K-Pop superstar Dara (second from left) performs with (from left) Jasmine, Alfea, and AJ of G22. | PHOTO: ARMIN P. ADINA
The three members of P-Pop girl group G22 had the time of their lives when they got to share the same stage with K-Pop superstar Dara of 2NE1. And the experience, they said, gave them lessons that could help carve a path similar to that of the Korean singer-actress.
G22 is dubbed the P-Pop “female alphas” because of their explosive performances that are characterized by fierce moves and impressive vocals. And it was no surprise that they were able to hold their own when Dara, erstwhile Filipino reality TV competition alumna known to many as Sandara Park, joined them to entertain the crowd at the “Aim Limitless” concert mounted by the Philippine entity of a Taiwanese electronics company at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday evening, Aug. 4.
The four femmes fatale performed Dara’s hit Filipino song “In or Out” together, and this served as a full-circle moment for AJ Yape. “I’ve been a big fan of 2NE1 since I was a kid, performing during recess in front of my classmates who are judging me while I dance to ‘Fire,’” said the confessed “blackjack” (2NE1 fan).
G22 composed of Alfea (front), Jasmine (left) and AJ show their signature fierce moves and impressive vocals. | PHOTO: ARMIN P. ADINA
“’In or Out’ is very iconic, because we all have been singing it since I was a little girl. Young AJ would never have imagined performing it with ‘Ate’ Sandara. So the experience was truly awesome,” Yape added.
Jasmine Henry said 2NE1’s songs were some of those that exposed her to the K-Pop culture when she joined G22. “And I can’t believe we were on stage with her last night. And when we were on stage, it was just all fun. Our nerves went away because we were enjoying her presence, and the audience. So I really enjoyed,” she shared.
For Alfea Zulueta, what struck her the most about Dara was her youthfulness on stage. “Ate Sandara doesn’t age, she still looks young. When we were together on stage, it seems as if we were the same age,” she said.
“And also her personality, even if you can see how wise she got with age, you can still see her youthfulness and joy. We’re also very thankful that she’s kind,” she added.
The three Filipino lasses also shared what they learned just by observing how the Korean superstar engaged with the people. “She was so kind to everybody, she was so easy to have around and work with. I saw in her that if you have an artist to work with, you should be easy to get along with and you must have commendable work ethic,” Yape said.
K-Pop superstar Dara (second from left) performs with (from left) Jasmine, Alfea, and AJ of G22. | PHOTO: ARMIN P. ADINA
Zulueta, for her part, praised Dara for always acknowledging her roots. She also noted how the Korean superstar seems to just enjoy life. “I also wanna enjoy life like her. And I saw that until now she just enjoys herself, that’s what I see from her,” she shared.
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And for Henry, who is part-Australian with a distinct Aussie accent when speaking, the thing she noted about Dara was her strong command of the Filipino language as a Korean woman. “I can also do that, that’s what I learned from her,” she said.
Aside from Dara, G22 also performed alongside SB19, the kings of P-Pop, at the concert. The lineup also included Ebe Dancel, Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, and Rico Blanco. Luis Manzano hosted the show in an arena packed with spectators.