This is G22’s renaissance, and they’re making sure the world listens.
For years, the music industry has been a male-dominated space, with men’s presence seen as the default, the norm. Women, on the other hand, have historically been underrepresented, their achievements sometimes framed as exceptions rather than standard milestones.
But recently, the narrative has been shifting. Women in music are no longer just “breaking barriers”—they are taking up space and proving, time and again, that they belong at the top. From record-breaking chart performances of Filipino American pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo, the nation’s girl group BINI selling out the Philippine Arena to influential industry leadership, women are redefining what it means to thrive in a space that wasn’t always built for them.
And while there’s still progress to be made, women, in today’s generation, are no longer waiting for permission. Enter, G22.
Shouting “Abante Babae” with all her might, P-pop’s Female Alpha, G22 leader AJ, embodies this very movement. Together with her empowered group, she stands with fierce confidence and unapologetic energy, joining the wave of OPM women artists championing the rise of female voices in the industry. They believe that they are no longer just part of the conversation, they are the ones driving it forward.
Ready, aim, shoot!
P-pop’s female alphas—G22—earned their title less than a year into their debut. Now, three years later, they continue to live up to a name that was never just a label but a statement of intent.
For AJ, carrying the title comes with both pride and responsibility. It’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and the power of women in music. But with that recognition also comes an undeniable pressure.
“It’s a big statement—it represents strength and power,” she reflects. “Of course, there’s pressure that comes with it, but we choose to turn that pressure into motivation. After all, diamonds are made under pressure.”
And true to their name, they’ve evolved. As Alfea puts it, they’ve grown in every way—physically, mentally, emotionally. Experience has been their greatest teacher, may it be through personal challenges or lessons from their seniors in the industry. But if there’s one thing they know for sure, it’s that learning never stops.
“We’ve become more versatile,” she says, “but at the end of the day, we’ll always be female alphas.”
Of course, with that leadership and moving forward as women in music comes expectations, but for G22, pressure isn’t that much of a burden. Well, not at all as AJ sees it as a driving force, a fuel, a reason to keep pushing for greater things. Striving for top-tier quality and consistency is a promise to the “Bullets” (their fans) who have stood by them from the very beginning.
“We want our listeners to always feel rewarded for their unwavering support,” she shares. And when they meet people—regardless of gender—who tell them that their music has helped boost confidence and self-esteem, it’s a reminder of why they do what they do.
Because at the end of the day, being a female alpha is more than feeling empowered, it’s also lifting and empowering others up with them.
Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban!
“Empowered, fierce, unstoppable.” Those were the three words Jaz used to describe G22’s newest era as they dropped their latest single, “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban,” right in time for International Women’s Month.
A battle cry wrapped in bold beats and fearless energy, “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban” is all about embracing inner strength and never backing down. Jaz explains that the track was inspired by the spirit of resilience—especially fitting for Women’s Month.
“It encourages women to stand tall, be unapologetically bold, and fight for what they deserve,” she adds. A reminder that no matter what challenges come your way, you have the power to rise, take control, and own your narrative with confidence. “This anthem is a celebration of that strength and the unwavering belief that you are always ‘palaban.’”
Personally for the newest N.Cat Philippines’ faces, who have dropped bangers like “Bang,” “Boomerang,” and “One Sided Love” among others, their latest track marks a turning point—what AJ calls their “renaissance era.”
“It’s certainly different because we’re viewing this comeback as our renaissance era,” she explains. “We rebranded in a way that maintains our strong and fierce image, but this time, it’s hyper-feminine and bold.”
With the creative vision of Eldzs Mejia, G22 explores a more mature yet elegant concept, one that allows them to showcase another side of themselves. It’s still powerful, still unapologetic but now, it comes with a refined edge, pinpointing that strength and femininity can go hand in hand.
In this new era, G22 continues to carve out a space where women can be both unstoppable and unapologetically themselves, just like them.
Pinay power!
Without a doubt, empowerment has always been at the heart of G22’s music. From their hard-hitting debut to their latest anthems, they’ve consistently championed strength, resilience, and confidence. But with “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban,” the message hits even harder.
For Alfea, it’s about having the courage to stand up for what matters. “Fighting for what you think is right,” she declares.
AJ sees it as a responsibility to the courageous, historic, and heroic women who came before them. “Being palaban means upholding what our ancestors fought for—our rights, our voices, and our very existence.” It’s a continuation of a legacy that demands to be honored.
Finally, Jaz ties it all together and emphasizes the personal journey that comes with being palaban. “It means standing strong in who you are, no matter the obstacles. It’s about having the courage to keep pushing forward and never losing your voice.”
She adds that it serves as a constant reminder of their limitless potential. “No matter the challenge, we’re always ready to fight for our dreams. It’s about being proud of our strength and embracing every part of ourselves with love and confidence.”
In the real world, there are definitely spaces that weren’t always built for women. But time has shown that women are starting to claim these spaces—some break down doors, some step in with quiet determination, while others create entirely new paths of their own. No matter the approach, the message remains the same that women surely belong here.
As Alfea echoes AJ’s rallying cry of “Abante Babae” with a resounding “Laban,” the girls of G22 remind the world that being a female alpha is also about making sure the doors they break open stay open for those who follow.
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Photography by Jharwin Castaneda
Creative direction and Styling by Eldzs Mejia
Assisted by Carl Alberto and Miggs Leguera
Sittings Editor Joe Andy
Makeup by Jay Salcedo
Hair by Jay Wee
Fashion film by Ian Francisco
Assisted by Anghel Millar
Gaffer Edward Lagorta
Words and Interview by Jacob Santos
Set Design by Rocket Design Studio
Wearing @hm #HMPhilippines @ncatphilippines
Shot at Siren Studio
Special thanks to Ina Agabe; Cornerstone Entertainment
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