G22, VXON, Yes My Love, AJAA – CROSSED PATHS: Four Forces. Shared Purpose
Truth be told, P-Pop has never looked more diverse. From its emergence, it successfully penetrated the playlist of every Filipino music lover. But the success of P-Pop did not happen overnight.
A few artists who tried to enter or dominate the P-Pop world weren’t able to withstand the pressure and the demand to continue, or even to make a name that would truly stand out. But along with the constant change of the industry, P-Pop has changed too.
Today’s generation of artists is proving that there is no one blueprint for becoming a standout act in the P-Pop world. For some, a group may lead with power, while others, it may lead with emotion. A few can shine through youthful energy, while others lean into refinement and timeless appeal.
Despite the differences of every P-Pop group, these four power players in the industry, G22, VXON, Yes My Love (YML), and AJAA share something in common: they have all met and arrived at a point where they know exactly who they are.
Their journey to becoming who and where they are right now wasn’t immediate. It took countless experiments, growing pains, self-discovery, and trust for them to get here. And today, each of them stands firmly in their own identity, representing the many faces of modern P-Pop.
And as P-Pop continues, Ad and Promo Specialist Jonald Helito of Cornerstone Entertainment sees the current moment as an opportunity not only to develop its artists individually, but to contribute to the movement as a whole.
With G22’s upcoming concert ‘The Dissection of Eve,’ VXON’s Pasakalye era, and exciting releases from AJAA and Yes My Love, the goal is to continuously expand what Filipino pop music can offer to everyone. He also wishes the groups to be globally recognized in the future.
“I'm looking [forward] na mas makilala pa ang lahat ng P-POP groups ng Cornerstone hindi lang siya dito sa P-POP community, but also sa buong bansa and to the international stage. [That would] be a good representation of good Filipino talent,” Jonald shared.
FINDING THEIR VOICE
Before an artist can command a stage, they must first understand who they are when the spotlight fades.
For many P-Pop groups, that journey involves experimentation. From trying different sounds and concepts to executing performances until something finally clicks. That’s exactly how VXON and Yes My Love’s journey went.
Since their debut, VXON has continuously evolved their music, exploring various genres before eventually finding a sound that felt unmistakably theirs.
Today, the 5-piece boy group proudly carries the banner of Kalye Pop, a style that reflects both their musical identity and the stories they want to tell.
“From the past 2 years talagang na-figure out na namin kung ano talaga ‘yung gusto naming sound… Right now sobrang mas na-enjoy namin to perform our new songs, our new sound, and mas comfortable kami and feel namin na ito na yon,” Franz shares.
That authenticity extends beyond music. According to VXON, their strength lies in how each member contributes something unique to the group. Whether it’s performance, rap, stage presence, or personality, their individual strengths have become the foundation of their collective identity.
Similarly, Yes My Love found clarity by returning to what has always been at the heart of their artistry: emotion.
Known for their powerful vocals, the group has gradually shifted toward a sound that embraces soulful melodies, emotional storytelling, and the distinctly Filipino love for heartfelt ballads.
“[For us] We have to go back to the roots of being Filipino. Filipino [is known to be na] mahilig tayo sa mga ballad and I think that's where that evolution came from,” Joshua reflects.
Joshua adds, “We were rocking our brains kasi na parang how do you we make a mark as Yes My Love kasi syempre the pop scene has just been crazy good in the best way possible… as a group also you need to find something that not only will set you apart but sort of like your dish, and something that feels authentic rin talaga.”
For YML, the answer wasn’t simply about standing out. It was about creating music with genuine emotional weight.
When asked what they hope people feel when they listen to their music, the group didn’t limit themselves to a single emotion. Instead, they hope their fans experience the full spectrum of joy, longing, comfort, excitement, and everything in between.
Because for Joshua, there’s power and emotion, and people often think emotion means sadness alone, but in reality, there’s happiness too.
“When we look into things na gusto naming i-release, laging may puso.”
In an industry that often rewards constant reinvention, both VXON and Yes My Love prove that sometimes, the biggest breakthrough comes from simply becoming yourself.
STRENGTH BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT
While the first 2 groups value authenticity, G22, on the other hand, values and embraces their vulnerability while being known as P-Pop’s Alpha.
For the trio, being a “female alpha” also means embracing insecurities and difficult days.
“Being a female alpha is also loving your side na mahina. Also accepting your side na meron ka ring times na you’re gonna be not ok. Which is really normal sa ating lahat. We should embrace it. And not let it affect us” AJ shares.
That perspective alone has shaped not only their image, but also their bond as a group.
Looking back at G22’s journey, Alfea shared that they have built a sisterhood grounded in trust, honesty, and mutual support.
“I think what changed talaga ay yung pagkatibay ng sisterhood namin off and on camera,” Alfea admits.
Rather than hiding behind their struggles, the group embraces them, proving that true strength isn’t about being invincible, but about showing up authentically.
THE LIGHT THEY CARRY
Being known for their bright, youthful, and vibrant energy, AJAA also stands out because of the light that they carry with them.
When asked what kind of light they would be in a dark room, all four boys answered differently. For Axl, it would be neon because for him,
“meron kaming ilaw na unique tapos at the same time makinang.”
Ash answered, “Soft glow. Kasi ‘di ba nga yung [theme] natin is parang bumabalik sa dati. so parang reminisce.”
Alex also shared, “Spotlight, kasi I feel like the spotlight is in our hands.”
JC answered last. For him, AJAA would be sunrise, “kasi we’re rising up.”
Altogether, their answers reflect a group defined by individuality, ambition, and optimism. Whether it’s standing out, embracing nostalgia, stepping into opportunities, or continuing to be, each of them is bringing a different energy to AJAA’s identity.
Yet behind the bright performances are also stories audiences don’t always see.
“Meron ding mga dark days… parang it's a good thing [din naman] kasi gusto namin makita siya ng tao kasi parang gusto namin malaman din nila na [we’re] human beings as well na nagkakamali [at] nagkakaroon ng pinagdaraanan, [at] nagpatuloy din kami,” Axl shares.
Perhaps that’s what makes their light shine brighter. It’s that moment they choose to rise above the darkness surrounding them.
WHAT HOLDS THEM TOGETHER
G22, VXON, Yes My Love (YML), and AJAA each bring something distinct to today’s P-Pop landscape. One group found its voice through Kalye Pop, another through emotional storytelling, while others champion strength, individuality, and growth.
Despite their differences, all four groups share one thing: connection.
For G22, it’s sisterhood. For VXON, it’s the balance of individual strengths. For Yes My Love, it’s leading with heart, while for AJAA, it’s growing through shared experiences.
Their journey may look different, but each of them understands that success isn’t built alone. Behind every performance and milestone are relationships that shape who they become.
They aren’t connected by similarity, but by a shared commitment to becoming the most authentic versions of themselves in a world that constantly changes them.
CORNERSTONE’S TEAM
G22 TEAM
HMUA: Jay Salcedo @jaysalcedo_
Stylist: @eldzsmejia
Styling team: @eldzstyles @miggsnificent @beahilado_ @nikkomiguell
Pink Jersey Ensemble: @ajjavierph
Ina Agabe
Pauline Ponayo
VXON TEAM
Stylist: Uriel Matthew @urielmatthew
Styling Team: @ooksean @carlopabiloniaa @russel.yao
Accessories: @chainsxfashion
Tin Calawod
Frances Echano
DENIM OUTFIT 1st Layout – VXON: @eastlanestudios
MUA: Aron Guevarra
YML TEAM
Stylist: Alvin Belmonte @alvinbelmonts and @bhvrstyling
Ina Agabe
Pauline Ponayo
AJAA TEAM
Stylist: Uriel Matthew @urielmatthew
Styling Team: @ooksean @carlopabiloniaa @russel.yao
Accessories: @chainsxfashion
Tin Calawod
Frances Echano
John Belga @makeupxjohnb
Bryle Palmo @maquillage_by_brillo.o
Ronald Magsino @iamronaldmagsino
Ad and Promo Specialist
Jonald Helito
Cornerstone Entertainment
Erickson Raymundo
Jeffrey Vadillo
Caress Caballero
Photographers:
Ian Nikko Manalo @nost.editorial
Frances Reyes (Chini) @chinigangnahipon, @byfrancesreyes, and @thirddraftco
Laureen Ray Lim (Hershey) @hersheyshoots
Edited by:
Ian Nikko Manalo @nost.editorial
John Belga
Sachi Del Mundo
Behind-the-Scenes:
Snap Collective @the.snap.collective
Sachii Del Mundo @sachiidelmundo
Redd Ubaldo
Food and Beverage
Graze Yourself @grazeyourself_
Sol Cafe @solcoffeecartmnl
Special thanks to Edsel Santiago
Clever Brews @cleverbrews
Special thanks to Carl Tyler
Studio
Co Create Studios @cocreatestudios.mnl
THE PIPOL TEAM
COVER STORY BY: Bea Ulibarri
Publisher: Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica
Creative Director: Devon May Seron
Communications & Partnership Manager: Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna
AUTHORS
Bea Ulibarri
Bea is a creative writer who starts her mornings with the news and ends most of her days with music. Beyond deadlines and drafts, she creates content that connects and sometimes makes people laugh when they need it most.
