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AJAA: Game Start – The New Gen of P-Pop
There is an unmistakable brightness that follows AJAA wherever they go. It echoes through their bubblegum pop sound, their playful chemistry, and the infectious energy they bring to every performance.
But spend a few moments with JC, Axl, Ash, and Alex, and it becomes clear that their optimism isn’t something they merely perform. It is something they intentionally choose, allowing their own light to shine in a way that uplifts and reaches the listeners of their songs.
In an industry where perfection is often expected and pressure comes with every stage, AJAA has built its identity around something refreshingly simple: lifting people up and bringing smiles to every Filipinos faces.
THE AJAA SPIRIT
AJAA takes its name from the initials of its members—Ash, JC, Axl, and Alex. Together they are four young dreamers whose individual stories, personalities, and aspirations come together to form a light brighter than any one of them could shine alone.
Their name carries another meaning as well. Borrowed from the Korean expression “Aja!” a familiar cheer that means “Let’s go!” or “Keep going!,” it embodies perseverance, encouragement, and the determination to move forward despite challenges. It is a spirit the group has embraced from the very beginning, not only in how they pursue their own dreams, but also in how they hope to inspire others.
Their music is built on Filipino positivity, but more than a branding, it is a mindset that guides how they work together, overcome challenges, and connect with listeners.
FACES BEHIND THE LIGHT
That spirit does not only extend outward to their audience. It is first nurtured within the group, where they learn to pass energy to one another. For someone carrying the responsibility of leading a group and known to have so much energy especially on stage, JC is surprisingly honest about the moments when motivation runs low.
Instead of presenting himself as the unwavering source of strength, he admits that there are days when he feels like the least motivated member. Yet, that honestly reveals something about the quadro, their energy has never belonged to just one person. AJAA relies on each other before performances, building it together through playful noise, movement, and lighthearted interaction. This shared routine helps them loosen up and shift their mindset from pressure to enjoyment. By the time they step on stage, the focus on experiencing the moment together, with the hope that the audience can feel that same sense of genuine enjoyment.
“Every performance namin, like nag-aano talaga kami, nagingay na, nilo-loosen up na namin, nage-energetic na kami, gano ganyan, nagpapasahan ng energy para kapag nasa stage na kami, nag-e-enjoy na lang kami, makita na lang ng mga hannies na ayun, ini-enjoy na lang namin yung moments” - JC
That same collaborative spirit extends beyond the stage. While JC naturally focuses on choreography, he doesn’t see leadership as having to oversee everything. Instead, each member steps into the role where they are strongest, trusting one another to elevate the group’s overall performance.
Axl describes that process as one built on openness. Whether it’s refining harmonies or pointing out mistakes during rehearsals, everyone is encouraged to speak up because improvement is a shared responsibility, never an individual burden. That same mindset carries into the recording booth, where technical precision is only one part of the process.
For Axl, the emotion behind every song matters just as much. The group even has a simple piece of advice they constantly remind one another of: smile while recording. They believe that joy can be heard in their voices, allowing the warmth and positivity they hope to share to naturally translate into their music. It is a surprisingly simple philosophy, yet one that perfectly captures AJAA’s approach to making music.
Their sense of encouragement extends beyond the studio and into each member’s personal journey.
Ash’s journey has been one of quiet transformation. Before debut, he was passionate about dancing but struggled with stage fright and often compared himself to more experienced performers. Instead of facing those insecurities alone, he found encouragement within the group. Opening up how JC’s impeccable dancing skills has further help him feel more motivated to improve as a performer.
That support gradually replaced fear with confidence. Today, every performance stands as a reflection not only of his hard work but also of the environment AJAA has built: one where growth matters more than comparison.
Within that same space of support, the youngest member Alex continues to find his voice.
s the youngest member, Alex brings a fearless optimism that perfectly reflects the group’s message. He credits AJAA for creating a space where he never felt overlooked because of his age. Being encouraged to speak freely strengthened his confidence, allowing him to embrace the dream he has carried since childhood.
What sets him apart is not just his energy on stage, but his unwavering belief that he was meant to be on the stage. Long before debut, he already held on to the idea that this path was his, even when it existed only in imagination. That belief became his anchor through uncertainty and preparation, shaping the way he approached every challenge.
"Your dreams will not come true if you do not believe in it." - Alex
Though their stories are different, they all point toward the same truth. AJAA’s greatest strength isn’t found in flawless performances or synchronized choreography. It is in four young artists who choose to be each other’s light, even in moments when their own glow feels uncertain.
A BRIGHTER CHAPTER AHEAD
It is that same light that AJAA now hopes to bring beyond themselves. As their journey continues to unfold, the group remains committed to turning their shared optimism into something their audience can experience firsthand. With their exciting new projects on the horizon, AJAA is ready to take the next step—not only as performers, but as artists determined to spread the Filipino positivity that has become the heart of their identity.
AJAA will hold their debut solo concert, titled “Game Start: The First Concert,” on August 9, 2026, at the SM City North EDSA Skydome.
For the members, the concert is more than a live performance. It is a celebration of the journey they have shared as a complete group and an opportunity to give back to their supporters, Hannies who have supported them every step of the way.
Fans can also look forward to an unforgettable experience where they can feel AJAA’s energy up close, as the group brings their signature brightness and youthful performance to the stage. More than just a milestone, the concert is also seen as a starting point for greater opportunities ahead, opening doors for even more growth and success in their future as artists.
Beyond the concert, AJAA shows no signs of slowing down. The group is also preparing to release a new EP, ushering in a new era of music that they hope fans will embrace with the same enthusiasm that has carried them this far.
As one chapter reaches its brightest moment, another is already beginning. For AJAA, every milestone is another invitation to keep moving forward and to continue sharing the light that has become the heart of their music.
AN ADVOCACY OF POSITIVITY
Beyond the milestones, sold-out stages, and new releases lies the purpose that has guided them from the very beginning. While their colorful sound has become one of their defining qualities, the group sees it as more than a musical identity. It is a conscious choice to create music that uplifts, encourages, and reminds people to keep moving forward.
The group’s advocacy is to make Filipinos happy. It is this desire that continues to shape their music, fuel their creativity, and inspire every milestone they pursue. More than chasing success
for themselves, AJAA hopes to use their growing platform to spread kindness, celebrate hope, and encourage others to believe in their own dreams.
For Alex, the message begins with belief. He encourages young people to dream big regardless of age, reminding them that anything is possible if they are willing to try, fail, and keep going.
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.
"Don't ever do something na ire-regret mo sa future. Kasi there's nothing wrong [with] trying. There's nothing wrong [with] failures. It's okay to fail but you still have to follow your heart." - Alex
Axl extends his message beyond Gen Z audiences, emphasizing the importance of voice and expression across all generations. He believes every opinion matters, no matter how small it may seem, and that people should never be afraid to speak up because every voice has value and impact.
JC, meanwhile, grounds their journey in gratitude and shared experience. He hopes their story inspires others to chase their dreams, believing that success is not reserved for a few but for anyone willing to work for it.
Together, their voices form AJAA’s advocacy of Filipino positivity. A message shaped by youth, strengthened by experience, and driven by the desire to uplift others.
Through their music and their journey, they hope to remind people that every dream carries its own light, and when shared, those lights shine brighter together.
CORNERSTONE’S TEAM
AJAA TEAM
FASHION STYLIST:
Uriel Matthew
Styling Team: Oon Sean , Carlo Pabilonia, Russel Yao,
Accessories: Chains x Fashion
HMUA:
John Belga
Assisted by: John Morpheus de Vlera
Bryle Palmo
Assisted by: John Paul Palermo
Assistant – Jerwin Bustos
Ronald Magsino
Assisted by: Paolo Tolin
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:
3D Art & Post-Processing by Niko Laraza
Illustration & Assisted by Ryzhel Ann Quilala
Skin Retouched by Jomar Fernando
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
Interns:
Pre-Prod: Hailie Jade Cruz, Adrian Bonita
Post-Prod: Monica Lucia Rayburn, Niko Laraza,
Dairy Valenzuela, Ryzhel Ann Quilala
AUTHOR
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.
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