P-Pop (Pinoy/Philippine pop) is OPM (original Pilipino music) on steroids.  When one gets to hear P-Pop songs, these are definitely a fusion of Filipino sounds, with lyrics that are a mix of Tagalog, regional dialects and English, and the international rhythm and vibe of pop, dance, disco, hip-hop and R&B.

Another distinctive quality of P-Pop, is how, specifically in the music videos being produced, Filipino cultural references and social themes are always present, and that love and pride for the country and fellowmen are a constant battlecry and resolve.

And unlike its seasoned OPM predecessors, with their top-notch music videos that display the synchronized choreographies and vocal abilities of P-Pop artists, everything in P-Pop screams musical global domination, with songs earning coveted spots on international music charts and fandoms, not only limited among Filipinos but also among international fandoms as well.

The notable artists of the P-Pop genre now are a mix of established stars. Leading the P-Pop artistic community is SB19, hailed as the “P-Pop Kings” with anthems like “Gento,” “Dam” and “Bazinga,” among others, earning global support and recognition.

The “nation’s girl group” BINI, with their bubble gum pop, and G22 with their femme fatale pop ditties, are two of the more popular girl battalions. There is also Alamat, the multi-lingual P-Pop group that makes it a point to put and use regional languages in their lyrics and indigenous textile and accessories as part of their fashion statements that are highlighted in their music videos and during live performances.

The P-Pop movement continues to rise and adding more oomph and stellar presence is Nova, the Philippines’ newest P-Pop girl group.

Nova is here

No, they are not nieces nor are they granddaughters of the great comedienne Nova Villa.  They are also not related in any way to the multi-grain snack brand. The all-female group is composed of Andrea “Dea” Alarcon, Wendy Figura, Vie Hernandez, Sheila Ella, Pamela “Red” Pangilinan and Chloe “Karel” Sar. They are under the Vibrant Voice Production and Talent Management.

The pretty young misses came from different locations and schools. They lead lives and personalities that can be best described as “unique.” What made them come together was their passion for music, desire to showcase their God-given talents and love for performance. Now, the six young ladies inch their way to the P-Pop world and as Nova, they are more than ready to make their own kind of music and sing their special songs.

What is most impressive about Nova is that they are not all fluff and manufactured artists that rely heavily on the exterior of branding and imaging. These women are on fire academically, with some of its members holding degrees from top universities, including De La Salle, while others are graduating from well-known colleges. Laudable indeed is their steadfastness with regard to education. For the members of Nova, they believe and are in agreement that education must be the top priority and that it is not a deterrent in making them realize their musical ambitions and careers.

When asked why they are named Nova, Pangilinan answered the question during a recent launch held at Music Box: “The name Nova is no accident,” she said, “It symbolizes an explosive birth, a burst of brilliance created under pressure, courage and transformation.”

“Nova are five distinctive individuals and personalities that work as a team dedicated and driven to make, offer and give to the audience our kind of music and earn our place in the P-Pop community,” added Pangilinan.

“We are a self-made movement,” Pangilinan  also said. “Nova, I believe with all my heart as the one P-Pop girl group that represents the Philippines without borders or expectations.”

Alarcon, the group’s main dancer said: “(Apart) from our singing abilities, our dance movements are expressions of how we feel. In my case, performing helped me find my confidence.”

The vocally impressive Figura said: “I learned discipline early on through repeated appearances on national stages long before I became part of Nova. The theater practices and discipline I learned from the theater, I will definitely share with my sisters.”

Hernandez, who is both rapper and lead dancer said: “I balance daytime work with late-night rehearsals, and chasing this dream that refuses to fade. With Nova, it truly feels like home and I know that together, as we start this musical journey, we can make our collective dream a reality.”

The emotional anchor of Nova, Ella, said: “I see Nova as a voice for people who feel unheard. To our followers and to all who will listen and support this dream of ours, we are here for you.  You are not alone.”

Sar, meanwhile hoped that: “Our group’s name Nova will resonate across generations.

Their first original song is billed as ‘All In’.” 

Alarcon said: “The song’s message is that we’re here, ready and are able to make original music. We all know that you give Nova all your love and support.”

Group leader Pangiinan also said: “This song reflects the group’s total commitment to our craft. In a way, I want to call it as our very own fight song. We are ready for anything and everything so bring it on. We are here to create and give beautiful music.”