Huddled together in front of a phone, the members of the P-Pop boy band BGYO are the definition of casual. The relaxed looks and the calm, almost nonchalant way they introduce themselves make it hard to believe that they have yet to reach the second year of their career. Less than two years, however, have sufficed for the quintet to forge a success that exemplifies the rise of Filipino music to the global stage.
Since their official debut in 2021, the five-piece act — consisting of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate — has solidified their place as the next Filipino music export to watch. Their story started with an audition call for ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy. The project ended up uniting five young men from different paths of life under one name that aptly stands for “Becoming the change, Going further, You and I, Originally Filipino.”
It’s mid-November when BGYO first travels to New York for group activities and press promotions. Fresh off the successful release of their sophomore album, Be Us, and despite their busy schedule, the quintet still finds mundane things to marvel about. “In the Philippines, people wear easy, comfortable clothes because of the weather, but in New York, people align [their wardrobe] to the season,” the group’s rapper Mikki tells Teen Vogue when asked if they’re taking style notes during their visit to The City That Never Sleeps.
Chicago-born Nate, for example, observes that New Yorkers have a penchant for items such as combat boots, cargo pants, and tech wear. He also reveals that after landing in the United States, he’s turned a black bomber jacket into the most reliable addition to his outfits. “I also wore it in Los Angeles,” he says, proudly showing the jacket in front of the camera. “My personal style is very easy to put on and take off. I have been wearing comfy wear and work wear. It’s influenced by Rick Owens and RM of BTS.”
John Lloyd Toreliza — who goes by the stage name JL — admits that his wardrobe is more practical, “Personally, I love wearing street styles, and I don’t have exact inspiration but I’m always searching for outfit variations online,” says the singer. JL’s answer confirms something that’s impossible to overlook about the group’s dynamics. Despite being a tight-knit bunch, all five possess strikingly contrasting personalities and preferences. It’s probably a reflection of their background diversity. Prior to his debut as a member of BGYO, for example, JL used to participate in singing competitions.
