It takes more than heart to be a woman. In a society that thrives on tooth-and-claw competition, true strength goes beyond standing above everyone else. It’s about having the courage to lift others as you rise—to trailblaze, to make space, and to remind every woman that she belongs. It’s about becoming someone young girls can look up to, not because you’re untouchable, but because you show them what’s possible.
A quiet resistance. An aspiration.
In an industry that still loves to box women into narrow stereotypes and define the limits of what they can do, G22 continues to resist. They embody what it truly means to be an alpha: not by leading from above, but by leading so others can follow, and knowing when to follow where others can lead. Such energy radiates beyond their stage presence. It’s woven into every song they release, every performance they deliver, and every message they choose to amplify.
There’s a reason they’re known as ‘P-pop’s Female Alphas.’ In this feature, G22 shares what it means to be women in the music scene, to stand at the forefront of advocating for women, and to use their voices not just to sing and perform but also to leave an impact long after the spotlight fades.
‘Being an Alpha is Not One-Dimensional’: AJ on What it Takes to Lead
The standards for becoming a leader have always been set high. Much more so if you’re a woman. More often than not, you have to work twice, sometimes even three times as hard, just to prove your worth. But G22 leader AJ has always shown that beyond talent and skill, women are made up of many layers, qualities that are often overlooked in a society that still tries to define what they can and cannot be.
From joining The Voice Teens in 2020 to becoming a trainee and now the leader of G22, AJ believes there’s still so much more the group has yet to show. Looking back, their debut showcase at New Frontier Theater remains one of the moments closest to her heart, not just because of its success but because it made her realize how much of an impact G22 had already made since their formation. “I can’t forget how warm the community was with G22. How we are loved. The community we’ve built along the years,” the main rapper of the P-pop girl group recalled. It was proof that years of hard work had found a home in the people who chose to believe in them.
Like many aspiring artists, carving out a name in an already saturated industry is never easy. But if there’s one thing women know well, it’s resilience: the ability to keep showing up despite the odds. For AJ, being an alpha has never been about standing above everyone else.
“It’s about uplifting everyone and carrying those people that you’re sharing confidence with. Being an alpha is not just one-dimensional. Parang layers of different emotions and experiences a woman carries.” She believes G22 doesn’t just represent womanhood, but it reflects the stories of countless women, even the ones left unspoken. With that comes responsibility: to honor those experiences and give justice to stories that deserve to be heard.
That responsibility carries into every performance. No matter the venue, the crowd, or the size of the stage, AJ shares that they always perform as if they’re introducing themselves for the very first time. “We always treat it as nagpapakilala kami. We need to show people who we are and the message we carry, the advocacy we carry through the performance.” For the group, they’re only as good as their last stage, which is why every performance becomes another opportunity to outdo themselves.
“Yung paanong mahihigitan ‘yung last performance namin. So, every stage is new to us. Every stage dapat mas palaki siya nang palaki.”
That mindset is exactly what keeps people gravitating toward G22. Their authenticity isn’t manufactured. Literally, aura farming, as Gen Zs would put it. But as effortless as it may look, AJ admits that being a woman in the industry comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s hard to be a woman as it is. In all different fields, especially pag male-dominated ‘yung field because you constantly have to prove yourself.” While they can’t force everyone to support them, she believes staying true to their music and their message will always matter most.
“The right people or the right audience will come as long as you have the right heart and you’re true to yourself and your messaging.”
With a growing fanbase also comes the importance of setting boundaries. “There are times, of course, they idolize you so much that they’ve crossed their boundaries.” Still, AJ believes those moments are opportunities for conversation rather than condemnation. She acknowledges that fans today are more self-aware, often calling each other out when things go too far. “Naiintindihan ko naman. Minsan, nasosobrahan lang.” Rather than cancel people outright, she believes in educating through honest and respectful communication. To call out with kindness instead of responding with hate.
Keeping the right mindset has also become one of AJ’s greatest strengths, especially after everything she’s had to sacrifice to get where she is today. She shares that growing up meant letting go of some of the childish ways she once held onto to face reality with more maturity. “My childish mindset, I left that behind a long time ago. It’s a cruel world, so you can’t always reklamo. You can’t always blame other people for what is happening in your life.” Of course, she admits she still makes mistakes and still has moments of doubt. But she chooses to learn through every challenge, carrying each lesson with courage. Through it all, one thing remains constant.
“Having them beside me with this journey, ‘yon talaga ‘yung pinaghuhugutan ko ng lakas ng loob.”
AJ chooses to stay rooted in the present. Whatever the future holds, she’s ready to face it head-on, along with her members beside her, the right mindset guiding her, and the support of the people who continue to believe in them. Whether through fashion, music, or the way they carry themselves, her outlook reflects the same message G22 continues to amplify: leading together, growing together, and making space for others along the way.
‘Mahina pero Patuloy na Lumalaban’: Alfea on Alphas Who Walk Beside You
It’s easy to spot an alpha. The visuals usually give it away. Confident. Commanding attention without even trying. Effortlessly magnetic. But while some define being an alpha as placing themselves on a pedestal, just out of reach, G22 has always chosen a different approach.
They lead from a place that feels grounded, close enough to relate to. Perhaps that’s why fans are naturally drawn to Alfea. Beyond being the group’s visual and lead dancer, her stage presence is rooted in authenticity, making her both striking and approachable. And like the fans who waited alongside them, Alfea saw their first-ever solo concert as a dream years in the making. That dream finally became reality on July 12, 2026, when G22 took over the New Frontier Theater for THE EVE OF AN ALPHA: The First Concert.
Four years after their official debut, holding their first solo concert was far more than just glamour and glitz. It marked the culmination of years of sacrifice, setbacks, and persistence. That’s why for Alfea, being an alpha is not just about always rising above all difficulties but about choosing to keep going despite and in spite of them. “Being an alpha woman is something na alam mo yung what you want and what you fight for. Even though mahina ka, patuloy ka na lumalaban.” Believing they’re only as good as their last performance, she admits the nerves never really disappear. In fact, performing at smaller events sometimes makes her even more anxious because the audience feels much closer. “Mas nakakakaba ‘yun than the bigger events. Well, except sa Philippine Arena but it’s different.”
Yet it’s that same fear that continues to push her forward. During her trainee days, Alfea was often criticized for lacking emotion on stage, something she now openly reflects on. “Walang expression. Walang mata. Mukhang walang fire.” Rather than letting those words discourage her, she treated them as constructive criticism and was even grateful she received them while still training instead of after debuting. She learned that growth comes from listening, improving, and showing up every single time. “Hindi natin mapi-please lahat ng tao. But as much as possible, hanggat alam kong this is my character, ito pa rin yung pini-present ko sa ibang tao.” As long as she remains true to herself and never steps on anyone else, comparisons and opinions become easier to brush aside.
Alfea believes every P-pop group brings something unique to the table. “We all have our different colors na binibigay sa P-pop scene, so I think hindi rin maiiwasang i-compare since sila ‘yung manonood.” But having experienced the industry firsthand, she also knows how damaging careless words can be. That’s why she hopes people become more intentional with the way they express criticism.
“If you want to say something, let’s choose the kinder word and a better way of saying those things since we can’t stop everyone from doing that.”
Instead of constantly comparing groups, Alfea would rather celebrate them. After all, behind the performances and fandoms, many artists are genuine friends who continue to support one another, especially women supporting women. “Lahat ng mga katrabaho namin, women in the industry, have been helpful, like Ate KZ and also Ate Yeng.” It’s something she’s deeply grateful for, having experienced firsthand the warmth and encouragement shared by women in the industry.
In a world that’s more connected than ever, Alfea believes kindness matters just as much as honesty, especially online where words travel fast. “Minsan sumasagot ako, but in a nice way. If it’s really below the belt. Or if misinformation.” While she isn’t afraid to stand her ground, she hopes to continue inspiring other women who are carving out their own paths. Like many artists, she’s had to make difficult sacrifices to pursue this dream. She left the life of a regular student behind because opportunities like this don’t come often, especially for women. “It’s something that I have to give up to pursue this dream. Kasi minsan lang din mabigyan ng ganitong opportunity ‘yung mga tao. And it’s something medyo may age limit if you’re a woman.” Knowing how limited those opportunities can be, she chose to take the chance while it was in front of her.
And Alfea’s alpha energy extends beyond her mindset. It shows through the way she presents herself. Known for G22’s bold, edgy image, she sees fashion as another way to strengthen the stories they tell through music. Rather than simply dressing for aesthetics, every look becomes part of the performance, reinforcing the emotions behind each song. “Sinasabayan namin ‘yung color nung song and also giving light and color.”
For Alfea, being a woman means constantly breaking free from expectations that have long tried to define who women should be. It means creating space instead of fitting into one. But becoming an alpha doesn’t mean distancing yourself from others. It means walking beside them.
“We are the female alphas not to look up na parang ang layo namin sa kanila but something na malapit kami sa kanila and nakaka-relate sila sa amin—sa music namin, sa messaging ng music namin.”
‘An Alpha is Not an Alpha Without its Pack’: Jaz on the Importance of Principles and Staying True
Being named the Rising Star honoree at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music 2026 event was a defining moment for G22. More than another milestone, the recognition became a reminder of the years they spent honing their craft, pushing through challenges, and standing firm in what they believe women can be in the music industry.
But beyond the achievement itself, the award also reflected the unwavering support they’ve received from the people who believed in them from the very beginning. As Jaz, the group’s main vocalist and primary songwriter, explains, G22 has always leaned into the word alpha because it’s a label traditionally reserved for men—and they wanted to redefine it. To show that women, too, can be alphas.
But for Jaz, strength alone isn’t what defines one. “An alpha is not an alpha without its pack. Yung mga supporters namin, mga listeners namin.” While G22 is known for their powerful branding and fearless music, she says their album Dissection of Eve tells a much deeper story.
“May pinagdadaanan, may story. Being a female alpha is to really go through life and use that as fuel to be who you are today.”
Despite giving everything they have every time they step on stage, Jaz believes balance is just as important as hard work. As the youngest member of the group, she values making time for herself just as much as spending time with the girls. Whether it’s reconnecting with the group, finding their shared rhythm, or simply surrounding herself with people who keep her grounded, she believes those quiet moments are just as important as the loud ones.
“One of my principles is having autonomy over myself.” For Jaz, knowing yourself is one of the strongest foundations anyone can have. She believes it’s important to define yourself before anyone else does. “My tip is like, tell yourself who you are. I am kind. I am strong. I am talented.” To her, these words are reminders to keep her grounded. As people continue to grow and evolve, she believes that staying anchored in who you choose to be helps you become that person.
Of course, living by those principles isn’t always easy, especially as a woman. “Being a woman is extremely difficult.” Yet despite the challenges, Jaz also sees it as a privilege to do what she loves. That’s why she’s grateful for the people she can lean on and for the women who came before them and helped make space in the industry. While fans often pit artists against one another, she believes everyone is ultimately working toward the same goal: greater representation. “It’s saddening because we’re all fighting for the same thing. In reality, a lot of us are friends.” Rather than competing, she hopes people choose to uplift one another instead.
“Iba-iba tayo ng talents, strengths, and weaknesses. It’s never a competition.”
In a world that often rewards negativity over compassion, Jaz keeps herself grounded through her faith and by reminding herself to stay connected to life beyond the spotlight. Sometimes, as she jokes, that simply means going outside and ‘touching some grass.’ “Whether it’s a religion for you or being spiritual, it’s so important to remember you’re just a small piece of this Earth.” That perspective has carried her through some of her biggest challenges—from leaving her childhood behind in Australia to train with G22 to facing criticism, even from people close to her. Instead of letting those moments define her, she used them as motivation to keep moving forward.
For Jaz, G22 exists to challenge long-held ideas about what women can and cannot be. Through music, performance, and even fashion, the group continues to push beyond the boxes women are often placed in. Every concept they create becomes part of a larger story—one that resists stereotypes instead of conforming to them. “Beauty, fashion, the art of music—it all comes together to be like a gift for whoever listens to it and watches it, especially as a performance.” G22 was never meant to fit inside a box. They were meant to prove that women never belonged in one to begin with.
From Alpha to Pack: G22’s Journey Forward
For a generation constantly redefining what confidence, success, and strength look like, G22 offers a refreshing perspective of what it means to be an alpha: showing up authentically, staying true to your values, and making room for others to grow alongside you. Their journey proves that leadership doesn’t have to come at the expense of community. It becomes stronger because of it.
Perhaps that’s what makes G22’s message resonate far beyond the stage. Their music may introduce them, but it’s their principles that leave a lasting impression. In choosing empathy over ego, collaboration over competition, and purpose over perfection, they continue to redefine what female power can look like. Because at the end of the day, an alpha isn’t measured by how far ahead she stands but by how many people she’s willing to bring with her.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Emerson Baun
Assisted by: Stephen Singson
Shot on location: The Villa Studio
Special Acknowledgement: Cornerstone Entertainment
Stylist: Eldzs Mejia
Shoot Assisted by: Justine Ramos, Rafael Angelo Berza, Lem Naromor
Overall Coordination: Mj Manglicmot | Niccole Mendoza
