If there’s anything our favorite Pinoy pop (P-pop) girl groups do best, it’s chase their dreams like it’s no one else’s business.
The roads to stardom and success—no matter how we define them—are never a walk in the park, especially for women in a fast-paced and highly competitive work environment like P-pop. These Filipinas’ unwavering passion and talent may shine onstage, but constant judgment, criticism, and pressure from the public eye still lie beyond the spotlight. And as negativity inevitably brews among P-pop communities and fandoms, it becomes increasingly difficult for the idols we admire to earn recognition for their craft.
Photo: KAIA, FINA/X
These female P-pop stars, however, have their hearts set on rising above the hatred and noise. As performers, storytellers, and women before anything, they’ve fearlessly made their mark on the scene with music that inspires, empowers, and uplifts their fellow Filipinas from all walks of life. They aren’t afraid to speak up and use their platforms, either, on social issues and helpful causes that are close to their hearts.
As P-pop continues to break boundaries locally and internationally, these stellar girl groups are here to remind us that Filipinas will always have a place in music. Women’s voices, perspectives, and stories have continuously shaped artistic outlets and movements across generations, and they’ll still do so in the years to come.
If you want to do your part in supporting and honoring Filipino music this National Women’s Month, you can start by giving these ten P-pop “girl power” anthems a listen:
“Bikini” – BINI
The “Nation’s Girl Group” made a splash last year with “Bikini,” a sizzling hot single from their latest EP, FLAMES. This short and sweet track will give anyone an instant confidence boost as BINI owns their feminine energy and sings about being unapologetically happy in their own skin.
“Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban” – G22
Filipinas are capable of anything they put their hearts into, and G22 is no exception. “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban,” the group’s breakthrough single, dynamically showcases how women’s rights and empowerment in the country have evolved throughout history.
“You Did It” – KAIA
Versatility is a key element of KAIA’s discography, and “You Did It” can attest to that. Compared to the group’s bright, bubblegum pop sound, this edgier switch-up explores the conceptual side to their music while shutting down any negativity that comes their way.
“Don’t Ask Me Why” – DNA
Julia, Tasha, and Ezri Mitra of DNA are earning their stripes as a P-pop trio with a growing discography that highlights their lifelong dreams and sisterhood. Their self-penned debut single, “Don’t Ask Me Why,” puts their individuality front and center, and we can’t wait to see more of it along the way.
“Paramdam” – FINA
FINA’s debut single, “Paramdam,” brings gracefulness and elegance to the P-pop scene with a conceptual twist. The magical song and music video follow the girls portraying various mythical beings that draw inspiration from Philippine folklore.
“Thirsty” – FINIX
If there’s anything “Thirsty” wants you to remember, it’s that FINIX isn’t here to mess around. The seven-member girl group took a major risk with this heavy-hitting single, and it definitely paid off in more ways than one. FINIX has quickly become a new addition to P-pop’s diverse catalogue, and we’re stoked to see what other tricks the girls have up their sleeves in their future releases.
“Diva Diba” – RAYA
RAYA strutted into the world of P-pop with unparalleled vibrance and confidence that continues to shine through their music and acting roles. In “Diva Diba,” we join the “nine gems of P-pop” in channeling our inner queens and taking action towards the love we deserve.
“Baduy” – VVINK, DJ Love, and Pio Balbuena
VVINK has taken “Pinoy pride” to the next level with “Baduy,” an upbeat burst of positive energy about staying true to our Filipino roots. The song’s addictive beat, meaningful verses, and trendy choreography made it one of the most memorable P-pop tracks from last year.
“Chicka-chick-a” – YGIG
The party never stops with the members of YGIG, who have welcomed a new era of opportunities with one of their recent comeback singles, “Chicka-chick-a.” This song is a go-to for all the ladies who want to let loose, have fun on their own terms, and dance like nobody’s watching.
“LMK (Let Me Know)” – CALISTA
P-pop girl groups have given us numerous portrayals of love through their music. In CALISTA’s case, this means taking a chance on your feelings with nothing left unsaid, which the group explores thoroughly in “LMK (Let Me Know).” This R&B-infused track reassures us that there’s no harm in letting our emotions take center stage, especially towards the people we admire in secret.
ALSO READ: Start the Month of March on a Positive Note With These 6 New OPM Songs
What are your favorite P-pop girl group songs? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
