Fresh from making history with their critically acclaimed debut performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, SB19 has released their latest single, “LAWLESS,” which they premiered live for the very first time on one of the world’s most prestigious music festival stages.

“LAWLESS” marks a new direction for the award-winning quintet, transitioning from a locally established act to a global supergroup brand. In “LAWLESS,” SB19 declares that they’re an outlaw on the run: gutsy, more determined to take chances, and not the type to seek approval.

No longer constrained by conventional industry expectations, SB19’s latest bop sets their sights on disrupting the norm, reflecting a state of creative and career liberation. As the lyrics best describe it, “I'm lawless, better be cautious.”

Buoyed by maximalist production and cinematic soundscapes, “LAWLESS” takes P-Pop to a more sonically riveting ground, fusing hip-hop swagger with contemporary pop, Western, and surf rock influences.

Accompanying the release is an equally audacious but strikingly entertaining music video that subverts classic outlaw tropes through tongue-in-cheek homage to Western films. The visuals show SB19’s signature blend of wit, charisma, and boundary-pushing creativity.

SB19’s “LAWLESS” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Production Credits:

Composers:

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ)

Josh Cullen Santos

Tomas Costanza

Tim Gent

Charles Anthony Rangel

Lyricists:

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Josh Cullen Santos

Tim Gent

Charles Anthony Rangel

Mixing Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa

Mastering Engineer: Emil Dela Rosa

Producers:

John Paulo Nase (RADKIDZ)

Joshua Daniel Nase (RADKIDZ)

Tomas Costanza

P-Pop girl group VVINK embraces a clear and deliberate artistic statement in It Starts With A Wink – The First Full Album, a 14-track record released under FlipMusic. More than a collection of meticulously produced, summer pop anthems, the project arrives with a cohesive sonic and emotional narrative meant to be experienced from beginning to end.

Built around the phrase “It Starts With A Wink,” the debut full-length album draws from the idea of a secret signal between people: an unspoken understanding that instantly creates connection. In the same way, the record represents the familiar emotions, humor, awkwardness, friendships, and vulnerabilities that define young Filipino adulthood, creating a communal listening experience that sounds unmistakably Filipino in every sense.

In an era increasingly dominated by streaming and short-form virality, It Starts With A Wink – The First Full Album stands out for capturing youthful memories with uplifting effervescence: honed by carefree and playful sentiments but never lacking in tenderness and sophistication. Designed as a no-skips body of work that unfolds through recurring sonic ideas, transitions, interludes, emotional callbacks, and tonal shifts, the album plays like actual memories framed with intention rather than isolated algorithmic moments.

The album opens confidently with “I-N-T-R-O,” immediately introducing VVINK’s vocal identity before transitioning into the infectious energy of “Tulala” and the explosive hyperpop-meets-budots fusion of “Baduy,” featuring world-renowned producer DJ Love. As the record slowly unfurls its character, tracks like “Tatlong Hiling” showcase the group’s softer, more emotional side while “Tulog Pa Si Ganda” injects a trippy mosaic of Jersey beats, funky house, and Miami bass. Nica Del Rosario's GL-inspired track “Kailan Ka Aamin,” adds another layer of emotional honesty, contemporary Filipino storytelling, and inclusivity to the album. Situated at the center of the record is “Pag-ibig Fun,” a bright, witty, and inescapable pop jam that perfectly welcomes the album’s carefree spirit and distinct edge.

The latter half of It Starts With A Wink – The First Full Album settles into heartfelt territory with the trifecta of “Ikaw Lang Ang Kulang,” “Oo,” and “Ikaw Ikaw,” elevating the group’s pop sensibilities with a smattering of charisma and indelible songwriting chops. The record closes with “It’s A Rap,” an explosive boom-bap-driven track that highlights VVINK’s versatility as performers, and “VVINK VVINK,” a brief but intentional teaser hinting at the group’s future sonic direction.

Helmed by select powerhouse producers and composers from FlipMusic under the direction of Head Music Producer Julius James “Bojam” de Belen (BINI’s Talaarawan, Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala” and “Ikot-Ikot,” and the Diary ng Panget original soundtrack), alongside hitmakers Nica Del Rosario (Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala,” BINI’s “Na Na Na” and “Karera”), Myk Conchada (BINI’s “I Feel Good” and “Salamin, Salamin”), and VVINK’s very own Angelika (BINI’s “Pantropiko”), the album reflects years of experience in shaping modern Filipino pop culture through songwriting, arrangement, artist development, and sonic experimentation.

Before the release of their official full-length album, VVINK had already built a reputation in P-Pop with their series of pre-debut releases focused on continuity, replay value, and emotional world-building. Composed of members Angelika, Ayaka, Jean, Mariel, and Odri, the acclaimed pop group represents a new generation of talent built on grit and genuine Filipino values.

VVINK’s It Starts With A Wink – The First Full Album is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via FlipMusic.

Released under the special collaboration unit Project P-Pop: Rising, the track captures the spirit of unity, resilience, and collective ambition. Embracing the continuing rise of P-Pop beyond national borders, the song embodies a shared vision: to elevate Filipino music while strengthening artistic connections across ASEAN and Korea.

For KAIA, the experience represented far more than a musical partnership. It’s a collaboration that emphasizes the sense of teamwork and mutual respect that united all artists and creatives involved in the project.

“It was a very exciting and meaningful experience for all of us,” shares the acclaimed pop quintet. “Even though we come from different groups with different styles and journeys, everyone shared the same goal of representing Filipino music and showing what P-Pop can achieve together. The project truly felt like a collective effort, showing that this special performance was not only about the artists, but also about the many people working behind the scenes to bring the vision to life.”

Delivering a strong statement of solidarity, “Sulong” was conceived out of the common goal to transcend borders and connect cultures. The title itself is a Filipino word which means “to move forward” or “to progress,” holding significant for every artist striving to bring local talent to the world stage.

“Collaborations like this help break barriers and show that artists and groups can work together to create something bigger than themselves,” shares KAIA in a press statement. “It also strengthens connections between fans, artists, and countries, which is very important in growing both P-Pop and ASEAN music internationally.”

A live performance of “Sulong” will be aired on Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) World TV on the following dates:

EP.1 — May 21 (Thu) 21:50 KST

EP.2 — May 22 (Fri) 21:50 KST

KBS World YouTube Premiere:

EP.1 & EP.2 — May 22 (Fri) 23:00 KST

For more information about Project P-Pop Rising, visit ROUND Festival Official Website.

Rising P-Pop group VVINK has dropped “Kailan Ka Aamin,” which serves as the first pre-release single from their upcoming full-length debut album under FlipMusic. Written by acclaimed Filipino songwriter Nica del Rosario and produced by Julius James “Bojam” De Belen, the catchy pop ballad introduces a more intimate direction for VVINK in terms of musicality and songwriting.

A tender, coming-of-age confession, “Kailan Ka Aamin” was inspired by the Thai Girls Love (GL) pair “MilkLove,” and the playful dynamic fans have associated with them. It’s a story many listeners will instantly recognize: two people who clearly feel the same way, yet neither has gathered the courage to say it out loud.

Instead of the usual perspective of someone secretly admiring a crush, the song unfolds from the point of view of the one on the receiving end: someone who senses the same feelings but is growing impatient with the silence. Drawing from the Filipino experience of being a “yearner,” the track embraces the emotional language of young love: hallway glances, teasing friends, unsent messages, and the courage slowly building toward confession.

“Kailan Ka Amin was inspired by MilkLove, my favorite Thai GL pair who have starred together in various GL series such as 23.5 and Whale Store XOXO,” Nica del Rosario, the song’s composer, explains. “Their Pinoy fans have playfully equated the question, “kailan ka aamin?” with their dynamic after one interview when they were asked what they would do if they liked someone. Milk said that she doesn’t have the nerve to confess, while Love said she won’t confess either and will just wait for the person to make a move. These remarks led their fans to jokingly say that they’re playing a game of “tagu-taguan ng feelings. (hiding feelings in English).”

Production and collaboration

Sonically, “Kailan Ka Aamin” weaves bubblegum pop influences with ‘80s-inspired production and effervescent melodies. The production balances warmth and restraint, allowing VVINK’s delicate vocal style to take center stage while building a wistful atmosphere that mirrors the song’s emotional anticipation. From its soft opening to its sweeping chorus, the bop carries a dreamlike quality that sets it apart from its previous releases.

“Working with Sir Jumbo De Belen and Ms. Nica del Rosario was such a great experience for us,” shares VVINK in a press statement. “When we first heard the demo, the emotion was already very strong. They really guided us through the meaning of the lyrics, so we understood the story before recording. The demo felt personal, but the final version feels complete. It still has the same heart, but now it sounds more VVINK.”

Beyond the recording itself, the five-member powerhouse maintained a sense of ownership carried throughout the entire production process. With encouragement from the production team, the female pop group contributed ad-libs and interpretive nuances that ultimately define the track’s character. They also stayed closely involved in other aspects of the behind-the-scenes work, including contributing ideas for concepts, styling, and even vocal arrangements during studio sessions.

Music video

“Kailan Ka Aamin” arrives alongside a visually striking music video helmed by Nolan Bernardino with Dondi Narciso. Stripping the concept down to its barest essentials, the visuals highlight both performance and atmosphere, presenting VVINK’s performance against both an urban skyline and a dreamlike forest setting.

According to Bernardino, the concept centers on showcasing the group’s natural charisma and beauty. “The music video is as simple as it gets,” Bernardino reveals. “Here we highlight a different side of the girls. This video is all about beauty: the beautiful vocals and performance, with a very pleasant but dynamic choreography. It is a performance that you just want to watch over and over again.”

For VVINK, filming “Kailan Ka Aamin” was indeed a memorable experience. “Working with Direk Nolan Bernardino and Direk Dondi Narciso has always felt light,” the Filipino femme alphas reveal. “They make collaboration fun and creative, allowing everyone to freely share ideas while still feeling guided and aligned.”

As the group’s first release of the year, “Kailan Ka Aamin” marks a new era for VVINK, ushering in a period of intentional artistic involvement and willingness to explore new sonic and storytelling approaches.

VVINK’s “Kailan Ka Aamin” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Flipmusic. Watch the music video here.

KAIA has officially released the music video of their new single “You Did It.”

Helmed by Raymond “Pabi” Fabian and Francis “Kiko” Magundayao, the visuals mark the five-member group’s transformation from the debut years to their more confident and refined phase. It also features the origin story of the dragonfly, a metaphorical symbol of their journey as a Filipino girl group trying to make it in the competitive music industry landscape.

As the MV puts it, KAIA, with their wings spread, is now on a journey to explore greater distances.

The P-Pop group reveals that they’re also more involved in the concept of the music video, even going as far as embracing darker themes and injecting ideas inspired by their personal experiences.  

“We really like being involved because it helps us interpret our songs better and perform with more passion,” shares the Dalawa act in a press statement. “We made sure that everything, from outfits to the set design and even our facial expressions, aligned with the music's theme. The goal was really to elevate the message of the song through visuals, so we put in extra effort for this MV.”

KAIA also credited their two MV directors, “Pabi” and “Kiko,” for bringing immense creativity to the project and being highly collaborative with the visual storytelling.

The acclaimed pop act explains, “They were able to translate what we envisioned, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Their direction made us feel comfortable and confident on the set. Because of this experience, we were able to focus on our performances while they take care of the bigger picture. Overall, it was a collaborative effort that we are very proud of.”

“You Did It” is a dance-pop track that brims with Persian-style instrumentation and modern pop sensibilities. The song was produced by Oh-won Lee, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, and Primoz Poglajen, with lyrics by Jonell "J.O" Sarmiento, a former Z2Z member. KAIA also contributed to the overall concept and narrative of the track.

Through this song, KAIA aspires to be the voice or instrument of people who can't speak up and who don't have the courage to stand up for themselves. “So that when they listen to the song, they'll feel more confident and empowered,” adds the feisty five-piece collective.

P-Pop group KAIA is set to conquer the big stage with their first major concert, happening on December 19, 2023, at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan.

Dubbed KAIA IS HERE: 1st Solo Concert, the highly anticipated show promises to deliver knockout performances and top-tier numbers that serve as a testament to the Filipino group’s undeniable growth and commitment to their artistry.

The all-girl ensemble will be performing some of the crowd favorites and new songs live, including individual and group segments made specifically for their fans.

KAIA expressed their excitement about headlining their own solo show, which they consider a dream come true. “We had always dreamed of having our own solo concert, and now it’s happening,” shares the chart-topping act in a press statement. “While the pressure of it being our first solo show weighs on us, we're fully dedicated to delivering the best possible experience to our fans.”

To make the production numbers extra special, KAIA underwent intensive training in dancing, singing, and performing, including cardio workouts due to the dance breaks and surprises that they will be showcasing on the day of the show. 

“Despite the challenges, we pushed ourselves to deliver more than our best for our fans, ZAIA,” said the five-piece ensemble. To our ZAIA, thank you for your undying love and support for us. Because of all of you, our concert has become possible. In return, we will give you a performance that you will remember forever.”

Tickets to KAIA IS HERE: 1st solo concert are almost sold out, and are available at TicketNet and its physical outlets nationwide. Official merch are also bundled with the tickets for a complete fan experience.

Filipinos are known to be well-versed in making unique spins on trends, whether it’s food, art, or—perhaps most especially—music and dance. When the Korean wave, or Hallyu, took the world by storm around the mid 2000s, social media played a part in propelling it to the top of Billboard charts and the hearts of the global youth. Come 2021, social entertainment platform Kumu started growing its music presence through singing contests and music label partnerships. Once Filipinos solidified its homegrown variant of the global Kpop genre—more commonly known as P-pop—Kumu was already poised to be its virtual home.

As a platform that gave countless people an online stage, Kumu had its keen eyes and ears on this P-pop movement, going so far as to co-produce TOP CLASS with Cornerstone Entertainment, a reality show with the aim of searching for the next local pop-group sensation. The PH-grown genre has also been making its mark internationally, with some bands being nominated in the Billboard Music Awards. 

“We want to be at the forefront for this new genre of OPM (original pinoy music),” says Paolo Pineda, Chief Commercial Officer of Kumu. “We want people to know that [Kumu] is an avenue that showcases the best Filipino culture has to offer.” With that said, Kumu is positioning itself as the P-pop platform of choice for fans to watch and listen to their favorite groups. “Beyond serving as a stage, we want Kumu to be the platform for the fans to really get to know the band members they idolize. They can engage with them via live streams and Kumustahans, and thereby build a stronger bond between the artists and their fanbases,” Pineda followed. 

These are the P-pop bands to watch out for on Kumu:

Calista

Named for the Greek word that means “beautiful or feminine”, this six-piece girl power group exudes empowerment through their hypnotic beats and energetic dance moves.

KAIA

@kaia.officialph

Inspired by two Tagalog words: “Kinaiya”, a description of inner character, and “kaya”, meaning “the ability to do or deliver”, this five-woman group brings a strong message of identity and strength through their performances.

G22

@g22_official

This is a female quartet that dares to tell the story of women in all its highs and lows. They are not afraid to get in your face or be a little vulnerable in their artistry as a girl group.

DIONE

@firstone_dioneofficial

This group is composed of four ladies ready to take on the P-pop scene by storm with their captivating singing, rapping, and impeccable dance skills. Their lyrics convey the realness and authenticity of life on- and off-camera.

VXON

@vxon

Pronounced “vision”, this five-man squad aims to dominate the stage and rule playlists with their alpha male energy and exemplary performances.

Press Hit Play

@presshitplay

With a name inspired by the letters PHP alluding to their country of origin, this six-man group aims to relay the message of unity, diversity, and the story of life through music. 

1ST.ONE

@1stoneofficial

Pronounced “first one”, this group of six male performers are optimized to bring out the best in the artform, whether it’s through exceptionals vocals or dynamic choreography.

An official contract signing and media conference this June 21 at Oddspace, Makati City, formalizes this partnership and welcomes these groups into the Kumunity. Download the Kumu app and catch these groups go live.