BGYO are Always Grinding, Always Hungry, Always Game
There’s a running joke on the internet that you’d recognize Filipinos anywhere in the world just by their singing ability. Pop group BGYO is nowhere close to being the exception.
Since coming together through Star Hunt Academy — a training ground created by the Filipino broadcasting powerhouse ABS-CBN — Nate, Gelo, Akira, Mikki and JL have been at the forefront of a new generation of music acts repping the Philippines internationally. In 2021, the group introduced an energetic and electro-infused sound with their debut studio album, The Light. A year later, BGYO delighted a growing global audience with their second album, Be Us, which spanned dance, electro-pop and techno genres. Additional music releases and popular soundtrack contributions followed.
After embracing their most upbeat side with the groovy “Gigil,” released in early June, the quintet has returned to the stages — and stateside — with a brand new single.
New Single and Musical Growth
When they hop on a Zoom call with EnVi, BGYO’s leader Gelo Rivera and Chicago-born Nate Porcalla have taken the spot on the floor between a coffee table and a sofa where Akira Morishita, Mikki Claver and JL Toreliza are waving their hands. The quintet looks every bit the casual and amicable twenty-somethings I first met in 2022 — though granted, they now carry themselves with the ease only experience can bestow.
Nearly two years have gone by since BGYO arrived in the United States to promote Be Us. During that time, the group has collected several accolades and expanded their discography. “Since then, we’ve continued to try different music,” says Nate. “We’ve continued to challenge ourselves to keep growing with other genres of music, dance, levels of performance and different parts of our craft.”
BGYO’s latest music hit, “Trash,” is a prime example of the group’s pursuit of growth. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer Lostboy (Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Pdam”) and Grammy nominee Tele (Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts”), “Trash” is a retro-infused English single that mixes fun quotable lyrics with pop, neo-soul, disco and funk elements.
“Our most recent track, “Trash,” is all about finding that one special person and being willing to throw everything for [them],” explains Gelo as his bandmates playfully give him the thumbs up in the background.
Then, resident cool kid Mikki automatically jumps at the chance to share a behind-the-scenes story. “The recording was fun, especially the bridge part before the last chorus. We were together in a studio and we were all together in the recording booth. We were shouting and doing adlibs.” (JL laughs, seemingly recalling the moment) “It was a really fun experience for us, working together with Greg Shilling (songwriter) and Grammy-noticed producers. We were super blessed to have that experience,” Mikki tells EnVi.
BGYO’s Visual Universe
While BGYO showcased the best of their vocal prowess in the recording booth, the quintet displayed the best of their acting and comedic skills in the music video. In the 2:23 video clip, Nate, Gelo, Akira, Mikki and JL take on unlikely roles ranging from corporate worker to cleaning crew member. Lovestruck at first sight, the quintet attempts to catch the attention of “the girl of their dreams,” only to find out she’s already taken when she drives away with her girlfriend by the end of the music video.
As Akira and Gelo explain, BGYO’s lore has expanded through the years, with each of them portraying different characters in every new music exploit. To name a few, in previous releases, BGYO embodied preppy boys-next-door, sleek heartthrobs and streetwear-clad patintero players. “It’s good to know that our individual characters evolve from time to time. [“Trash” presents] our latest story and characters,” says Gelo.
To put together the concept and bring these characters to life, the group relied on their creative partnership with Aaron Mangsat, a recognized name in the Pinoy creative industry. “We usually have meetings when it comes to our styling,” says Mikki. “So we worked with our creative director, Aaron Mangsat, on how to style the music video. He usually is the one who styles us in every performance [too]. We’re just happy to work with Kuya (older brother) Aaron. He is such a genius.”
Finding Inspiration in Fashion
Speaking of fashion is a serious matter for BGYO. As much of their current reputation is linked to music, style has played a significant role in shaping their brand and image. In addition to well-crafted styling concepts and killer looks onstage, the quintet has emerged as one of the Philippines’ best-dressed music acts. In fact, they have delivered more than one headline-worthy moment as magazine cover stars and runway models. Take as an example Gelo and Nate’s catwalk debut with the up-and-coming Filipino brand .ARCHIVES or the group’s collective appearance on the runway of fashion designer Bang Pineda.
When we go down memory lane, reminiscing about past interviews and their career goals back in the day — walking a fashion show, for example — they become pensive. “Doing all of the[se] different fashion activities has been very fun because it’s something that we’re still getting into,” says Nate. “It’s a good way to get inspiration, not just for fashion, but for music and our characters in the future.”
As so happens to be the case with other aspects of their career, Nate, Gelo, Akira, Mikki and JL are willing to try just about anything. “We’re very open to any fashion opportunities,” says Mikki. “Maybe more runway shows.” The idea is met with enthusiasm from Akira and JL, who echo the sentiment with nods and approving yesses. “We’ve only done one as a group and [that was] a very fun experience,” Mikki goes on. “We’re hoping to have more [opportunities] in the future, with hopefully [more] designers or brands. We’re just happy to take any opportunity.”
As for new characters, BGYO explains, they’d gladly expand their acting repertoire in upcoming music videos. Gelo, for example, wouldn’t mind taking the “bad guy” role — “a villain, just to make it different,” he shares with a smile. Meanwhile, Nate would be down to depict a detective. Akira playfully pats Nate on the shoulder, “[If] he is the detective, I’m going to be his soldier,” he says.
On the other hand, Mikki and JL lean toward action characters. “I want to be like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible,” Mikki says with a grin. Next to him, JL chimes in, “I want to be like an action star, but with humor, like Deadpool.” It prompts a round of collective oohs and nods.
Asian and Filipino Pride
As enthusiastic and casual as BGYO present themselves, they don’t take the opportunity to be in the music industry for granted, especially at a time when Asian acts are thriving globally and localized music markets are flourishing.
How do they feel about being active in an era where so many good musicians are emerging everywhere in Asia? “We’re so happy that we’re part of this community and part of this music industry,” says Gelo earnestly. ”After all the years that we’ve been together as a group, we’re happy that we’re striving to improve every day.” Mikki briefly interrupts to acknowledge his fellow Asian stars. “Together with a lot of different artists,” he emphasizes. BGYO’s leader concedes with a nod and adds, “Yes, and we get to be influenced and inspired by other artists and new artists.”
When Mikki reprises the word, he has nothing but praise for the Filipino music industry. “We’re just so happy that Filipinos are, you know, going international. And we have a lot to show when it comes to music. Filipinos are very talented.”
The last statement is a well-known fact — especially among those of us who are chronically online. If you check out social media regularly, you’ve probably come across viral video clips of Filipino people belting out high notes or breaking into impromptu singing sessions. Proving their musical prowess beyond any doubt is a Filipino signature, I dare to say.
BGYO burst into laughter, delighted that the internet has bestowed such a reputation on Filipinos.
Singing Culture, Inspirations and What’s on BGYO’s Playlist
“I think karaoke is [a big part of] Filipino culture, says Akira. “Whenever there’s a festival or fiesta or celebration, there’s always karaoke on the side and everybody can sing” — “even on the streets!” Mikki points out.
Music, after all, is deeply rooted in the country’s culture. To further exemplify Filipinos’ love for music, JL looks back to his childhood. “When I was a kid I was always singing in karaoke,” he recalls. “My family always gave me money. They [used to say] ‘Oh, I’ll give you money and you sing.’ It’s just like that. It’s always like that in the Philippines.”
With such a musical upbringing and appreciation for the craft, it only makes sense, BGYO credits one of the Philippines’ music legends and other notable Asian names as influences. “Each of us has different inspirations, but ever since we started as a group, our main inspiration [has been] Sir Gary V (Gary Valenciano) and BTS,” Mikki states.
As a reflection of their varied musical interests, the quintet also lists a motley selection of musicians in their current playlist rotation. Nate mentions the ‘90s pop idol Justin Timberlake, while Mikki favors electronic music and artists such as Fred again and Skrillex. Gelo claims he has “the usual” — meaning Lana del Rey — on replay.
On the opposite spectrum, Akira is well-updated on the fresh-from-the-oven music hits. “I’ve been listening to Bruno Mars. He has a new release,” he says of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ new chart-topping single, “Die With A Smile.” Meanwhile, JL is all about Filipino music. “I’ve been listening to Jason Dhakal,” he says. “He’s a local artist from the Philippines.”
Shopping Is Also Self-Care
With packed schedules that see them hopping on planes and hitting the stage rather regularly, a natural — almost obvious — question is how the group keeps wellness in check. BGYO mulls over the question fleetingly. “First thing and very important is our health,” says Mikki “We need to take vitamins. If [someone´s] sick, we gotta take medicines. And more importantly, rest. Rest is the most important thing.”
The team further elaborates on their health and wellness routine. JL, for example, mentions morning jogs and playing games with his group mates. “Stamina is important because of the nature of our work,” Akira adds. “And for our mental health, we just rest, sleep, or just talk to somebody or talk [among] ourselves.” Mikki chimes in, “[We] watch movies.”
However, a light bulb goes off in their heads when JL casually mentions shopping. The trio sitting on the sofa, who seemingly agree that retail therapy is a great form of self-care, automatically repeat in unison, “Shopping!” And if you’re wondering what was the last thing they shopped for, the list spans clothes, sneakers, sunglasses and a SZA vinyl.
Always Game
As 2024 slowly comes to a close, BGYO has their sights on wrapping up the year on a positive note. So far, the Aces of P-pop — an endearing moniker they’ve earned thanks to their ability to master all sorts of performances — have delivered new music, dipped their toes into fashion and taken Filipino music to different corners of the world.
The remaining quarter of 2024, they anticipate, will be full of opportunities to interact with their fanbase. “BGYO will be focusing on creating and releasing more music, continue to grow as artists and continue to connect more with ACEs (fandom name),” says Gelo. “Hopefully, we can meet new fans from all around the world.”
JL nods and follows up with what sounds like a teaser, “Yes, and we have a lot of content to post, to release, and new performances.”
Though they don’t share any concrete plans, BGYO also reiterates that they’re open to meeting fans around the globe if given the chance. “We would love to [visit other countries] if there’s an opportunity,” Mikki says, rubbing his hands together. “You know, we’re always grinding, always hungry.”
”Always game,” Gelo concludes, giving me a thumbs up. It somehow encapsulates everything BGYO stands for.
Listen to BGYO’s latest music release, “Trash,” on YouTube and Spotify. And don’t forget to follow them on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook to keep up with their latest moves.
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