XONARA Revs Up for a New Era with Second Single PULA

P-pop act XONARA is steering into a new direction with PULA, their first comeback single after their debut earlier this year.

The song, which follows TABI, revolves around the themes of chasing dreams and powering through, while highlighting the friendship and connection the members have built since their trainee days with a softer hiphop approach. Its title is a wordplay between the Filipino term for the color red, “pula,” and the phrase “pull up,” building on its racer-inspired concept.

“When we were writing this song, the pain and hardships were still very fresh for us,” member Eurekah said on the sidelines of their first PULA pit stop at Trinoma on Friday. “I think we drew inspiration from the challenges we experienced as trainees and the struggles we went through when we formed the group.”

“TABI was the first page of our story, and PULA is more like the heartbeat that keeps it going,” added Namie. “So, it basically reflects the fire we carry for our dreams and the people [who keep] that fire alive.”

The official music video, which arrived the same day as the track on August 7, features the girls washing and fixing a red car bearing the plate number “XNR 7777” while singing and dancing together.

Dominique describes the MV as a story of their camaraderie — the same way Megumi treats it as a “testimony,” and Namie, a reflection of their “sisterhood.”

While it’s also about “togetherness” for Ella, she believes it’s moldable, depending on what phase of life someone is in. “You can relate to it being happy with your girls or being in this place of doubt,” she says.

The duo of the oldest and youngest members see the MV from a more sentimental perspective, with Tin and Lei encapsulating it in the words “love” and being “dreamy.” 

Tying all their answers together, XONARA’s leader Eurekah says PULA, for her, is comfort “because the girls are my comfort.”

“‘Pag naririnig ko ‘yung PULA, sila talaga ‘yung pumapasok sa isip ko na kahit anong mangyari, nandiyan lang sila (Every time I hear PULA, the girls are the first thing who come to my mind, knowing they’ll be there for me no matter what happens),” Eurekah said, revealing how she wrote the lyrics, “I don’t have to worry about anything. I got my girls on my back. Yeah, I already win.”

“Sana ‘pag narinig din po ng ibang tao ‘yung PULA, may maisip silang someone na [roon] nila nararamdaman ‘yung comfort (I hope when other people listen to PULA, they’ll be able to think of someone whom they find comfort in),” the leader of the septet added. “Kasi ako, sila ‘yon. Sana kayo rin, meron (Because, for me, it’s them. I hope you have your own, too).”

By now, there’s no question as to how strong XONARA’s chemistry and bond is. The only way for them is up, as they hope to fulfill more dream projects and collaborations, with their industry brothers SB19 at the top of their list. Soon, the rising P-pop girl group is also expected to make their debut on the international stage, though further details are yet to be announced.