Meet P-pop’s newest girl group

Pinay girl group Oona begins a new chapter with ABS-CBN Music after years of wanting to get noticed for their music and artistry

P-pop girl group Oona has found a new home at ABS-CBN Music, joining one of the country’s biggest rosters of homegrown pop acts as it unveils its second single, “Unang Tingin.”

The five-member group, composed of Isaki Bautista, Coleen Trinidad, Jaylou Felciano, Karyss “Kari” Asio, and Julia “Bella” Patillas, was formally welcomed to the label during a recent media launch at Matrix Creations Events Venue in Quezon City.

ABS-CBN Music executives Roxy Liquigan, Jonathan Manalo, and Andie Arellano welcomed the group, which joins fellow P-pop acts BINI, BGYO, WRIVE, Yes My Love, AJAA, 1621, DNA, Baby Dolls, and AZTER.

The move comes after Oona spent years building its following through live performances, online content and its debut single, “Darama,” which the members co-wrote.

The girls know a thing or two about persistence. Leader Isaki shared that they had faced numerous rejections before finally getting their shot.

“We’ve been rejected so many times but we know in our hearts that this is something that we really want to do so we kept on trying and trying,” she said.

That persistence now has a soundtrack.

Oona performed “Unang Tingin” for the first time at the launch, much to the delight of more than 100 fans. The song tackles the idea that first impressions can be deceiving.

“The song is about how first impressions aren’t always true,” Kari said.

Jaylou added that the group hopes the track encourages listeners to feel confident about who they are, a message Oona wants to carry into its P-pop journey.

Oona’s members also bring different pieces of experience to the group. Isaki and Coleen are former MNL48 members, while Jaylou built an online following through TikTok lifestyle content and dance covers. Bella and Kari came into the group with performance backgrounds.

Aguila Entertainment and Islah Entertainment will co-manage Oona’s career with Star Music.

After surviving rejection, finding a label and finally taking the stage, Oona’s next challenge is the one every new P-pop act dreams of: making people remember its name. — Nickie Wang