P-pop trio G22 thrilled to collaborate with Sandara, SB19 in concert

Pinoy pop or P-pop might still be relatively new, but it can still be a struggle for some groups or artists to stand out. Jaz, Alfea and AJ are the trio behind G22, a girl group launched in February 2022 that has managed to build a fan base that appreciates their upbeat songs like their first single, “Bang.”

Since then, they’ve released six original songs, as well as their rendition of Dionela’s “Musika.”

They were one of the featured performers at an annual celebration of a tech brand held across the region. At the concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena earlier this month, they were part of the lineup that included international superstar Sandara Park, “kings of P-pop” SB19, Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, Ebe Dancel and Rico Blanco.

The morning after the concert, G22 met with members of the media to recount their experience. All of them described it as “amazing” and “like a dream come true” to be able to share the stage with “ate” Sandara and SB19.

“It was a great opportunity to collaborate with them onstage,” said Althea.

‘Beam of light’

“We learned a lot from these artists just seeing them perform,” Jaz added.

G22 also got to perform a new track, ”Limitless,” composed by Pablo of SB19 and produced by Radkidz. A video of the track was also released to coincide with the eighth annual celebration.

Throughout the press con, Jaz, Althea and AJ were profuse in their gratitude because aside from being one of the featured groups, they are also the brand’s newest endorsers.

AJ, the most vocal of the group, likened the endorsement to “a beam of light” for G22.

“P-pop is still a rising [category] and there were times when we became doubtful,” AJ said. “We’d ask ourselves, ‘Is it worth it? Are we on the right track?’”

Apparently, they are. “We know a diamond when we see one,” said Princess Laosantos, Acer Philippines senior marketing manager.

The concert, hosted by Luis Manzano, had a total of over 20,000 viewers both on-ground and online via a Facebook stream.

Performances

Pop/alternative band Cup of Joe opened the show with “Wag na Lang,” followed by its hit songs “Tingin” and “Estranghero.”

Next up was singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, who wowed the crowd with “Mahika,” “Tulad M,” and “Palagi.”

Multiawarded singer-songwriter and OPM icon Ebe Dancel sang “Hari ng Sablay,” “Makita Kang Muli,” “Wag Kang Umiyak” and “Bawat Daan.”

He was followed by singer-songwriter and OPM rockstar Rico Blanco who performed “Antukin, “Umaaraw Umuulan,” “Your Universe,” “Kisapmata” and “You’ll be Safe Here.”

Sandara and G22 then took to the stage for “In or Out.” G22 performed their songs “Boomerang,” “Bang,” “One Sided Love” and “Loka.”

Sandara kept the positive vibes and upbeat mood going with “Dara Dara,” “I Don’t Care” and “I’m the Best Can’t Nobody.”

SB19 proved why they are called the “kings of P-pop” with “Gento, “Hanggang sa Huli” and “Crimzone.” They also performed an unreleased song titled “Kalakal” with rapper Gloc-9.

To cap the evening, SB19 and G22 then performed “Limitless,” the theme song of Acer Day 2024. INQ