P-pop’s New:ID is armed with ‘mental toughness,’ ready to leave a mark

P-pop boy group New:ID. Image: Courtesy of MLD Entertainment

The members of New:ID are aware they had to process a lot in a short time. They were thrust into the pressures of developing their singing, dancing, personality development, and selfie abilities — but “mental toughness” is what helped them push through.

“I don’t feel any pressure right now,” Thad told INQUIRER.net in a one-on-one interview, a reference to Janina San Miguel’s infamous question-and-answer blunder at the Binibining Pilipinas 2008 tilt. The group’s leader was seated with his bandmates Macky, L, Wilson, and Jom, who lost composure and immediately laughed at his remark.

Months after their debut was announced by their agency MLD Entertainment, New:ID debuted in July 2024 with their first EP “New Ego.” The members made it to the finals but were unable to qualify for the final group. Their potential, however, made a mark, which eventually led to them being formed into a unit.

“We were supposed to debut earlier,” L revealed while looking back at their grueling training process which lasted for about a year. “But I think it’s better that it was pushed back because we improved what needed to be improved. Our skills wouldn’t be as strong now if we debuted earlier. I think it was better.”

Despite this realization, Thad pointed out that a year to prepare is short in itself. In reference to training periods in the idol industry, trainees usually take five to six years on average, and it’s uncertain if they will advance to what music labels are looking for.

“I think mental toughness helped us a lot. All of our lessons were tough,” the group’s leader continued. “We even took selfie lessons because we have to take good selfies for photocards. [But it’s really about] mental toughness. You just have to do it again and again until you’re used to it.”

Developing a thick skin is a test of how strong one could be. And it indeed paid off for the group. While L, Macky, and Wilson noted how it helped in their singing, dancing, and self-confidence, Jom pointed out that it gave a huge boost to how he would present himself in front of the audience.

“I feel like slowly and surely, my speaking skills have improved. I used to be scared of talking in front of many people and front of the camera,” Jom admitted. “But with the help of my friends, groupmates, and family, I think I’m getting better.”

New:ID’s mindset

At one point during the interview, L made everyone laugh after saying “Wala naman kaming choice (We don’t have a choice)” while touching on the topic of mental toughness. What he meant to point out is that as someone in the P-pop realm, it’s his job to be tough and confident, no matter what comes in the group’s way.

“Thinking about our family and supporters really motivates us to keep going to work harder every day, even if it’s hard,” Wilson said while acknowledging that being part of the industry is already tough in itself. “We got each other [for] motivation every time we’re down.”

Macky, on the other hand, said doing their best has been ingrained in them since then. “It’s our mindset to do our best and realign our focus to our performances. We’re supposed to perform for the audience and our fans. We need to make them happy and inspire.”

Touching on the topic of inspiration, the male quintet stressed that they want to focus on inspiring themselves and fans, instead of competing with others. “We’re not here to compete. We’re always here to inspire. We just dance and sing, so it’s up to the fans on how they want to build us up. It’s up to them how to support us,” Thad said.

L reiterated that while New:ID has a goal to make a mark, they want to help contribute to the growth of P-pop. “We’re here to represent the Philippines,” he said, attributing to the rise of the industry. “There’s no competition. We’re just here to do our best and have fun.”

New:ID in a concept photo for “Ghost.” Image: Courtesy of MLD Entertainment

P-pop’s growth has led to the rise of “crab mentality” and fan wars on social media, which the group is aware of. With this in mind, they hope that fans would realign their focus, and push towards helping the industry rise as a whole.

“Let’s help each other out. Not only the P-pop groups but also the fans. No toxic fights because we only have ourselves,” Jom stressed. While his bandmates nodded, Thad said “crab mentality” doesn’t help at all.

And while the industry is considered to be in its infancy, L hoped that more platforms would be given to themselves and fellow groups to share their music with curious listeners.

“Our goal is to be big in the Philippines,” L said. “I’m hoping that P-pop will have more platforms. At the moment, we only have one variety show that caters to P-pop groups. I hope P-pop will have more chances in TV and other events.”

New:ID considers themselves lucky that they debuted at a time when P-pop is making an impression. But Wilson wants the group to be remembered for being themselves.

“For me, my goal is when they hear this part, they will say, ‘Oh, it’s New:ID.’ Our goal is to brand our name globally, so people will know us,” Wilson continued.