P-Pop off, ate!: Your go-to guide to the unexplored pearls of the rising P-Pop scene

Eowyn Punzalan, Frank Ampil

From the Sexbomb of the 2000s to the BINI of today, the Philippines has been a breeding ground of musical acts deserving of the international spotlight—and some have already found their way. 

Just this year, BINI made ‘herstory’ as the first all-Filipino girl group to perform at the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. SB19 is not so far behind as they staked their claim as Lollapalooza’s first all-Pinoy act to perform a one-hour set. 

Locally, groups like Showtime’s Baby Dolls have reached a global stage through phone screens and For You Pages (FYP) with the virality of their hit “Oohh Lala Baby” and its subsequent dance craze.

As Philippine Pop (P-Pop) domin-Asian (domination) racks up and our fellow Filipinos climb the charts, Explained PH has a few music recommendations for you to put on your radar and playlist!

If you liked “Dyosa” by Yumi Lacsamana…

You’ll adore VVink’s “Tulala” and its bubblegum pop charm. 

Released in July 2025 through FlipMusic Records, VVink sings of young love and its dreamy emotions, akin to Lacsamana’s hit “Dyosa” and the delulu-come-true of the 2014 rom-com, Diary ng Panget, where “Dyosa” originates. 

With synths that pulse, vocals that soar, and bars that bounce in a catchy rap verse, the song and its youthful energy recall the sugary bops of our teen idols Nadine Lustre and Donnalyn Bartolome, all while giving it a bold, modern take. In the same way “Dyosa” returns us to our 2010s Wattpad fantasies, “Tulala” throws it back to a nebulous 2000s teen classic, reimagined through our 2020s vision.

If you liked “DAM” by SB19…

Try “TABI,” the debut single of Filipino girl group Xonara. 

With a trap instrumental foundation, flurries of melodic whistles, full-force horns, and rattling hi-hats, “TABI” recalls the heavy, hard-hitting quality of “DAM!” 

If the song reminds you of “DAM!” without much need of a guide, that may be because SB19’s Pablo himself contributed to the song’s mixing; those keen on SB19’s more intense and aggressive aside may find themselves entranced as the production intensifies its rapping. 

Equal-parts fierce and cutesy, “TABI” helped Xonara take its first step into the PPop landscape and make their mark—stiletto heel included.

If you liked “Yugyugan Na” by P.O.T…

KHIMO’s “Isayaw Mo Lang”—their 2025 release—may scratch that itch you’ve been looking for. 

“Yugyugan Na”—the famous remake of the Advisor’s 1977 song—is P.O.T.’s rendition, blending Pinoy rock, funk, and other heavier influences to soar as one of their most well-known songs. “Isayaw Mo Lang” is like its younger, even more carefree sibling: a track of bright grooves that doesn’t want you to sit down and think but get up and move.

If you loved “Cool Ka Lang” by Prettier than Pink,

“Walang Biruan” by the rising p-pop quintet KAIA will satisfy the Prettier than Pink-shaped hole in your heart! 

It has a more slow-paced R&B-infused pop track that is sure to match the nostalgia brought by “Cool Ka Lang.” Blending modern pop synth and poignant piano notes with certified soft-girl yearning, this track has great potential to be your next Instagram note shoutout to that special someone who rarely looks your way. 

KAIA’s wispy and whimsical vocals compliment the quintessential experience of girlhood among young Filipinas.

If you loved “Shagidi” by BINI…

Imagine feminine hip-hop for a hyped-up makeup session for the club or just to wear around the house, and yup! That’s basically “Shaba-Shaba” by your local certified baddie quartet YGIG. 

A 2022 deep cut from their discography, this addicting bass and rhythm reminiscent of rap battles is reimagined for the female gaze. Lyrical prowess and pure confidence ooze from the pulsating synth that sounds pink (we hope it’s not just us!) upon first listen, so much so that this track is almost like the quirky older sister to BINI’s Shagidi. 

Local talents piercing the global sphere

From island to island, musical prowess establishes itself  as an integral part of local culture. This time, it’s safe to say that P-Pop stands alongside other global genres. With increasing success at penetrating the global market, it brings forth opportunities as doors for artistic passions that once seemed impossible to be unlocked for new generations to come. 

P-Pop is here to stay, and it’s here not just to pop off but to dominate the world!