1st One’s journey is a testament to passion, growth, and the power of community as they break new ground in P-Pop
With a natural knack for melody, rhythm, and storytelling, Filipinos have always been known for their incredible talent—there’s a rich, ever-expanding sea of artistry from the country that has long made waves in music, dance, and performance across the globe. This immense pool of talent has found a stage in P-Pop, where local acts are fusing their cultural roots with modern influences to create a sound that’s fresh, bold, and undeniably captivating. Enter 1st One, an almost four-year-old group that’s set on proving they’re not just another P-pop group. With their electrifying performances, soulful vocals, undeniable charm, high-octane energy, and magnetic stage presence, 1st One is taking P-Pop to new heights, showing the world that they’re here to stay—and they’re just getting started.
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The all-male sextet, before being plucked from obscurity in the vast sea of Filipino talent, underwent the painstaking process of training and a disciplined idol routine synonymous with K-Pop. Under the guidance of FirstOne Entertainment, a Seoul-based talent management company, Ace, Max, Alpha, J, Joker, and Jayson honed their skills: from mastering intricate choreography to refining their vocal and stage presence, the group wanted to prove that their place in P-Pop wasn’t just about delivering great music—it’s also about channeling emotion and genuine passion into every performance.
Despite the limited discography, there’s a variety of styles and perspectives in the outfit that is refreshing and progressive, and their sound pays dividends for it. 1st One’s latest release, Wala Ng Iba, is multi-layered, potent, vibrant, and pop-centric. “As a group, we always strive to reinvent ourselves every release or every era that we go into musically or through our artistic careers,” Ace, 1st One’s leader and main vocalist, says. “So, this song means a lot in a sense that it not only changes the era of our music, music videos, our choreography, but it kind of showcases the entirety of our growth so far within the four years that we have been in this P-Pop industry.”
A heartfelt and uplifting record, Wala Ng Iba showcases 1st One’s perusal of genuine love. But long before this track, the group has consistently demonstrated their talent for songwriting, ensuring that their music doesn’t just sound relatable, but the lyrics will resonate with the listener. While Ace often lays the foundation by crafting the song’s skeleton, the rest of the group adds their unique touches, turning every track into a collaborative product. Wala Ng Iba is the latest iteration of their storytelling, blending personal emotion and shared creativity into a song that resonates deeply with listeners. 1st One wants songwriting to be a key part of their artistry.
From the Heart, By Their Pens
“We always make it a point that every member’s heart and soul is evident in the song,” Ace shares passionately. “It’s not just about creating music—it’s about immersing ourselves fully so that when we sing, perform, or even dance to it, it carries more meaning for us. That connection allows us to reach our audience on a deeper level.” He goes on to reveal an exciting evolution in their creative process.
“For our upcoming EP, the members will write the songs entirely from scratch—not just building on a framework I provide anymore. This shows how much we’ve grown, not only as a group but as individuals. These songs will carry our imaginations, personal experiences, frustrations, and so much more—not just small inputs, but entire pieces of our hearts and souls.”
– Ace on the importance of collaborative effort
Joker adds, “‘Pag kami na ang magsusulat ng mga kanta, kailangan namin malaman kung okay rin pakinggan sa tainga ng iba sa grupo. The difficulty there is that there are a lot of input with regard to lyrics and melody, but we should be able to water down what we really need to use and deliver in our music.”
The six piece group is carving their own path as singer-songwriters by feeling the world around them with verve and vulnerability. Balancing a consistent 1st One sound with space for individuality, they channel the world around them into music that’s as authentic as it is compelling.
Music That Speaks to Every Listener
When 1st One creates music, they aim to do more than just share their songs—they want to offer something that truly connects with listeners. Whether it’s offering escapism, capturing the emotions of heartbreak, love, and everything in between, or providing something to enjoy during aimless listening, their goal is to connect with and cater to all types of listeners—dedicated fans, casual music fans, and more—while staying true to their personal stories, making their sound both relatable and meaningful.
Ace explains, “We want people to hear our songs and feel like they’ve found something that speaks to their essence, something they can deeply connect with. As artists, it’s not just about embedding our own stories into the music, but also creating space for listeners to bring their own experiences and emotions into it.” This blend of personal storytelling and universal relatability is at the core of what makes 1st One special.
From Hip-Hop Roots to P-Pop Heights
While many groups have members with both dance and vocal backgrounds, 1st One’s roots are firmly in dance. Their strong dance backgrounds not only allow them to showcase intricate choreography but also fuel their vision to bridge the gap between the underground hip-hop scene and mainstream P-Pop. As the leader shares, “P-Pop is still a growing movement, and we hope our contribution, especially coming from the underground hip-hop scene in the Philippines, can help connect these two worlds. We want to be a conduit that helps the underground scene gain recognition from the mainstream and vice versa, because at the end of the day, both represent the Philippine flag.” He continues, “When people outside the country see 1st One, we want them to know that there’s a group rooted in the hip-hop and dance communities. And when that moment comes, we hope it opens their eyes to other groups that they’ll appreciate for different reasons, and so on and so forth.”
However, idol training comes with its fair share of challenges—one being balancing the pressure to perfect their dance skills while simultaneously learning to improve their vocals, rap, and overall performance. “Every small detail needs to be strategized and thought through,” Max explains. “In singing, you can’t just belt out your voice all the time, and in dance, every arm movement has to be precise. We had to learn it all.” Despite their experience, they see themselves as students of their craft, knowing there’s always room to grow. “It’s humbling to realize how much more we can offer. It’s like breaking through a ceiling—when we think we’ve reached our limit, we realize there’s still a whole sky ahead of us.”
“Nadadagdagan ‘yung art na kailangan naming aralin and consequently, nadagdagdan din ‘yung outlet namin for creativity, potential, and growth,” J adds. “Ang strength talaga namin is dancing, but since we came into the P-Pop industry, kailangan naming mag-commit to every talent na kailangan namin ihain sa audience.”
Glitz, Glam, and Grit: The Truth Behind the Spotlight
But this is not to say it’s easy. When idols take the stage, they’re expected to deliver perfect vocals, flawless choreography, high energy, and undeniable stage charisma. Becoming an all-around performer takes years of dedication and sacrifice. 1st One sets the record straight by being candid with MEGA Entertainment about the hard truth of idol life—beyond the glitz and glamor. “We tend to self-sabotage, especially in our early days,” Max admits. “We were really hard on ourselves when it came to performing because we felt we had to be nearly perfect. Day by day, we’re learning to be kinder to ourselves because we get tired and we get burnt out, but thankfully, we have a strong support system—each other, our fans, and, of course, our love for art.”
Alpha shares, “Pre-debut, we really needed to work on our singing, especially me because I wasn’t a singer to begin with. I remember a time during vocal lessons when I was the only one who couldn’t hit a note. Because of that, we didn’t get breaks for lunch or dinner, and I became really frustrated. One of the hardest parts of being an idol is trying to improve yourself and prove yourself to others. But at the same time, we need to recognize our growth and celebrate those little victories.”
Jayson adds, “There are times when you’re performing and your mind and emotions are completely clouded—like when you’ve hit rock bottom, but you still have to show up. You need to fake it ‘til you make it. People don’t always know what you’re going through, but you still have to give your best performance.”
In the end, 1st One’s journey is a constant balancing act between perfection and imperfection, growth and struggle, all while maintaining a sense of self and connection to their fans. Through it all, they know that the real triumph lies not in never falling, but in always getting back up.
Tagalog Lyrics, Global Impact
1st One made their presence known at the Seoul Music Awards in 2020, performing to the hits of K-pop powerhouses BTS and NCT, and again in Thailand in 2023, showcasing their own music. With the rise of P-Pop, the group shared with MEGA Entertainment that incorporating Tagalog lyrics into their songs doesn’t just create a locally resonant sound, but also one that can be appreciated globally. “Every language has its own beauty, and every citizen of a country believes their language is special,” Ace affirms. “I think it’s time for Filipinos to truly recognize the beauty of our language. Tagalog lyrics are poetic, deeply romantic, and we want to take this to the global stage—not only to represent our language but also to uplift our culture. Staying true to where we come from, including our language, is essential.”
Ace continues, “Look at the early generations of K-pop—they were proud of their language, with very few English words in their lyrics. It’s time we start feeling the same pride for our own language, even if it’s not 1st One. Whether we’re recognized or not, what matters most is that our country—and P-Pop—is acknowledged.” Max finishes, “When we listen to music, we appreciate the sound itself even if we don’t understand the lyrics at first. But when you learn the meaning, it resonates with you even more.”
Heartfelt, Soulful, and Full of Surprises: The 1st EP
Another crucial aspect of 1st One’s artistry is the creative freedom they embrace—not only in songwriting, but also in crafting concepts, choreography, music videos, and more. “Our creative freedom is our opportunity to pour our hearts and souls into everything,” the group shares. “Every song, every music video, every dance, every new era feels like a new creation born from us. It’s this freedom that allows us to stay true to the group’s authenticity, while also expressing our individuality.”
The leader adds, “We’re fortunate to have a management team that’s incredibly supportive, helping guide us every step of the way. With our upcoming EP, expect even more creative input from each of us. There’s a lot more music and surprises coming your way.”
Looking ahead to their upcoming EP due next year, what can fans expect? Ace teases, “It’s going to be full of power, soul, and heart. There will be moments of kilig and sadness. This EP will definitely take you on an emotional ride.”
Alpha adds, “You’ll get to know us even more. We have the creative freedom to fully express ourselves through our music, so listeners will truly feel who we are—not just as artists, but as individuals.”
New Year, New Milestones for 1st One and ForOne
As the year draws to a close, the group has a heartfelt message for their ever-growing fanbase, ForOne. With gratitude and excitement for the future, the group reflects on the unwavering support they’ve received and shares their anticipation for what’s to come in the coming year. From personal growth to musical milestones, they’re excited to keep evolving with their fans by their side, strengthening the bond they’ve built and pushing the boundaries of P-Pop together. Here’s what the group has to say to their dedicated supporters:
“To our beloved ForOne, thank you so much for your unwavering support! As we head into 2025, expect to see more of us and more music that we’ve poured our hearts and souls into. We’re incredibly grateful for the genuine connection we share with all of you, from your tweets and edits to singing along with us during performances—it fuels us to keep going.”
– 1st One
Let’s claim 2025 as our year, and continue spreading the love for P-Pop together. The journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to ride this rollercoaster with you—through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let’s keep growing and making waves, not just for 1st One, but for P-Pop on the global stage. We love you, ForOne! Stay safe and happy holidays!”
For these P-Pop stars, the relationship between artist and fan is inviolable, and 1st One feels a duty to keep the music coming by making their performances unmissable spectacles of heart, hustle, and harmony.
Photos and Featured Image: FIRST ONE ENTERTAINMENT, 1ST ONE (via Instagram)
