After three years of rigorous training, a new Filipina girl group has emerged, poised to redefine the sound of pop music. This isn't just another band; it's a declaration of identity, a vibrant expression of Filipino heritage ready to take the world by storm.
The group, known as FINA – an acronym both for “Filipina” and their empowering motto, “fine as you are” – has unleashed its debut single, “Paramdam.” The song is a burst of energy, a call to embrace authenticity and forge connections with others through a shared heartbeat.
The accompanying music video is a stunning visual tapestry, each member embodying a different figure from Filipino mythology. It’s a bold statement, a celebration of the rich folklore woven into the fabric of the nation’s soul.
“We want to invite people to find their space, to know that there’s a community out there that’s going to love you if you just be who you are,” shared FINA member Chill. “’Paramdam’ is more than just a song; it’s the foundation of what we stand for.”
The diversity within FINA is striking, reflected not only in their backgrounds but also in the mythical characters they portray. Anika, from Cavite, channels the enigmatic aswang, while Nala, of Chinese heritage, embodies the wild spirit of the lobo.
Chill, hailing from Cagayan de Oro, transforms into the ethereal engkanto, a nature fairy. Cia, based in Cabanatuan, evokes the allure of the sirena, and Quezon City’s Heaven embodies the grace of a diwata, a guardian fairy.
“We want to represent our Filipino culture, traditions, values, and instruments through our music,” Heaven explained, her voice filled with passion. “We want to showcase the beauty of the Philippines to the world.”
FINA isn’t simply aiming to replicate the success of other pop groups; they’re determined to forge their own path. They believe P-pop is a versatile genre, capable of embracing a multitude of styles and expressions.
“There’s not just one style of P-pop. You can be different,” Anika asserted. “As Filipinos, we have many sides to ourselves, and that’s what we want to showcase on the international stage.”
Breaking from tradition, FINA rejects the conventional system of designated performance roles. Each member is a multi-faceted talent, equally skilled as a vocalist, dancer, rapper, visual artist, or “center.”
This commitment to all-around excellence, Chill emphasized, is a testament to the incredible talent within the P-pop scene. “Everybody is a strong vocalist, a strong dancer, a great performer, and we can be vulnerable but still very entertaining.”
Audiences can anticipate a continuous stream of music infused with distinctly Filipino sounds, lyrics, and aesthetics. FINA intends to weave the stories of the Filipino people into every song they create.
“We want to introduce our culture to international audiences,” Nala stated, highlighting the poignant beauty embedded within the lyrics of “Paramdam.” It’s a mission driven by a deep sense of pride and a desire to share their heritage.
For Cia, and the entire group, this debut marks a significant step towards realizing a long-held dream: performing their music live on stage. “We have a lot of energy and want to show our talents, skills, and individuality,” she said, brimming with anticipation.
