G22 members (from left) Jaz, AJ, and Alfea in a scene from “Show It All.” Image: X/@G22Official
For G22, being one of P-pop’s representatives in the Chinese cross-cultural survival show “Show it All” is one of the proudest moments in their career, as it was a chance to showcase Filipino talent.
The trio, consisting of AJ, Alfea, and Jaz, was featured in the April 25 and May 2 episodes of the Lay Zhang-produced “Show It All.” The show aims to create a well-rounded idol group through developing the trainees’ vocal, dance, and performance skills.
G22 and BINI were chosen to showcase their vocal prowess while performing live, where the trio performed their songs “Bang,” “Babalik,” and “Boomerang.”
“One of our proudest moments as a group was when we represented P-pop in China. It’s an honor for us,” AJ told reporters at an intimate media con. “We felt the rise and the wave of P-pop more. We’re happy to be a part of it.”
G22 also couldn’t help but fangirl when asked about working with the EXO member and solo artist. While Jaz and Alfea said he’s a “perfectionist,” especially when it comes to the details of the artists’ performances, he made sure that all featured artists were taken care of.
“We were starstruck,” AJ added. “He’s very kind. He is very caring and very attentive. I knew of Lay as a perfectionist, so I was very nervous. But when we met him, he was really kind.”
On Yeng Constantino, KZ Tandingan
G22 also spoke about their friendship with labelmates Yeng Constantino and KZ Tandingan, saying they consider them as their big sisters on- and off-stage.
“They’re very helpful, even behind the scenes. They’re always there to give us advice. They’ve guided us with our sound too,” Jaz said of Constantino and Tandingan. “Ate KZ did additional vocal arrangements for our debut single ‘Bang,’ while Ate Yeng helps us with our performances and how we evoke emotions onstage.”
G22 members (from left) Jaz, AJ, and Alfea at an intimate media con with reporters. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Alfea said Constantino and Tandingan have been present in multiple stages of their careers. “We’re very grateful that they are present for us as artists. Through G22’s ups and downs, It makes us happy to know they are among those who supported and never lost faith in the three of us,” she said.
AJ said having Constantino and Tandingan by their side “keep [them] grounded” in their careers. “They’re very humble and for us as newbies in the industries, they helped us a lot. When we meet in the office, we feel like we’re in a safe space, like they are our big sisters. We’re very grateful for them,” she added.
‘One Sided Love’ and G22’s many sides
Touching on their single “One Sided Love,” AJ said the subject matter solely doesn’t refer to love. It can also be related to friendships and how one can respond to pain.
“‘One Sided Love’ covers a wide range of topics. It can be applied to one’s mindset or one-sided friendships, where you sometimes feel that you’re alone. Being one-sided can be referred to others’ points of view. It can be interpreted in different ways,” she said.
“As you know, G22 released hard-hitting songs. We’re known as the ‘Female Alphas’ of P-pop. But in this song, we want to show that before we became strong, we were in pain. Before we fought back, we were hurt and got stomped on. The song shows why we became this way,” AJ continued.
For Jaz, the song also explores how accepting pain can be a form of self-empowerment. “That’s why we have songs like ‘One Sided Love’ and ‘Babalik.’”
“With [these songs], we want to accept the past and move forward into being the Female Alphas and being the stronger version of ourselves,” she continued.
Alfea, on the other hand, said the single shows how G22 is diverse as a female trio.
“We have a lot of sides that we can show to fans. Knowing this fact, why not create new songs and show them? Why not show these ‘different sides’ to them?” she added.
AJ seconded her bandmate’s thoughts, saying that G22 releasing different genres can also be likened to a form of “soul searching” as a group.
“When we feel certain emotions as listeners and we’re looking for that certain sound that elevates them, it can also be applied to us. We are searching for that certain type of music. We can do different genres, but G22 is also soul-searching,” said AJ.
G22 members (from left) AJ, Jaz, and Alfea in a concept photo for “One Sided Love.” Image: Courtesy of Republic Records, Universal Music Group Philippines, and Cornerstone Entertainment
When asked about the “possibility” of a new album, G22 shared they want to see it as an “Alpha album” which features collaborations with artists, the girl group’s many chapters, and different flavors.
“If I had to choose a concept, I want to see chapters about different artists and how they affected G22. Our possible album will be a sneak peek of a female alpha and the backstory of artists who made a great career,” Jaz said.
G22 debuted as a four-piece act in February 2022. Since Bianca’s departure in September 2023, the P-pop girl group has forged ahead as a trio. Some of their songs include “Bang,” “Babalik,” “Defy,” “Boomerang,” “One Sided Love,” and “I Hate Boys.”