Music speaks louder than words, yet sometimes it’s those in between the notes that tell the most powerful story. Those sighs, those soft whistles, those lingering pauses, and those unspoken emotions—these are the moments where P-pop group Yes My Love shines, turning the quiet spaces into a heartfelt expression where emotions begin to thrive.
It’s often said that music is a universal language, capable of reaching the deepest parts of our emotions. However, what many overlook is that music is not just a universal language—it’s also a deeply contextual experience. While melodies and rhythms may resonate across cultures, like our hyperfixation on K-pop or the relatability we find in our favorite OPM hugot songs, the interpretation and emotional impact of a piece of music are often shaped by our backgrounds, memories, and personal associations.
“Songs can be our voices too,” says leader and main dancer, Niko. “Sometimes, they speak for us, especially when we’re at a loss for words.”
This sentiment rings true for the entire group, who often say “yes to love.” For these five vocally gifted members from Cornerstone Entertainment, love and music are inseparable, and it’s something they, as a P-pop group, can offer to the ever-evolving and competitive P-pop scene.
But more than that, the “Rhythm” performers are not just lover boys—they are storytellers.
Feeling the rhythm
As they celebrate the first anniversary of their 2023 debut, the experience has been nothing short of surreal for RZ, the main rapper and bunso of Yes My Love. Reflecting on his roots in the P-pop survival show Top Class, where many of the group’s members, such as Niko, Brian, and Jeff, first honed their craft and took their initial steps into the P-pop realm, RZ is filled with a mix of nostalgia and pride.
“In that span of a year, a lot of overwhelming opportunities have come to us and we also had a lot of challenges to face,” the Cebuano idol further shares. “It made us realize how brave we were in dealing with hardships life threw at us.”
This year has been a whirlwind of emotions and growth for the group. From performing on bigger stages to gaining a devoted fanbase, 143, Yes My Love has seen their dreams begin to materialize. Yet, with every success came obstacles that tested their resilience and unity. For RZ, these challenges have not only strengthened their bond as a group but also deepened their commitment to their craft.
“We’ve had to push ourselves beyond our limits, both individually and as a team,” RZ continues. “But through it all, we've learned that it’s our passion for music and our love for each other that keep us going, no matter what.”
Since their pre-debut cover of the popular contest piece “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” which earned them the title of “vocal heartstoppers,” Yes My Love has been celebrated for their impressive vocal prowess and their ability to infuse OPM classics with their own unique flair. As for Jeff, the lead vocalist, it’s always a humbling experience to be recognized as one.
Jeff declares, “The pressure pushes us to always do better and become the idols who aspire to excellence and fun in every performance.” And true enough, over the course of this one-year music journey, Yes My Love has grown significantly both as artists and as individuals. This growth is evident in how they present themselves in front of the camera and how they distinguish themselves on stage while maintaining cohesion as a group. For instance, Brian has bagged a reputation as one of the P-pop fashionistas, and Niko has been rocking the runway in various fashion shows.
When reflecting on the evolution of the group, former The Clash contestant and main vocalist Josh feels that Yes My Love has become more attuned to what they have to offer.
“Last year, we were constantly testing the waters and dealing with a lot of ‘growing pains’ as we figured out who we are as a collective,” he notes. “Not to say that we have fully figured out who we are, because we believe that as artists, we are ever-evolving.”
As the 37th Awit Awards nominees continue to evolve, they are not only shaping their careers but also setting the stage for the future of P-pop music. Their ongoing evolution has led to a distinct sound that sets them apart in the music industry. As cliché as it may sound, no one else can quite capture their signature style as authentically as they do.
The vocal heartstoppers
Turning OPM hit classics into their own unique sound is Yes My Love’s forte, and they’re once again showcasing this talent with their debut EP, You, Me, & Love.
Released under Republic Records Philippines, the EP features five carefully chosen covers of timeless OPM songs: “Laging Naroon Ka” by Jaya, “Hanggang Ngayon” by Kyla, “Gisingin Ang Puso” by Liezel Garcia, “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” by Roselle Nava, and “Ako Na Lang” by Zia Quizon.
Niko shares his gratitude for the chance to revive these classic OPM hits and introduce them to a new generation of music lovers. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to bring these five songs to life, which we believe are perfect for the You, Me, & Love EP,” he says with enthusiasm. He adds that the project aims to honor the classics while showcasing their vocal strengths: “The songs are already beautiful as they are, so we made sure to preserve their original essence while adding our own touch.”
The Bacolod-native member explains their recording approach, highlighting how they incorporated harmonies to enrich the tracks and accentuate Yes My Love’s distinctive vocal qualities. Every moment in the studio was dedicated to capturing the right emotions and staying true to the heart of each track.
“Working with Raizo and Gab was an enriching experience,” he notes, emphasizing the significance of their collaboration with producers Raizo Chabeldin and Gab Tagadtad. “Their expertise and collaborative spirit helped us bring a fresh perspective to these beloved songs while preserving their original charm.”
When asked about the message of the EP, both Niko and Josh agree that love is universal, and one of the most powerful ways to express it is through music. “Love is present in everything around us,” Niko explains. “It’s an integral part of our daily lives, even if we sometimes overlook it. For Yes My Love, our songs will always center around love in all its forms.”
Josh adds, “In today’s world, one of the most important acts of love is loving yourself. In this generation, it’s crucial to prioritize self-love in order to be able to give love to others,” and this is one of the kinds of love YML wants to forward to the rest of their listeners.
One year in, and the new era for YML is kicking off. It’s the very era that YML aims to champion with every performance on stage, inspiring more audiences through their songs. They tease, “We can’t wait for our 143 to hear the originals we’ve prepared for them.”
What YML truly stands for
As idols, standing as examples for others and radiating positive influence is a lying responsibility, even if it isn’t explicitly required. It naturally comes with the territory of being public figures. However, it’s important to remember that idols are human too—they experience emotions, make mistakes, and are not always perfect. Despite this, there is often immense pressure to maintain an impeccable image while staying true to oneself, a balance that Brian has embraced as part of his role in the group.
“I don’t idolize people because they’re perfect,” the group’s resident fashion star asserts. “I admire them for how they handle adversities and the way they tackle challenges. The biggest misconception is that people follow others solely because of their appearance. While looks can attract attention, it’s your personality and attitude towards life that truly resonate with people and make them stay.”
Brian feels this perspective reflects on his group as well—they may not be perfect, but they possess the right attitude and mindset that their fans can trust. If there’s a responsibility he feels towards content creation in today’s participatory culture, it’s about delivering fun and interactive content.
“But that’s just the icing on the cupcake for YML,” he adds. “What we really want to share is our wisdom and experiences. That’s why we started a podcast channel—to give fans a deeper understanding of who we are and what YML truly stands for.”
In this era moving forward, Josh describes their future content as “relatable, song-wise and overall-wise,” putting emphasis on their desire for their 143 to feel a stronger connection through their music. He adds, “We are heavily music-centric at the moment, dedicating a lot of time in the studio to perfect the sound that best suits us.” It’s clear that Yes My Love is committed to creating music that resonates with their audience and reflects their evolving artistic vision.
For those eager to get to know Yes My Love, Josh highly recommends starting with their song “Yayakapin,” describing it as embodying the overall Yes My Love brand. “I also love it sonically,” he chimes.
Saying “yes to love” is at the heart of YML—they consistently say yes to their fans, families, and, above all, their music, though Jeff acknowledges that there are certain boundaries. “I’d say no to love when fear and hurt outweigh the joy. Love knows sacrifice, but we must recognize when to step back if things don’t feel right,” he explains.
But as Yes My Love continues to say “yes to love” in all forms of love, they celebrate how music brings them freedom and joy. This unwavering commitment to love and authenticity will undoubtedly shine through in every note they create and every story they tell as P-pop idols, dream weavers, and passionate storytellers.
RZ concludes, “We've seen ourselves saying ‘yes to love’ through music, because it makes us feel free, and we love that sense of freedom.”
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Photography and Creative Direction: Rxandy Capinpin
Fashion Film: Ian Francisco
Film Associate: Anghel Millar
Gaffer: Edward Logarta
Styling: Ryebread
Fashion: Ercia Aguila
Hair and Make Up: Mycke Arcano
Grooming Associate: Jam Jacobe and Joy Reyes
Special thanks to Cornerstone Entertainment
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