6 things you need to know about BGYO, the 'Aces of P-pop'
P-pop groups have been making waves both locally and globally recently.
Earlier this month, more than 15 Filipino pop groups performed together at the first Tugatog Music Festival, and SB19 was named one of Teen Vogue's favorite bands of all time.
In addition, BGYO and BINI performed on stage with K-pop girl group Red Velvet on July 22 as part of their"Be You" advocacy concert.
P-pop is clearly establishing itself in the global music scene, and BGYO is among the groups setting the industry on fire. And the best way to show our appreciation is to support them by getting to know them.
Get to know BGYO more with these seven facts you may not be aware of that could make you turn to Aces.
ABS-CBN’s first P-pop group to debut during the pandemic
BGYO is a five-member Pinoy pop band composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate under Star Music. The group, known as the Aces of P-pop, officially debuted as BGYO on January 29, 2021, with an uplifting single titled “The Light.”
Gelo Rivera is the leader of the group, as well as the center and lead dancer. Akira Morishita is the lead vocalist, while JL Toreliza serves as the main vocalist. Mikki Claver is the main rapper and Nate Porcalla is the main dancer, sub-rapper and BGYO’s youngest member.
B-G-Y-O, not Bagyo
Although BGYO is ready to take over the world by storm with their mesmerizing visuals, steady vocals, and flawless dance moves, their name should not be confused with the Filipino word "bagyo." It should instead be pronounced B-G-Y-O, which stands for "Be the Change, Going further, You and I, Originally Filipino."
Trained by both Filipino and South Korean coaches
Prior to their debut as BGYO, the five visually appealing P-pop idols were introduced as the Star Hunt Academy Boys, or SHA Boys, following a successful stint on Star Hunt, a talent search led by Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi.
In 2018, the boys underwent rigorous training with Filipino mentors and South Korean coaches from MU Doctor Academy, the same mentors that trained Momoland’s Hye-Bin and Stray Kids' Seo Changbin.
Idols in academics
Did you know that BGYO are not only idols when it comes to their performance, but they are also admired for being able to balance showbiz with academics?
The five best boys in BGYO are also full-time students. Three of the members of the group will graduate from college next year, while Mikki and Nate have just completed high school. Akira, who pursued tourism in college, also became a dean's lister.
Some are half East Asian
It is no secret among Aces that some of the BGYO boys are half-blooded East Asians. From his name itself, Akira Morishita, who is also an actor, is born to a Filipino mother and a Japanese father. Meanwhile, Mikki Claver is of Filipino and Chinese descent.
Gelo Rivera, JL Toreliza, and Nate Porcalla are 100% Filipino.
Detective Aces
What seems intriguing and unique to BGYO is their music videos that have easter eggs that tease Aces for their next single.
In fact, before BGYO’s comeback single “The Baddest” dropped in August 2021, it was already revealed discreetly in their music video, “He's into Her" released in April of the same year.
“The Baddest” also teased their released single, “When I’m with You," which came out in November 2021. This is why every time BGYO releases a new single, Aces go into detective mode to determine the "title" of their upcoming songs.