquer stage fright and has now become more confident with the public.
"Noong nagte-training pa kami, sanay kami sa virtual lang," he said.
For Gelo, it's the constant room for improvement. "Di lahat ng mga bagay na gagawin mo sa una ay perfect. Pwedeng-pwede mag-improve habang tumatagal."
Nate said the past two years also taught them to manage their time well and distribute their energy as efficiently as possible. "We should do our best every interview, ganap, and training," he said.
Akira, meanwhile, stressed on the importance of having a good work ethic. "Dapat maayos at presentable ka," he said. "Dapat ok ang attitude mo toward others, may respect."
"Same na rin ng mga sinabi nila," added Mikki, prompting bursts of laughter from everyone.
Achievements 'all a team effort'
Though still quite new in P-Pop, BGYO has already carved out a niche for itself over the past two years not only locally but also internationally.
Its debut album The Light topped the iTunes Philippines Top 100 albums chart for a record 12 days straight. It also made the charts in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Canada, Australia, Norway, and Mexico.
Be Us sustained its predecessor's momentum, topping the iTunes Album charts in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. It also entered the charts in other countries.
BGYO has received several local recognitions like AWIT Awards, P-Pop Awards, Push Awards, Saludo Excellence Awards, Diamond Excellence Awards, TikTok Awards and, most recently, Village Pipol Choice Awards. It also got several nominations, including at the Wish Music Awards and RAWR Awards.
He's Into Her, the original soundtrack of iWantTFC’s romantic comedy series of the same name, won best theme song at Singapore’s 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
The quintet has also made history not only as P-Pop acts but also as Filipino artists. BGYO and its sister girl group BINI became the first Filipino acts to get featured in the NFT covers of XPEDITION Magazine in Dubai last February 2022.
The following October, BGYO was the first and only Filipino act to headline Hallyuween, the country's inaugural Halloween K-Pop concert that featured CL of 2NE1 fame, Epik High, Pentagon, KARD, Gaho x Kave, and DJ Soda.
These milestones, according to Mikki, have all been possible thanks to the ACEs who are "always there" for them, as well as their mentors.
"It's all a team effort," he said.
"Sobrang ganda ng plano ni Lord sa amin na pinagsama-sama kaming lima. Di namin ine-expect iyon," added Gelo.
Working on 'something'
Though their insights were generally solemn, the BGYO members were brimming with youthful exuberance throughout the interview, laughing in between answers and looking at each other.
This year, the quintet said they're “working on something.” Nothing like a third album yet, just "something."
Asked to elaborate further, everybody simply waved their hands like magicians as they exchanged glances and cracked up anew.
But that "something," they said, is one ought to look forward to.
Ending the interview, BGYO thanked the ACEs for their unwavering support. The group is also hoping for Filipinos to embrace not only its music but also the ones coming from other P-Pop acts.
“Gagalingan pa namin para patuloy tayong umangat,” Gelo said, as everybody started looking at each other, bursting into laughter, and waving their hands once more.
“Boom! We love you all!”