In an industry- and nationwide phenomenon like Pinoy pop (P-pop), where talent and star quality are at the forefront, it’s in the country’s emerging groups and solo artists that fans can find musical magic. The scene’s pioneers and hitmakers have proven it through the years. If we take a chance on Filipino singer-songwriters across all genres and avenues, our local music scene can truly rise without leaving any performers behind.
If we’re talking about new names and faces in the P-pop world, FINA is the one to watch. Everything’s coming up roses for Cia, Nala, Dalli, Eya, Anika, and Chill as they prepare for their much-awaited debut. It’ll be a breakthrough for the books that they collectively describe as unforgettable, unexpected, and in touch with their feminine energy.
Photo: FINA, Prod Axia
As early as now, FINA is already making its mark through shows, interviews, and festivals, which double as get-togethers for its growing fanbase. In February, the girls performed at multiple stops of the “Everything About My Wife” mall shows. On June 28, they partook in the 31st Fête de la Musique festival’s P-pop Stage in Araneta City. They shared the stage with 1st.One, Press Hit Play, ONX, RAYA, KAIA, YARA, and Zéla, standing their ground as a predebut group among various renowned names in P-pop.
These feats are just the beginning of FINA’s milestones as idols in the making under CreaZion Studios Artists. While we wait for their highly anticipated debut, let’s get to know FINA through their dream collaborations.
Cia Samonte
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For FINA’s leader Cia, even the tiniest acts of discipline and determination are integral to bringing a larger, more enduring goal to fruition. That’s why she’s at the helm of the group’s steady growth and eventual longevity in an industry that thrives on change. When confronted with hardships and struggles, both internally and in the group, Cia remains level-headed and true to a life of kindness as an upcoming idol. She grabs every opportunity at their disposal to let FINA shine—be it photoshoots, mall shows, predebut covers, or interviews—together and in each member’s own right.
Cia’s predebut endeavors so far have brought her closer than ever to becoming the refined leader and idol she’s working towards. She’ll always have faith in FINA’s dedication to putting their best feet forward in every undertaking, live and behind the scenes. She adds, “Kaya times ten din ‘yung effort namin, kasi alam naming may mga naghihintay sa’min at ayaw namin silang mabigo.”
Nala Chua
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FINA’s resident A’TIN Nala has gotten quite the recognition online for her magnetic cover of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” by SB19’s leader Pablo. Sure enough, she’s no stranger to the ins and outs of P-pop fandoms, and it’s only a matter of time before FINA establishes its own. In fact, Nala already feels fueled up witnessing their fans’ excitement in full swing while the group has yet to debut. “Mas nakaka-inspire to interact with our fans, especially knowing we have them by our side kahit wala pa kaming songs na nilalabas,” she shares.
Besides SB19, Nala hopes that FINA can team up with BLACKPINK and Arthur Nery for future collaborations. Much like her taste in music, she’s open to any genre under the sun. She doesn’t shy away from experimenting with the group’s own sound and looks forward to where their original songs will take them artistically.
Dalli Eugenio
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Dalli’s upbeat trajectory in the P-pop scene is one that every fangirl swears by. From dancing in K-pop cover groups and seeing her ultimate biases from concerts, she’s now forging her own path as an idol trainee. Her active involvement in idol stan culture and communities (yes, that includes a growing collection of photo cards) has helped her understand the P-pop industry’s inner workings on a deeper level—from an initial interest, to a current practice, and a future profession.
Following her avid support for groups like 2NE1, Le Sserafim, TWICE, Enhypen, Stray Kids, and NCT, Dalli is ready to blossom into a rookie idol with her FINA girls. She’s already in the midst of a full-circle moment, and she’s just getting started. As numerous fans have traveled across the metro to see the girls, Dalli has welcomed the unexpected support with open arms. Besides touring the country, Dalli hopes to perform in the UK soon to see her father again. As for their debut, the single hint she’ll give for now is akin to FINA’s trainee endeavors so far: “unexpected.”
Eya Cruz
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One thing about Eya: she can make heads turn and captivate audiences at any occasion. FINA’s multilingual queen can speak five languages—English, Filipino, Italian, and a little bit of French and German—and spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Switzerland. She finished her elementary and high school studies there before returning to the Philippines for college and training. Okay, Miss Worldwide! We see you!
Consistently attuned to her personal style and elegant aura, this certified fashionista is ready to step out of her comfort zone and channel her inner superstar onstage. When it comes to fan interactions, Eya has this this to say: “Nakaka-shock na marami palang mga taong sumusuporta sa amin. That’s a real big thing for me, na kahit isang tao man lang ‘yun, ay okay na okay na sa amin. It feels so amazing, so surreal.”
Anika Toribio
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Ever since she became a trainee, Anika has found the most fulfillment in inspiring the people around her to keep their dreams alive. While the real world’s demands can separate you from your aspirations just as easily, Anika held on to hers against all odds. She took that leap of faith, no matter how far off her idol dreams were from her original path towards becoming a doctor.
“It feels very fulfilling because we didn’t think we’d inspire a lot of people,” says Anika on interacting with fans as a trainee. “We only dream of inspiring fans and sharing our music no matter the crowd size, and we didn’t expect so many of them to actually support us and love us for who we are.” She names Billie Eilish and OPM powerhouse KZ Tandingan as her most prominent role models in music.
Chill Paloma
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No stage is too colossal to conquer for FINA’s bunso, Chill. At the tender age of 19, she’s already been waking up to a jam-packed life contrary to her name every day. With an arsenal of achievements in academics, theater, hosting, commercials, and radio broadcasting, there’s no doubt that Chill’s heart beats most ardently when surrounded by music and creative avenues that let her voice be heard. Her growth, discipline, and penchant for performing—a pursuit she and her family have been nurturing since childhood—are now uniting into the driving forces behind her trainee and idol era.
Despite her hectic, eventful schedule and chaotic “no chill” days, Chill attributes her booked and busy life to the challenges she overcame with sheer passion, talent, and commitment. She draws inspiration from the King of Pop Michael Jackson, as well as Hev Abi’s and Juan Karlos’ versatile OPM repertoires. As an idol-to-be, she excels and uplifts her fellow members, grateful for the blessing of getting to perform and make others happy every day.
She’s manifesting a nationwide tour for FINA someday (so are we!) where she’ll reunite with her whole family in Cagayan de Oro. But for now, she’s savoring the spotlight’s heartwarming and encouraging atmosphere. “Even though this has been a lifelong dream of ours and we’re trained to fulfill it professionally, our friends, fans, and families are all so accepting of us. We can still be authentic, silly, and goofy, and they’ll love us for it.”
ALSO READ: LOOK: Filipina Artists Featured In GRAMMYS’ Rising Girl Group List
Who’s your FINA bias? Are you excited for the girls’ debut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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