G22: Just Getting Started
G22: Just Getting Started
It’s been a little over two years since G22 made their debut. Earning their stripes with millions of streams and a recent performance in China’s Show It All, the all-girl P-pop group is gearing up for even bigger and better things.
Making up the group are Alfea (20), AJ (21) and Jaz (19), who each admit that they’ve always felt the calling and passion to perform. “I realized early on that my calling is performing and making music,” shares AJ. “Up to this day, I still carry that eagerness to perform and make music.”
Alfea shares the same sentiment, admitting that she enjoyed watching and admiring the people who performed on stage. “I have always wanted to join [them] and be on that stage, too. I would join our school performances to reach those goals,” she says. Meanwhile, Jaz paints a picture, saying she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t “banging on pots and pans, singing karaoke at the top of [her] lungs.” But it was during a performance at the age of seven when she realized that “this is what [she] wanted to dedicate [her] life to.”
It seems their hard work is paying off, as G22 continues working on and releasing music—and dare we say that an album might just be in the works?
It’s been a little over two years since G22 made their debut. Earning their stripes with millions of streams and a recent performance in China’s Show It All, the all-girl P-pop group is gearing up for even bigger and better things.
Making up the group are Alfea (20), AJ (21) and Jaz (19), who each admit that they’ve always felt the calling and passion to perform. “I realized early on that my calling is performing and making music,” shares AJ. “Up to this day, I still carry that eagerness to perform and make music.”
Alfea shares the same sentiment, admitting that she enjoyed watching and admiring the people who performed on stage. “I have always wanted to join [them] and be on that stage, too. I would join our school performances to reach those goals,” she says. Meanwhile, Jaz paints a picture, saying she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t “banging on pots and pans, singing karaoke at the top of [her] lungs.” But it was during a performance at the age of seven when she realized that “this is what [she] wanted to dedicate [her] life to.”
It seems their hard work is paying off, as G22 continues working on and releasing music—and dare we say that an album might just be in the works?
G22 is wearing custom Emir Loresto and footwear from PALENGKE
Wonder: The P-pop scene has been growing rapidly. How do you think your group has helped this growth?
Jaz: The key is bringing something fresh, positive, and engaging to the table, all while staying true to the energetic and creative spirit of P-pop before us.
Wonder: What’s the one unique thing about your group that helps diversify the OPM scene?
AJ: One example would be our experimental approach to music, which we still maintain in line with our advocacy and message. We each have distinct musical tastes, so when it comes to writing our own songs, we explore as many different genres as we can outside pop. For instance, I listen to indie/alternative rock and psychedelic pop, so I was able to write one of our singles Loka.
Wonder: What is the overall goal of G22?
Jaz: We strive to create music that resonates with fans and leaves a lasting impact on the P-pop scene. This could involve pushing creative boundaries, tackling important themes or simply delivering high-quality entertainment that people love.
We want to use our platform to inspire young people, whether it's to pursue their dreams or embrace their individuality—this is a big part of our musical identity.
Ultimately, we want to enjoy the experience of making music and performing together. Passion and fun are contagious, and they would shine through in our music and performances, creating a genuine connection with fans.
Videography and Editing Chino Villagracia assisted by Anna Miralles
Wonder: What is the overall goal of G22?
Alfea: This was our very first out-of-the-country performance, and we are so happy that our first performance helped us represent P-pop and the Philippines in China. We got to show them the talent of the Filipino people, and we are so glad that the Chinese people appreciate our performance; it made all of our hard work pay off.
Wonder: Is there anything you learned from other artists there that you want to apply to your own work?
Jaz: Absolutely! There's always something new to learn from other musicians.
The other groups at the recent international reality show in China were incredible. Their stage presence was unreal. It really made me think about how we can elevate our own performances and bring even more energy to our routines.
Wonder: Performing internationally, is this the wish you guys have for G22 and P-pop in general?
AJ: P-pop has expanded greatly, and our earlier dreams are now coming true. We hope that P-pop will continue to expand rapidly throughout the nation and continue to get strong support from the Filipino community nationwide. Moreover, gradually stepping into the global scene and gaining recognition everywhere.
Wonder: How would you describe the relationship you guys have with each other, and with other P-pop groups?
Jaz: With our shared experiences, it created a strong sense of camaraderie and family between us. We can rely on each other for support and motivation. and we help each keep the fire burning.
In terms of other groups, there's a strong sense of respect among P-Pop groups. They acknowledge each other's talent and achievements. Collaborations between groups are also becoming more common, showcasing the supportive and collaborative spirit within the scene.
It becomes clear from our conversation and watching them work that G22 takes their music personally. They write their own songs, and their favorite lyrics from their discography illustrate their shared journey so far. AJ’s favorite is “Thorns come forth / From behind the words / They’ve uttered all the worst / That have opened doors / That once closed,” noting that these words showcase the group’s resilience and their determination to succeed.
Alfea chimes in with another set of lyrics from Defy, which she believes mirrors the group’s difficult moments, which they will cherish either way because it’s made them who they are: “All the hardships, the feelings, memories and mistakes / Have built us a home / Habang buhay, we’ll stay.”
G22’s first song, Bang!, holds Jaz’s favorite lyrics, “Sa kalalima't kasukdulan, we go / Though you see what you want, we know / The battle's just started, we got you in target.” Nostalgia aside, Jaz describes how the bridge translates to how the group will continue through the highs and lows because they’ve got a “target” on their goals and dreams.
And if this is just the beginning, then what’s next for G22?
“We are working with songs that may or may not create an album—I don’t want to spoil!” shares AJ. “But we will be releasing more songs. We write our own songs and, individually, we have different tastes in music, so you can expect different flavors [with] each release.”
“We have an April comeback, which is entitled One Sided Love,” adds Alfea. “And we are preparing for more this year; a lot more events and performances, so stay updated!”
One Sided Love is G22’s first dive into soft pop, something that’s easy to listen to that’s packed full of meaning. Singing of love and yearning, with lyrics like “Baka sa mundo mo pwede ako sumali, andito ako sa tabi, naghihintay ng paki” and “Alam ko ngang mali, pagibig na patay-sindi hindi makaooo at hindi,” Alfea, Jaz and AJ talk of an experience that’s all-too familiar—with the three artists admitting they personally know the feeling—but not without that G22 signature message of empowerment.
Writing songs, arranging music and performing on stage aren’t easy, but that’s exactly what continues to fuel G22. They have their eyes on the bigger picture, and it’s beginning to take shape.
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Photography Jerick Sanchez assisted by Karl Rimando and Bryle Albano
Creative Direction Alexandra Lara
Interview and Cover Story Adie Pieraz
Fashion Direction Sarah Santiago
Styling Bryan Laroza assisted by Matthew Fetalver
Beauty Direction Elisa Aquino
Glam Miz Raffy, Kendra, Ida Siasoco, Justine Sabalvaro, Vannie Claveria and Jhai Castillo
Special Thanks Universal Music Group Philippines and Republic Records Philippines
