BGYO is a Filipino P-pop boy group formed through ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy (SHA). Comprising members Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate, the group officially debuted on January 29, 2021, with the single “The Light” [1]. The name BGYO is an acronym that encapsulates the group’s core message: “Becoming the change, Going further, You and I, Originally Filipino.” Their artistic identity fuses contemporary pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic, and dance influences with distinctly Filipino themes, emphasizing youth empowerment, self-confidence, resilience, and national identity [1].

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2018–2020: Formation as Star Hunt Academy Boys

The origins of BGYO trace back to 2018 when the members were selected through Star Hunt Academy, ABS-CBN’s training program designed to cultivate aspiring Filipino performers. Initially known as the Star Hunt Academy Boys or SHA Boys, the trainees underwent rigorous preparation in singing, dancing, stage performance, and entertainment skills. This transition from trainees to a professional ensemble was part of ABS-CBN’s broader initiative to develop a new generation of Filipino idol artists. The group eventually adopted the name BGYO to reflect their intended message of growth, ambition, partnership, and Filipino identity [2].

2021: Debut with “The Light”

BGYO formally entered the Philippine music industry on January 29, 2021, with the release of “The Light.” The debut single established the group’s central philosophy, encouraging young people to become agents of positive change and to pursue their ambitions despite challenges. Following their debut, they released “He’s Into Her,” the theme song for the ABS-CBN series of the same name. The track became one of their early breakthrough hits and won Best Theme Song or Title Theme (Philippines) at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards [2]. Throughout the remainder of 2021, BGYO released several other singles, including “The Baddest,” “Kulay,” “When I’m With You,” “Kundiman,” “Sabay,” “Fly Away,” and “Rocketman.”

The Light (2021)

On October 7, 2021, BGYO released their debut studio album, The Light, under Star Music. The 12-track album featured both Filipino and international versions of their material, showcasing a musical palette that spanned pop, R&B, hip-hop, EDM, and synth-pop. The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on iTunes charts in multiple territories, including the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia [2]. This release solidified BGYO’s status as a prominent act within the rapidly expanding P-pop movement.

2022: BE:US

BGYO released their second studio album, BE:US, in 2022. The record marked a continuation of the group’s artistic development, exploring themes of individuality, relationships, confidence, and personal growth. Similar to their debut, BE:US performed strongly on international digital platforms, topping iTunes album charts in several countries and helping to expand their global audience [2]. Key tracks from this era included “Tumitigil Ang Mundo” and “Magnet,” which demonstrated a sonic evolution beyond their initial debut image.

2023–2024: Musical Development

In the years following their sophomore album, BGYO continued to release music and perform while cultivating a more mature artistic identity. A defining characteristic of this period was the members’ increasing involvement in their creative output, with participation in songwriting and composition allowing them to move beyond performing solely externally created material. Their music during this phase increasingly addressed themes of youth empowerment, self-love, Filipino identity, personal growth, relationships, social awareness, and resilience. The group also maintained an active presence through concerts, festivals, television projects, and international Filipino music events.

2025: A New Era

BGYO entered a new career stage in 2025 with the release of a self-titled EP featuring tracks such as “Trash” and “Divine,” reflecting a more mature and contemporary musical direction [3]. The group also held their first solo concert, BGYO: NOW, marking a significant milestone in their development as live performers. Additionally, BGYO was named to Billboard Philippines’ P-pop Rising Class 2025, underscoring their continued relevance in the Philippine pop landscape [2].

2026: “Fresh”

In February 2026, BGYO released “Fresh,” a hip-hop-influenced single centered on confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Composed by member Mikki, it served as the group’s first Tagalog single since “Andito Lang” in 2024. ABS-CBN described the track as an empowerment anthem built around genuine self-assurance [3]. During this period, BGYO also represented Filipino music at the DUNK Showcase at K-Arena Yokohama in Japan, performing alongside fellow Filipino acts SB19 and Cup of Joe [3].

BGYO currently consists of five members [1]:

Gelo

Angelo Troy Rivera, known professionally as Gelo, serves as the group’s leader. He has been with BGYO since the Star Hunt Academy era and is recognized for guiding the group both onstage and in team dynamics.

Akira

Akira Morishita is known for his strong performance abilities and distinctive visual presence. He has garnered attention outside the Philippines, contributing significantly to the group’s international following.

JL

John Lloyd Toreliza, or JL, is a vocal and performance member who was among the original Star Hunt Academy trainees selected to form the five-member group.

Mikki

Michael Claver Jr., known as Mikki, is heavily involved in the group’s songwriting and creative direction. His composition of “Fresh” exemplifies the members’ growing role in creating their own music [3].

Nate

Nathaniel Porcalla, or Nate, is the youngest member of BGYO. Like his bandmates, he was developed through the Star Hunt Academy training system prior to the group’s official debut.

While generally classified as a P-pop group, BGYO draws from a diverse range of contemporary genres, including pop, R&B, hip-hop, EDM, dance-pop, pop rock, soul, and synth-pop. Rather than adhering to a single fixed style, the group has consistently experimented with different sounds throughout their career [2]. A central pillar of their artistic identity is the fusion of modern global pop production with Filipino cultural elements. This is reflected in their name’s emphasis on being “Originally Filipino” and in songs like “Kundiman,” which directly incorporate traditional Filipino musical and cultural concepts.

Studio Albums

1. The Light (2021)
2. BE:US (2022)

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Selected Notable Songs

• “The Light”
• “The Baddest”
• “He’s Into Her”
• “When I’m With You”
• “Kundiman”
• “Sabay”
• “Fly Away”
• “Rocketman”
• “Tumitigil Ang Mundo”
• “Magnet”
• “Andito Lang”
• “Trash”
• “Divine”
• “Fresh”
• “All These Ladies”

The group’s official website lists additional releases including “Gigil,” “Bulalakaw,” and “Patintero” [1].

BGYO has received recognition both domestically and internationally. Notable accolades include:

• 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards: Best Theme Song or Title Theme (Philippines) for “He’s Into Her” [2]
• 34th Awit Awards: People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist [2]
• 7th PUSH Awards: Push Music Personality of the Year [2]
• Saludo Excellence Awards: Best Male Group [2]
• TikTok Awards Philippines 2022: P-Pop Group of the Year [2]
• 2nd Diamond Excellence Awards: Outstanding Boy Group of the Year [2]
• Billboard Philippines P-pop Rising Class 2025 [2]

Internationally, the group has achieved No. 1 chart positions in territories including Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE [1].

The official fan community of BGYO is known as ACEs. The name aligns with the group’s identity as performers striving for excellence across various aspects of entertainment while supporting one another and their fans. The relationship between BGYO and ACEs has been integral to the group’s rise, particularly during their early years when their audience was primarily built through social media and digital platforms.

BGYO belongs to the generation of Filipino idol groups that helped renew interest in P-pop during the early 2020s. Their career has developed alongside the international ascent of acts like SB19 and BINI, contributing to a broader movement where Filipino artists increasingly seek audiences beyond domestic borders. BGYO is distinguished by its combination of idol-group performance standards, Filipino songwriting and thematic content, and contemporary international pop production. Their official biography describes them as a Filipino music export with a growing following in both local and global markets [1].

BGYO represents a pivotal phase in the evolution of modern P-pop, characterized by the adoption of global idol industry elements—structured training, synchronized choreography, fandom culture, and multimedia promotion—while retaining distinctly Filipino themes. Their name summarizes this philosophy: “Becoming the change. Going further. You and I. Originally Filipino.” From their 2018 beginnings as Star Hunt Academy trainees to their 2021 debut, international chart success, awards, and continued musical experimentation, BGYO has evolved from a trainee project into an established force in Filipino pop music [1].

1. BGYO Official Site – Discover Music, Videos, and Merch | Rising Filipino Boy Group
2. BGYO
3. BGYO, tunay na “Fresh” sa kanilang bagong single