Pusong Pinoy: These local groups are ready for the rise of P-pop and Filipino culture
P-pop is on a swift rise—and these local groups are determined to take the genre to new heights.
There is something about Pinoy pop that feels so refreshing. For starters, it features groups in flashy outfits, head bop-worthy songs, energetic performances, and modern interpretations of our local culture—almost like the flashy young sibling of the country’s band scene, but with the passion and heart that Filipinos are known for.
Of course, these P-pop groups are not kidding around when it comes to their music. The PPOPCON is a culmination of the genre’s growth, with 16 of the biggest and up-and-coming local acts coming together on April 9 and 10.
“P-pop is getting a lot of attention globally because we do have a lot of world-class talent in the Philippines. It just has yet to be discovered,” up-and-coming girl group Daydream said during the media conference. At the mention of P-pop, the members smiled in excitement.
Contrary to what outsiders would like to believe, P-pop is not a carbon copy of K-pop and American pop. It’s a contemporary local music genre that fuses these familiar elements—with our local flair and charm.
“Ang daming nagsasabi [when we first started], that P-pop is a copy of K-pop or whatever they may say. But for us, P-pop was never a copy of K-pop or American pop… it doesn’t really matter. What matters is ‘yung sariling atin, mai-incorporate natin doon through time,” 1st.One’s Ace said.
As younger groups thank their seniors for paving the way, MNL48 admitted that they’ve experienced the humble beginnings of the P-pop genre.
“Naranasan namin ‘yung mga firsts tulad ng first achievements, first bashing, first lahat. Nahirapan din po kaming ma-establish ‘yung group namin dito sa Pilipinas but sobra kaming naniniwala na na-contribute po namin is our uniqueness,” Sheki of MNL48 added.
The female idol group expressed their pride to newer groups who are following in their footsteps as well.
“We’re able to spread new culture and influence [our juniors]. Alam natin na ‘yung mga P-pop groups, nagu-usbungan na po talaga ngayon. I’m very proud na kahit pa-paano, nakapagbigay [ang MNL48] ng help sa kanila and na-follow nila ‘yung footsteps namin,” MNL48’s Sheki said.
P-pop is rising, thanks to the fans
Of course, the rise of P-pop wouldn’t be possible without their dedicated legion of fans. For BGYO’s Gelo, the PPOPCON is an opportunity for fandoms to unite and share their love for the genre with its growing community.
“Malaki talaga ‘yung contribution ng fan bases, ‘yung mga fandoms sa P-pop movement kasi sila ang nakikinig ng musika natin. Sila ang pumupunta sa mga events natin,” Gelo said.
The BGYO member also believes that fans are making P-pop known in the international music scene.
“[The fans] have a huge contribution to the P-pop movement. Through their efforts, P-pop is becoming known abroad and not just in the Philippines, slowly but surely. What more if we have an event [like PPOPCON] where everyone can be united,” Gelo said.
SB19’s Pablo, on the other hand, asked fans to always “be kind” to one another, since P-pop groups share respect and appreciation with each other.
“This PPOPCON can help reinforce unity among fan bases. No matter what happens, all of us are really good friends. If magiging ganito rin ‘yung fans, hindi malayo before our culture becomes known worldwide,” Pablo said.
The rebirth of the local music scene
While 4th Impact has been part of the local music scene for 10 years now, the PPOPCON is a taste of “4th Impact version 2.0.” The girl group, composed of sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina, first made waves after competing in the British singing contest The X Factor.
“This is another 4th Impact. Sabi nga namin, this is 4th Impact version 2.0. Kasi noong sumali kami sa The X Factor, nagsisimula pa lang kami na i-embrace ang music and craft namin. Ginagawa namin ito before para sa family namin. This time, the PPOPCON will show a different 4th Impact,” Almira told PhilSTAR L!fe in a chance interview.
The girl group never lost their roots, but they believe that it’s a chance for the group to showcase their rebirth. “Na-hone na kami talaga dahil sa experiences namin and mape-perform namin ‘yung original music namin. Ang tagal naming pinaghandaan ito, so this time, makikita nila ‘yung na-prepare namin para sa kanila,” Almira added.
1st.One’s Ace, on the other hand, said the PPOPCON is a chance for the groups to “give their all.”
“We’re preparing really well. We’re just ready to give our all and our best, not just to show who we are but as we said from the beginning, ‘We want to inspire.’ We want to inspire more simple dreamers that if we can do it, they can do it as well,” Ace said.
The Convention will be held on April 9 and 10 at the New Frontier Theater, featuring live performances, merch booths, games, and other fun activities for fans.
The two-day PPOPCON celebrates the growing P-pop music scene, with artists such as KAIA, VXON, G22, Daydream, R Rules, Calista, PPOP Generation, Dione, Press Hit Play, 1st.One, BINI, BGYO, MNL48, 4th Impact, and SB19.