P-Pop girl group G22—composed of AJ Yape, Alfea Zuluetra, and Jaz Henry—recently fulfilled one of their biggest dreams: performing alongside their idols, 2NE1's Sandara "Dara" Park and SB19 in one night.
The event took place on August 4, 2024, as part of Acer Day 2024, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
G22 had the honor of being Dara's special guests during her performance of the iconic song "In or Out."
The excitement continued when G22 collaborated with SB19, the "Kings of P-Pop," on the electrifying track "Limitless."
Read: Sandara Park hopes for Manila stop of 2NE1 reunion tour
The following day, on August 5, 2024, G22 held a press conference at Conrad Manila. During the event, the members expressed their overwhelming gratitude and joy.
Jaz said, "It was a dream. We couldn't believe na nasa stage na kami after the rehearsals and the prayers and all of this.
"We're truly grateful to ACER for making this happen. Definitely one for the books for G22 and our journey."
For her part, AJ was just thrilled that she got to perform with a K-Pop icon.
She said, "Sobrang iconic nung 'In or Out' tapos na-perform namin with Ate Sandara.
"Never in my young AJ mind would I have imagined na ma-perform ko yun with Ate Sandara kaya grabe po talaga yung experience."
But beyond enjoying the experience, G22 also saw this as a valuable learning opportunity.
AJ said, "Grabe po yun e kasi we're not just there for the collaboration but we're also there para may matutunan... We learned a lot from these artists, their work ethics, how they performed and how they are as artists.
G22: ON THE RISE
G22 has been reaching new career heights in 2024.
Aside from sharing the stage with Dara and SB19, the group delivered a stunning performance on the Chinese reality talent program, Show It All, in May 2024.
Read: P-pop girl group G22 reaps accolades after China gig
However, with their continuous rise in the industry, one might wonder: how are they managing the pressure?
AJ answered, "Well, there's always been pressure kasi we want to be better than yesterday. And G22 will always strive for excellence. That's why every day, we'll pressure ourselves to train."
Echoing AJ, Alfea mentioned that she channels this pressure as a source of motivation.
She said, "Itu-turn namin yung pressure na yun into something na magda-drive sa amin to much more heights."
It's important to note that G22's success wasn't achieved overnight. Since their debut in 2022, they have diligently worked to reach where they are today.
And for Jaz, this is a crucial part of their journey.
Jaz explained, "I think, everything in life, you have to wait for the perfect timing. God's perfect timing. But it's gonna be worth the wait.
"And I think, part of it is the wait. That's where the growth happens. That's where the passion grows. That's where the fire burns. In that wait.
"So, lahat ng mga bagay-bagay sa buhay namin, including our passion for this career. It grows in that way."
G22: P-POP RISE!
Two years into their career, G22's goal remains steadfast: to elevate P-Pop.
United in this mission, the group wholeheartedly supports sharing the limelight with other P-Pop acts. AJ, in particular, hopes fans will avoid engaging in comparisons.
AJ said, "Hopefully, we don't engage to you know, compare and comparison because we only have one goal.
"One objective is to, you know, i-angat ang P-Pop pati i-angat ang OPM.
"So, kung pare-parehas tayo ng goal, i-angat natin sa sarili natin sabay-sabay. Rather than pulling each other down."
Jaz agreed, adding, "There's always space at the top."
G22 also emphasized that their group's mission is more about inspiring than competing.
AJ told the press, "Sa Boomerang, [I have a line], 'This is not a competition but a revolution.' P-Pop is a revolution, not a competition.
"Kasi isa lang tayo ng goal... na umangat ang P-Pop. At competition man... friendly competition na walang dina-drag pababa ang isa't isa."
Jaz added that they choose to inspire both their audience and fellow P-Pop groups, appreciating the community's success and growth.
In her words, "And if you had to answer your question, if you had to compete or inspire, I'd say, inspire not only our audience but each other.
"We get inspired by other P-Pop groups. Their success, their amazing capabilities in music and their releases.
"So, it's great to be a part of this small community that's growing and making waves. And thank you for making that happen."
Regarding fans who engage in negativity and fan wars, G22 wishes for them to stop and instead spread kindness.
Alfea said, "Maybe learn things in life na you have to just look at a positive side."
Jaz added, "I think let's widen our minds. To all the fans that engage in fan wars, we know where your heart lies because people who love someone defend people.
"So we know where it comes from and we truly love you and are grateful for you.
"But to all our fans, please do spread kindness and be think before your tweet and always always always try to understand each other."
AJ ended, "Kung babatuhin ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay pagbalik."
G22: NEW MUSIC COMING UP!
Meanwhile, G22 shared some exciting news for their fans, revealing that they are already having meetings for a new album.
AJ teased, "Abangan. Pero po, nagmi-meeting na po... for sure yan. Hindi siya impossible sa future. Pero for sure, G22 will release an EP and album very, very soon."
While the group is best known for their girl power-themed songs, AJ added that they will continue to explore new genres with their music.
She told the press, "Si G22 po kasi palagi kami nag-explore. We want to show our versatility as artists and also, isa rin yun sa message namin na girl power is a wide spectrum.
"It's not always maangas, not always heavy. Not always pasugod. It can be chill. It can be versatile. It can be vulnerable, sad, ganoon.
Will they be featuring collaborations with new artists in their upcoming album?
AJ remained tight-lipped but mentioned that they have been in talks with other OPM artists.
"Well, we don't wanna spoil but we've been... we've been having meetings," AJ said.
"And there's a lot of artists reaching out to us and we're also reaching out to them to collaborate on different songs.
"So, yeah. Abangan na lang po yun."
Who are the artists they dream of collaborating with?
Alfea answered, "Matagal pa na po silang gustong-gustong maka-collab. Ben & Ben po. They're a very good artist. Very good band."
Jaz wishes to have a song with Yeng Constantino.
She said, "Ako po siguro ate Yeng Constantino. One of my OGs."
Meanwhile, AJ was interested in doing a song with a fast-rising singer Dionela, "For me, Tim Dionela, yung kumanta ng Sining."
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