DNA debuts: Three sisters bring new P-pop energy

A new sound is taking flight in the P-pop scene—and it runs deep in the blood. ABS-CBN has officially unveiled DNA, a rising three-member girl group composed of sisters Tasha, Julia, and Ezri Mitra, who mark their entry into the music industry with their debut single, “Don’t Ask Me Why.”

Released under StarPop, the vibrant sublabel of ABS-CBN Music, the track serves as an anthem of individuality and self-expression—an empowering reminder to stay true to one’s voice despite the noise of opinions and expectations. The song was composed by Ezri, produced by Jonathan Manalo, and embodies the group’s core identity: honest, artistic, and unapologetically themselves.

A Musical Heritage Born of Love and Legacy

Music runs through the sisters’ veins. They are the daughters of renowned composer and musical director Raul Mitra and singer Cacai Velasquez-Mitra, and the nieces of Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Despite growing up in the shadow of musical royalty, the girls carved their own rhythm—bonding over shared dreams, endless rehearsals, and an unbreakable sisterhood.

“Even from a young age, we liked performing,” Julia recalled in their Star Magic interview. “We did theater workshops and fashion shows at home. We loved performing and expressing ourselves.”

Their early influences were a mix of Broadway and K-pop. “That was also around the time of Wonder Girls—‘Nobody’ was really popular,” Ezri added. “We used to dance to it in front of the TV. That second-generation K-pop really inspired us.”

The Making of DNA

Before finding their harmony as a trio, Tasha admitted that the road wasn’t always easy. “The process to get to being comfortable doing it together was a very, very long one. There were a lot of tears, a lot of arguments,” she shared candidly.

But those struggles became the foundation of their bond—sharpening their talent and strengthening their resolve to succeed together. Their mother, Cacai, may have been their toughest critic, but also their loudest supporter. “Ang biggest basher namin ang mom namin,” Julia said with a laugh. “Kaya ready na kami to perform and show our talent.”

Growing up, the sisters often performed individually in school, sometimes joining their Aunt Regine in shows. “Madalas nagpe-perform kami sa school pero individual, di kami magkakasama. Pero minsan sumasama kami sa performance ni Tita Regine,” Tasha recalled. (“We often performed individually in school, not together, but sometimes we joined Tita Regine’s performances.”) “I remember, there’s this time na ginagaya ko siya when she performs—nakita namin yung magic when she’s onstage.” (“I would imitate her when she performs—we saw the magic onstage.”)

That “magic” is what they now aim to recreate—this time as DNA, representing not only their musical inheritance but also their distinct artistry and youthful energy.

From the Stage to the Stars

Before their official debut, the sisters—then introduced as the Mitra Sisters—signed with Star Magic in July 2025. Their pre-launch performances on “ASAP Natin ‘To” and the “SUPERDIVAS” concert with Regine Velasquez and Vice Ganda gave audiences a glimpse of their crisp harmonies and confident stage presence.

Now, with “Don’t Ask Me Why” officially out on all streaming platforms, DNA steps into the limelight with a refreshing sound and a message close to their hearts. “The song is really about embracing who you are and not needing to explain yourself,” Ezri said. “It’s about freedom, confidence, and authenticity.”

Young, Talented, and Real

Beyond music, the trio also revealed a playful side during their first solo media conference—especially when asked about celebrity crushes. The sisters unanimously agreed: Donny Pangilinan.

“Pinanood talaga namin yung He’s Into Her,” Julia confessed, giggling. (“We really watched He’s Into Her.”) “Na-meet ko siya in person sa dressing rooms sa ABS.” (“I met him in person at the ABS dressing rooms.”)

From fangirls to full-fledged artists, DNA is a testament to how passion and perseverance can turn legacy into destiny. They may carry the weight of a storied surname, but Tasha, Julia, and Ezri are determined to let their voices define their own era.

As their debut single climbs the charts and fans begin to sing along, one thing is clear: DNA isn’t just their name—it’s who they are.