Lance Joseph Martinez

P-Pop Group AYO Enters the Music Scene Representing Mindanao Talent

Article (news)

Grace Libero

Renzo of AYO

Patrick of AYO

TJ of AYO

Zack of AYO

GV of AYO

Enzo of AYO

<p>‘AYO’ ready?</p><p>Remember the names: <strong>Renzo</strong>, <strong>GV</strong>, <strong>TJ</strong>, <strong>Enzo</strong>, <strong>Zack</strong>, and <strong>Patrick</strong>.</p><p>Collectively, these talented P-Pop boys are called <strong>AYO</strong>,<strong></strong> and they’re ready to break barriers.</p><p>Representing a new generation of pop groups that are unafraid to disrupt the norm, AYO—a group that hails from <strong>Davao</strong>—embodies the multicultural spirit of their hometown while rewriting the rules with immense talent, effortless confidence, discipline, and an amazing mindset for people of their young age.</p><p>The group recently flew to Manila to kick off promotions and projects as they embark on this intense yet thrilling P-Pop journey.</p><p>“It&#x27;s actually very exciting for us [to be here] because in a way, we&#x27;re so hungry to really show what we have been preparing for. We also want to represent <em>din</em> the artistry of not just Davao, but also of Mindanao,” Renzo shared.</p><p>The group’s name “AYO” alone inspires curiosity as it signals so many things and representations. The members took the time to explain the meaning behind the group name.</p><p>“AYO is derived from the word ‘<em>maayo</em>’ in <em>Bisaya</em>, which means nice or good. It means that we want to showcase how good we are in terms of different aspects. It may be in talent or in personality and such. There&#x27;s also one meaning pa po of AYO. It means knocking on the door in <em>Bisaya</em>. We want to knock on the doors inside the P-pop industry, and we want to say hi and introduce ourselves to the world,” TJ explained.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783646881355AYO - Main PR Photo A.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">AYO</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Renzo added another reason why AYO was picked as their name, saying, “We also want to resonate with expressions and slang with the Gen Zs since AYO sounds like the expression &#x27;Ey-yo!&#x27; so in a way, it kind of brings our character too. We are dreaming <em>din na maka-</em>break worldwide, so it would be something that people in the West could also relate to.” </p><p>Asked how being from Davao translates into their brand of musicality, the members shared how they intend to express their art.</p><p>“In the process of making the music, we also wanted to incorporate our individuality. We always tend to have our inputs in creating our music,” GV said.</p><p>“In relation to the cultural side, we include <em>Bisaya</em> in our music, so that makes us more unique as a group,” TJ thoughtfully shared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I0GBIHFSkhs?si=7A8dg-LGGsvzGM_o" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>AYO entered the music scene with the unapologetically authentic sound of their pre-debut single “<strong>I&#x27;m Him</strong>.” Anchored in rebellious spirit and self-awareness, the song defies expectations while encouraging its listeners to stand firm on who they are and embrace their individuality.</p><p>“I’m Him” is produced by <strong>Paolo Lofranco</strong>, whose booming hip-hop beats, layered textures, and commanding vocal design bring an exciting new dimension to their sound. The group also contributed heavily to the songwriting and production process, reflecting the duality that defines their work: chaotic and refined, raw and powerful.</p><p><strong>Metro.Style a</strong>sked the group what made “I’m Him” the perfect song to introduce AYO to the industry.</p><p>“&#x27;I&#x27;m Him&#x27; is something we really resonate with as a group and in our message because it speaks to individuality and being strong and confident in who you are. Although <em>hindi po siya</em> at face value <em>ang</em> lyrics, <em>pero ang </em>main message and <em>ang</em> vibe is you need to be proud of who you are, and you need to be strong,” Renzo remarked.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hpPnB1AwfeA?si=qZjMAqqSev0JgZEm" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Out to prove that there is, indeed, harmony in individuality, Metro.Style asked each member present at the interview about the type of music they like and the word that best describes them.</p><p><strong>Renzo:</strong> “Very varied is one thing about me because I don&#x27;t really confine myself to any specific category or box when it comes to style or music taste. One day, I can enjoy hip-hop, very upbeat songs, and another time, I can just enjoy very mellow ballads. I think that one word that will describe me is I&#x27;m multidimensional.”</p><p><strong>TJ:</strong> “I think that I am a person who wants to try and explore different things. It may be in singing, dancing, leadership, or it may be in academics and such. In terms of the music style <em>po</em>, I like R&amp;B or ballad.” </p><p><strong>Zack:</strong> “[I have] versatility and strong <em>na</em> side <em>kasi</em> I usually listen to music <em>na</em> more on hip-hop, rock, and dark emotion. <em>Pero</em> at times <em>naman</em>, <em>nai</em>-enjoy<em> ko naman po ‘yung mga parang</em> mellow, bright side <em>naman</em>.”</p><p><strong>Patrick:</strong> “[I think I’m] complex. <em>Sa</em> music taste, I&#x27;m leaning more on R&amp;B and ballads.”</p><p><strong>Enzo:</strong> “I would describe myself as an open person because I listen to all genres and most of the time, I listen to hip-hop and R&amp;B.”</p><p><strong>GV: </strong>“I think I’m versatile. I also don&#x27;t confine myself to any genres, and I enjoy different types of music, but I&#x27;m leaning more towards hip-hop and R&amp;B.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yuF7Savdu7M?si=9SMZKg33qCE-XQDi" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" spellcheck="false"></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>In an industry where identity is everything, how would AYO be best described?</p><p>“AYO is a boy group proudly representing Davao that expresses individuality and that finds diversity as a strength when we become as one,” Renzo summed it up neatly.</p><p>Patrick also chimed in, saying, “We want to embody our name and be ‘<em>maayo</em>.’ We want to be good at everything<em> kahit sa anong </em>aspect<em> pa ‘yan,</em> <em>kahit anong </em>genre <em>pa ‘yan</em>. We want to be the best of the best <em>po</em> in every aspect. We&#x27;re very open to exploring and discovering new things <em>po,</em> especially in terms of music and style, because we really want to become different.” </p><p>With several P-Pop artists on the rise, AYO intends to set its group apart with a distinct identity and stand out.</p><p>“For us, with AYO’s music, we want our message to be more self-reflective because a lot of the P-Pop groups and music as of now—which we really do appreciate—focus on wanting to be heard outside or wanting to represent the Philippines. But us, as a group, we want our music to be something relatable to the fans that they can see [or reflect] inwards to themselves rather than outwards,” Renzo humbly explained.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783648160285731700166_17894127804555124_8551355279273531089_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Since AYO is now navigating the exciting world of P-Pop, AYO members expressed their wish to collaborate with <strong>SB19</strong> since they find the group’s determination and grit inspiring. They also would love to collaborate with fellow P-Pop artists <strong>BGYO</strong>, <strong>BINI</strong>,<strong></strong> and <strong>Alamat</strong>.</p><p>Signed by global powerhouse <strong>Sony Music</strong>, AYO is poised to make strong headway.</p><p>“We are so flattered and grateful to Sony for trusting us,” GV smiled.</p><p>“We will not take this opportunity for granted,” Enzo vowed.</p><p>One of the things AYO’s grateful for is the scale and professional infrastructure that Sony Music has while the group keeps its artistic control intact.</p><p>“Blessed <em>kami</em> to have Sony because our creative vision is aligned with their work ethic with whatever we want creatively and artistically. It&#x27;s just a big opportunity to have a company to back us up that really knows how to make things work and what to do. With this big opportunity po comes a very big responsibility for us as a group. AYO, as a group, wants to bring the same amount of quality to the music industry and to really exceed whatever standards have been set,” Renzo reflected.</p><p>As they knock firmly on the industry’s door and potential fans’ hearts, AYO is ready to prove that Mindanao talent is ready for the national—and even global—stage.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Here&#x27;s a closer look at the members of AYO:</strong></div><div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div><p><br/>Lead photo courtesy of <strong>Sony Music</strong></p>

<p>As P-Pop breaks global barriers, a Davao-based boy group is showcasing that they’re ready and more than worthy to be in the industry too.</p>

As P-Pop breaks global barriers, a Davao-based boy group is showcasing that they’re ready and more than worthy to be in the industry too.

P-Pop Group AYO Enters the Music Scene Representing Mindanao Talent

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P-Pop Group AYO Enters the Music Scene Representing Mindanao Talent

Grace Diez

Published July 10, 2026 11:15 AM PHT

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Updated July 10, 2026 05:43 PM PHT

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