By Annalyn S. Jusay
After a one-year break, P-Pop group BILIB dropped their latest music video and single, "Say Whatcha Wanna Say," courtesy of AQ Prime Music. The catchy, bouncy song is a follow-up to their 2023 hit song "Kabanata."
While "Kabanata" was an anthem to reaching out for one's dreams, "Say Whatcha Wanna Say" is about maintaining one's confidence despite negativity from others.
The seven-man group also delights with a new round of choreography for their fans, who call themselves Bituin. BILIB comprises Yukito, Zio, JMAC, RC, Clyde, Carlo and Rafael.
Rapper Zio talked about the inspiration for their comeback song, which can now be accessed on all streaming platforms.
"Bilang isa po sa mga nagsulat ng lyrics ng ‘Say Whatcha Wanna Say,’ ang inisip ko po is general. Yung parang problema na ng mundo na lagi na lang may mga taong nanghihila sa’yo pababa.Nung ginawa ko siya, inisip ko na kailangan kong gumawa ng strong statement na makaka-motivate sa mga taong nakikinig sa kanta, na kahit anong sabihin, tuloy lang tayo kasi tayo naman yung magbabago sa sarili natin, hindi naman sila."
(As one of those who wrote the lyrics for 'Say Whtacha Wanna Say,' I thought in general terms about the main problem of people that there will always be someone who will try to pull them down. When I made the song, I thought about how important it was to make a strong statement that will motivate those who will listen to the song. That no matter what they say, let's continue because we're the one who can change ourselves, not the others.)
The past year that BILIB was out of the limelight has been a learning experience for them. It was time to train hard and do things "out of their comfort zone." They also discovered more about each other which made their bond more solid.
The main vocalist, Rafael, stated: "Sobrang marami po kaming natutunan sa isa't isa, especially po sa leader namin na nag-guide talaga sa amin. Maraming pros and cons yung mga napagdaanan namin pero sobrang masaya po kami kasi nalampasan namin lahat ng sama-sama and wala pong bumitaw."
(We learned a lot about each other, especially our leader who was there to guide us. The struggles that we went through had its pros and cons, but we're so happy because we overcame the trials together and nobody let go.)
When asked who are the Pinoy artists they look up to, most members of BILIB mentioned SB19 and Sarah Geronimo. They also dismiss comparisons with other P-pop boy groups because, as they say, "our biggest competitor is ourselves."
"As a group, we always think about how we can contribute instead of the competition. The P-Pop idol group industry here in the Philippines is still in its infancy stage, and we want to exist as a support system to others also aspiring to be part of the P-pop scene," BILIB's leader, Yukito, pointed out.
Main dancer Clyde agreed. "Gusto lang namin as a group maka-inspire ng mga P-pop fans. Not just P-pop fans but also all the people who want to support us and listen to our music, gusto namin ipakita sa kanila na we put so much effort into our craft. Gusto namin iparating sa kanila na maka-inspire kami at maka-motivate through our music."