VXON: Built by One Vision, Defined by Authenticity
There is a certain expectation that comes with being called the “Monsters of P-pop.” The title conjures images of explosive performances, commanding stage presence, and an almost untouchable confidence. And VXON delivers exactly that whenever they step onto a stage.
But behind their intense image and explosive performances is the heart of a shared vision. Formed by five individuals with different strengths, personalities, and creative voices, VXON has spent years transforming uncertainty into brotherhood, experimentation into the sound they now call Kalye Pop, and personal experiences into music that reflects who they truly are.
BUILT AS ONE
For a group that is known for their beast-like performance, VXON speaks surprisingly often about vulnerability. Their conversations are filled with words like trust, faith, authenticity, and growth. Beneath the sharp choreography and commanding stage presence is a group that understands that strength is not about standing above everyone else; it’s about standing beside one another.
"Lima kami pero , it makes us one unit." — Franz
When VXON debuted, the group was still discovering itself. There was uncertainty, and there was the natural process of learning how five different personalities could move as one. C13, leader of the group, recalls that when the group first came together, there was a period where they were still learning each other’s personalities, understanding each other’s habits, and discovering how to move forward together. Over time, however, the hesitation faded. What replaced it was a sense of brotherhood that continues to define them today.
"Lini-lift namin yung isa't isa para iisa kami na magmo-move forward. Walang maiiwan and lahat-lahat sama-sama kami." — C13
BUILT AS ONE
For a group that is known for their beast-like performance, VXON speaks surprisingly often about vulnerability. Their conversations are filled with words like trust, faith, authenticity, and growth. Beneath the sharp choreography and commanding stage presence is a group that understands that strength is not about standing above everyone else; it’s about standing beside one another.
"Lima kami pero , it makes us one unit." — Franz
When VXON debuted, the group was still discovering itself. There was uncertainty, and there was the natural process of learning how five different personalities could move as one. C13, leader of the group, recalls that when the group first came together, there was a period where they were still learning each other’s personalities, understanding each other’s habits, and discovering how to move forward together. Over time, however, the hesitation faded. What replaced it was a sense of brotherhood that continues to define them today.
"Lini-lift namin yung isa't isa para iisa kami na magmo-move forward. Walang maiiwan and lahat-lahat sama-sama kami." — C13
THE BIRTH OF KALYE POP
The same growth can be observed in their music.
Before finding their sound that fans now can recognize as VXON, they also spent time searching for the version of themselves that feels authentic. The search eventually led them to a sound that’s become their brand, which they proudly call kalye pop.
This quickly becomes an identity they embody. It reflects the stories, experiences, and realities that feel familiar to everyday Filipinos. It’s music rooted in authenticity.
As the group’s in-house songwriter, composer, and producer, Franz plays a major role in shaping their sound. When creating music, he carefully considers the strengths of each member and how their voices can best serve the story of a song.
The songs he creates are thoughtfully crafted to highlight each member’s skills while remaining grounded in real-life experiences. Themes of heartbreak, ambition, betrayal, and personal growth often find their way into the group’s music. Authenticity is at the heart of their artistry. The group uses music almost like a diary, transforming personal experiences and emotions into stories that resonate deeply with listeners. Through the platform they have, they aim to create songs that not only reflect who they are as artists but also connect with people on a meaningful level.
"So whenever I write songs for VXON, talagang tine-take into consideration ko na dapat mas tunog kalye, mas mapapakinggan ng general public, mas makaka-relate sila, mas makaka-connect sila doon sa sound and even doon sa lyrics." — Franz
One example of this authenticity can be found in their song SSP (Saksak sa Puso). For Franz, the track became an outlet for emotions that were difficult to express elsewhere, allowing him to channel feelings of hurt, frustration, and betrayal into music. Through songwriting, he transformed personal pain into a story listeners could relate to.
Among his favorite lines is “Saksak sa puso, tulo ang dugo,” a lyric that vividly captures the sting of betrayal. Beyond its emotional weight, the phrase also draws from a familiar piece of Filipino childhood culture that many Filipino kids grew up playing. By weaving this nostalgic reference into the song, Franz creates a striking contrast between innocence and heartbreak, turning a simple childhood memory into a powerful metaphor for emotional wounds.
Even their perspective on P-pop sound reflects this openness. As a group made up of individuals with different influences, strengths, and artistic perspectives, VXON rejects the idea that P-pop should fit into a single definition. For them, P-pop is not confined to one sound, one influence, or one formula. Instead, it is a diverse and ever-evolving space where artists are free to express themselves in their own way.
Each member emphasized how authenticity remains at the core of the genre. They believe that P-pop should not be limited by expectations of how it ought to sound. As the genre continues to grow, so does its capacity to embrace different musical styles, inspirations, and creative approaches. What matters most is the honesty of the artist creating it.
For VXON, a song becomes P-pop not because of a specific sound, but because it carries the experiences, stories, and emotions of Filipino artists. Whether inspired by local or global influences, the music remains rooted in Filipino identity. At its core, P-pop is the voice of Filipino artists pouring their feelings, culture, and lived experiences into every performance and every song.
“We can proudly say na kapag nakikinig ka ng P-Pop, ramdam mo talaga yung puso ng isang Pinoy na kumakanta at pine-perform yung song na yon. So that's what makes P-Pop, P-Pop.” — C13
THE MEN BEHIND THE MONSTERS
Their commitment to authenticity goes beyond the music they release, as it is reflected in each member’s personal journey. Behind the “Monsters of P-pop” image are five individuals whose stories reveal a deeper understanding of discipline, vulnerability, and growth.
On stage, C13 embodies the fierce energy synonymous with VXON. Always ready to perform and give his all, he commands attention with the intensity expected from one of the Monsters of P-pop. Offstage, however, behind the powerful persona is a softer side. He describes himself as naturally shy, a contrast that many fans may not expect.
Yet, as the group’s leader, C13 willingly shoulders the responsibility for guiding the team forward. He pushes the group to continuously evolve, making sure that every member feels supported and that no one is left behind. He admits that there are moments when he blames himself for the group’s shortcomings, often taking the weight of challenges personally. But that sense of accountability is also what defines his leadership.
Sam brings a different kind of strength to VXON as he is fueled by confidence and power. The energy he brings on stage is often explosive, helping define the powerful presence that has become synonymous with the group. But according to Sam, confidence is not something that simply comes naturally; it is a conscious choice. He believes that potential can only go so far without self-belief, and that confidence is what allows an artist to fully express what they are capable of.
“Ang mindset ko lang talaga is to be confident, kasi kapag hindi ka confident, masusuffer na agad 'yung potensyal mo sa isang bagay. “ — Sam
On stage, he fully embodies the beast-like energy associated with VXON, channeling every emotion into his performance and giving everything he has in every moment. Yet behind that powerful image are moments of vulnerability. Sam openly admits that there are times when missing his family affects him, making it difficult to completely embody the energy he is expected to bring. During those moments, he turns to prayer, finding peace and reassurance through his faith. It is this faith that helps him refocus, overcome distractions, and step back onto the stage with renewed energy, channeling personal emotions into the powerful performances that audiences have come to know and love.
For Vince, on the other hand, confidence was something he built through the community VXON created. Naturally introverted, he admits it was never easy for him to connect with people, especially those he was meeting for the first time. Over time, however, he credits his fellow members for helping him grow into a more confident performer and individual.
Within the group, energy is constantly exchanged, strengths are shared, weaknesses are supported, and each member plays a role in helping the others improve. For Vince, being part of VXON also strengthened his faith and sense of stability, reassuring him that he is never alone in facing the challenges of the entertainment industry. Beyond performance, he draws inspiration from personal experiences, using them as creative fuel that shapes how he approaches his artistry.
“You need to be stronger. And we're here for each other. Like pillars kami ng bawat isa.” — Vince
For Patrick, the group’s main dancer, excellence is built through consistency. Behind every VXON performance is a long process of training, conditioning, and discipline. A work that audiences rarely see but always translate into their stage presence. Every movement on stage is a result of repetition, patience, and the willingness to improve even in small details.
Showing that being a “monster” is not just about intensity or power, but about discipline and the courage to evolve every time they step on stage. He shares that training is not only about perfecting choreography, but also about building stamina and stability so the group can perform at their best without breaking down physically or mentally.
And Franz, as VXON’s creative force in songwriting and production, continues to draw from personal experiences and collective moments within the group to shape their music. Each song becomes a reflection of who they are, not just as individual artists, but as a unified group sharing one journey.
Together, they form the heart behind the monster.
THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF VXON
Despite everything they have achieved so far, VXON continues to look forward, always searching for bigger stages to conquer. From major Philippine festivals like Aurora Music Festival and UP Fair to global dreams such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Summer Sonic, their ambition stretches far.
Yet what excites the group most is not simply performing on larger stages, but the evolution they are willing to offer with each step forward. As they prepare for their upcoming concert, KALAWAKAN: The Evolution on June 27, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater, VXON promises a show that goes beyond spectacle and focuses more on identity, emotion, and connection. This time, fans can expect performances that highlight more individuality, deeper vulnerability, and a closer look at their most authentic selves. Offering a side of the “Monsters of P-pop” that is more personal than ever before.
The group promises that the concert will feature solo stages that are more rooted in who each member truly is. These performances are designed to showcase their individual strengths while also revealing aspects of their artistry that fans have not seen before.
ONE VISION
From their story, one lesson stands out clearly: what defines VXON is not just their music or their performances, but the belief that growth requires faith in oneself, in one’s dreams, and in the people you choose to grow with.
“Don’t give up.” — C13
The path toward success, as they share, is never a straight road. It requires knowing what you want, having a clear direction, and holding onto that vision even when challenges arise.
Always know what you want,” — Franz
But beyond ambition, VXON emphasizes something just as important: authenticity. In a space where comparison is constant, they remind themselves to stay grounded in who they are, to understand their own strengths, and to express themselves without imitation.
“Be authentic… hanapin mo kung ano ka ba talaga.” — Sam
VXON’s journey is not only about reaching bigger stages, but about becoming more of who they already are together, with one vision leading the way.
CORNERSTONE’S TEAM
VXON TEAM:
STYLIST:
Uriel Matthew (@urielmatthew)
Styling Team: @ooksean @carlopabiloniaa @russel.yao
Accessories: @chainsxfashion
HMUA:
Aron Guevarra
CORNERSTONE ENTERTAINMENT:
Ad and Promo Specialist
Jonald Helito
Handler and RM:
Tin Calawod
Frances Echano
Executives:
Erickson Raymundo
Jeffrey Vadillo
Caress Caballero
COLLABORATORS
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Frances “Chini” Reyes
CREATIVE DIRECTION:
Devon May Seron
EDITED BY:
Sachii Del Mundo
COVER STORY BY:
Hailie Jade Cruz
Food and Beverage
Graze Yourself
Sol Cafe | Owner: Edsel Santiago
Clever Brews | Owner: Carl Tayer
Behind-the-Scenes:
Snap Collective
Sachii Del Mundo
Redd Ubaldo
Studio:
Co Create Studios
THE PIPOL TEAM
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
Hailie Jade Cruz
Hailie is a writer who enjoys all things pop culture and entertainment, bringing this passion into writing heartfelt stories that resonate with people and today’s generation. Her work centers on heartfelt storytelling that celebrates the moments, people, and passions that inspire her.
