Okay, ladies, now get in formation! Meet Cornerstone Entertainment's four-piece girl group, G22, the hottest and newest P-pop girl group in town!
Following the footsteps of their label mates VXON, who are dubbed as "The Monster Rookies of P-Pop," the girls came in waving the "girl power" flag with their debut song BANG! last February 25. Much like the title of their song, G22 is coming in hot, and they are ready to bring the femme fatale action.
As the rookie group gears up for their mission to dominate the P-pop industry, Parcinq Magazine caught up with them to find out what inspired them to become idols, what it feels like following their sibling group's footsteps, and their ultimate goal. Get to know P-pop's newest girl group, G22, below.
Get the Domination Started
G22 is made up of four uniquely outstanding Filipinas. There's Alfea, the group's lead vocalist and visual. Bianca is the group's main dancer and sub rapper. Jaz, the band's youngest member, and main vocalist. Aj is both the main rapper and leader, having joined last.
Much like every other rising P-pop group of this generation and like every origin story of a successful artist in the industry, the ladies had their fair share of obstacles, difficulties, and struggles before becoming G22. According to the group, before they made their debut, the quartet came from various fields in the industry.
Jaz was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and moved to the Philippines in 2018 to pursue a career in music. "Ever since I was a kid, I'm already a big dreamer. I've always wanted to become a role model and be in the public eye. "Jazz shared when asked why she wanted to become a P-pop idol. She then shared that when she was a little, shes very extroverted, the type who would go up on stage to sing and dance even if people didn't ask. "Before G22, I was a soloist, and that's how I got scouted," Jazz continued. "I was a very different artist then, but I really got to know myself and my music when I became a part of G22."
Visual and vocalist Alfea was a newbie in training under Cornerstone. While the Main dancer Bianca was discovered on TikTok. Bianca shared that she was a student-athlete with a 2nd Dan Black Belt under her name before becoming a part of G22. "I also used to perform in different Hip-hop competitions because my parents inspired me to compete and pushed me to experience many things. Luckily, I got scouted for G22."
"We had our own paths before G22. But now we're in the same car, headed to the same destination," said AJ, who was a former contestant of The Voice of the Philippines before joining G22. "I'm not the only one who leads. I'm thankful because we all work hard and care for each other."
Each member brings a different aura to the group: Jaz is "sultry and elegant" while Bianca is "sexy swag," AJ is "extreme swag," and Alfea is the "sweet cutie" of the gang.
Gear Up With a Bang with G22!
The name G22 references the Glock 22 pistol, which is a very reliable handgun. With their fierce and bold concept and being dubbed as "P-pop's newest caliber," it is safe to say that everything associated with the group is gun-themed. Even their fanbase is called "Bullets," — which is a perfect fit given the band's debut single is entitled Bang!.
But even with the fierce image and bold image as a group, G22 doesn't signify roughness. Rather, it refers to their power and confidence as women, artists, and Filipinas with a dream.
Their debut song, which AJ and Jazz wrote, talks about shooting down negativity and other things that hold women back. "Well, especially with BANG! In our debut single, we want to stand by the strong message of confidence and empowerment." Jazz said when asked about how the song came about. "We want every fan and listener to know that you can be an alpha in your own way. Being alpha doesn't mean you only show your strong side but rather embrace your vulnerability as well," Jazz continued. "Take it as if every time we sing 'BANG! BANG! BANG!' we are shooting you with power, invincibility, and confidence."
Recently, G22 also dropped their second single, "Babalik" which features both a fresh look and a new sound for the group. There is an emphasis on women's power and how powerful they can be just like themselves throughout the song.
They took a risk by making this sound so different from anything they've done before. G22's initial single, "BANG!" shows off their aggressive side, while their second single, "Babalik," shows off their more vulnerable side.
Aj also shared that the group will stand firm with its advocacy of empowering women through their music. "With the height of social media and our culture of online trolling and bashing, it is tough for women to find empowerment on their own. And as a group, we want to translate that message through our music because every one of us is our own version of a female alpha."
Guns A-blazing and Taking Shots
The group has only been out and about on stage for a short period of time, but as they continue to work hard and perfect their art, they are sure to solidify their name as one of the most exciting new acts in the game. Even CS Entertainment vice president Jeff Vadillo called G22 "exciting and cutting edge."
G22 has already made a great impression on P-Pop fans, and they are not showing any signs of stopping yet. Their music video has already garnered 707,864 views and over 6k comments as of writing. While "Babalik" is currently featured on Spotify's playlists P-Pop On The Rise and New Music Friday Philippines.
"To be part of G22 is a big responsibility," Aj said. "It's not only providing people with good music, good hair and make-up, but also being an inspiration to others. That's why we are here because our idols inspired us, and we want that cycle to continue along with the girls, fans, and everyone who will watch us."
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Cover Story by Mark Baccay
Photography & Creative Direction by Rxandy Capinpin
Art Direction by Joe Andy
Styling by New Collective Style
Hair by Jay Wee
MakeUp by Marben Talanay & Janina Dizon
Special Thanks to Cornerstone Entertainment & Ina Agabe
Hi, I think you got their positions mixed up. Bianca is the main dancer and sub-rapper, Jaz is the main vocalist, Alfea is the visual and lead vocalist, AJ is the leader and main rapper.