Kaia on the process of becoming
There’s a girl group called Kaia—magaling sila, promising,” a friend had told me years ago, one night after she had caught Fete de la Musique’s P-pop Stage. Fast forward to 2026, that promising P-pop act is now among the busiest groups of the year, with numerous local and international festival performances, big-name collaborations, music awards and nominations, and their fair share of viral moments.
Four years since their debut, Kaia remains one of the most rooted-for rising P-pop acts, and it’s something the members Angela, Charice, Alexa, Sophia, and Charlotte are endlessly grateful for.
“It’s amazing na part kami ng pag-rise [ng P-pop], and we can contribute to it while it’s rising. We’re very happy na we’re part of this movement. We’re looking forward to more P-pop groups na mag-ra-rise at mabubuo,” leader and main vocalist Angela shares, adding how happy they are to be an “ate” to the newer crop of P-pop idols, too.
But despite the growing popularity of the genre, there are still a lot of things Kaia hopes people will understand more about the scene. From hours spent correcting and perfecting lines to training like athletes to build their endurance and stamina for the stage, there’s a lot of unglamorous work that goes on behind the scenes of this rising genre.
“There is a lot of heart and hard work sa music in P-pop than it actually seems,” lead rapper Alexa shares. And the five-member girl group is proof of that—behind an effortless performance is a lot of practice, discipline, and dedication.
“Every time nagpe-perform kami, binibigay namin ‘yong hearts namin,” Charice adds. “We just want people to feel our emotions when we are performing.”
A process of exploration
Beyond a formula or singular sound, it’s honesty and emotion that define Kaia’s music. Listening to their discography would reveal an adventurous soundscape, ranging from edgy hip-hop to electronic dance music (EDM), or even bright and dreamy pop music. But at the heart of their songs are stories of love, yearning, and hard work—all derived from each member’s own perspectives.
“We want to incorporate our identity as Kaia sa lahat ng genres; that’s why we’re not boxing ourselves into one concept. I think what makes a Kaia song Kaia is the honesty and authenticity behind it,” Angela says.
Charlotte adds that this period for the group is one marked by musical exploration. “Nakagawa na kami ng EDM, pop, and R&B,” she says. “Marami pa kaming gustong gawin in the future, like ballads—hindi pa namin nagagawa. We want to produce our own song, too.”
“Hindi pa namin na-re-reach ‘yong full potential ni Kaia, so for now we’re exploring and enjoying the process talaga sa paggawa ng music,” she adds.
Getting to know each other better
The part that they enjoy most about the process, the girls share, is actually spending time together to collaborate on ideas. It’s more than just making the songs more personal—it’s the process of writing together, exploring and dissecting their experiences to translate them into their music, that forges a stronger connection between them.
“Every time na nagbe-brainstorm kami, kunwari [writing a love song, we ask each other,] ‘ano na ba na-experience niyo with love?’ Kaya doon kami nagkakakilala. Siyempre, we had lives before Kaia, so ‘yong mga experiences namin noon, we put them in our songs,” Sophia reveals.
But getting to know each other better through creating music goes beyond just infusing the songs with their lived experiences. The process also teaches them to become more open to what makes each member unique. “Pag nag-re-record kami, I think nag-grow na rin kami kasi na-accept na rin namin ano ‘yong differences ng voices namin,” Charice says.
And that acceptance shows in their approach to performances. Charice touches on a hotly debated topic: perfect vocals in performances—and whether it’s actually achievable.
“Akala ng mga tao na kapag may error or imperfection sa performance, hindi na maganda,” Charice shares. “Pero do’n ako personally na-a-amaze, kasi alam ko na hindi biro mag-perform live. At the same time, tao lang din ‘yong performers; nagkakamali rin.”
It’s that sense of humanity—the imperfections, the rawness, and even the vulnerability that comes with performing live under ever-changing circumstances—that makes each performance unique, and therefore more valuable.
Tied in with music and lyrics that speak true of their experiences, P-pop then, for the group, is a way to show the “humor, struggles, and joy ng pagiging Filipino. Parang story natin siya in the form of music,” Alexa says.
Entering a milestone year
From their debut stage and most recent fan meet to crossing borders via a viral “Takedown” performance and international representations, there’s a lot to look back on as Kaia enters their fifth year.
Busy as 2026 has been, the girls reveal there’s even more to come. The last few months of the year will be dedicated to Kaia’s new EP, along with representing the Philippines once more at the Round Festival—this time, in South Korea—in November.
And as they embark on their fifth year as a group—a milestone, no doubt—the girls continue to dream. Each member is brimming with ideas on things they still want to do together.
For one, Angela hopes for a documentary about their journey, struggles, and process behind the scenes. Alexa and Sophia add ideas dedicated to their fans: “[Sana] magkaroon tayo ng merch na official. Kahit lightstick! Gusto kong mabigyan sila ng something na from us talaga,” Alexa says.
“Tour talaga,” Sophia adds. “Alam namin na may mga Zaia sa iba’t ibang parts ng Philippines na gusto silang mapuntahan.”
Kaia is here
With their first EP on the way, they’re betting their all on it. Featuring six songs, the EP will include collaborations with local and international producers. A tour and showcase are also slated to promote the release.
“Ang gusto naming maramdaman [ng fans] is ma-enjoy nila ‘to. Pure joy. And ma-inspire sila while listening to it,” Angela says of the planned EP. They hint at including a variety of genres, true to the sound that fans have enjoyed from them over the years.
The refusal to settle may be why Kaia remains such a refreshing act to keep watching out for. Whether it’s with a self-penned track or a song produced with long-admired collaborators, Kaia’s deep involvement in everything they do has led them to where they are today.
Those keeping close tabs on the P-pop scene have been saying the same thing: Kaia’s next. Just one more hit, a break, and they’ll make it big. And these girls are on the cusp of something great. They’ve pushed beyond “promising” and have worked their way to becoming a group to watch out for.
Four years ago, the group announced their arrival on the scene. But perhaps now, truly, Kaia is here.
Shot at Penthouse 205 Styling by Miguel Quilang
