XONARA storms P-pop with bold debut “TABI,” blending raw emotion and fearless identity under SB19’s 1Z Entertainment.
XONARA has arrived in the P-pop scene—and it’s making everybody know its arrival is bold, loud, and unapologetic.
Eurekah, Ella, Dominique, Tin, Megumi, Lei, and Namie took over the historic Escolta Street—making their grand debut in front of the Art Deco landmark First United Building on May 16.
They’re the first girl group under 1Z Entertainment, the talent agency of SB19. The 2023 agency announced an open search in June 2024 and trainee auditions in January 2025.
Before their official launch, XONARA appeared at the P-pop kings’ “Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale” at the SMDC Festival Grounds on April 18, followed by a performance at the Aurora Music Festival on May 2.
Their debut also featured “XONARA’S World,” an interactive event with a freedom wall, a CRT TV photo booth, DIY charm stations, and pop-up stores.
The group is signed with Republic Records under Universal Music Group Philippines, home to artists like Dionela, Zack Tabudlo, juan karlos, Moira Dela Torre, Zild, and Yeng Constantino.
XONARA’s etymology
Ahead of their debut, Megumi told radar and other select media that their name draws from “sonar,” “Sora,” and “narra.”
They aim to create a sound that goes beyond the tangible; embody the courage and compassion of Filipino revolutionary Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora; and reflect the national tree’s resilience and strength.
The “X,” meanwhile, symbolizes possibilities—representing “anyone” and “the human side of things.” (It also nods to the “X factor.”)
Members’ traits
Despite having “very, very distinct” personalities, Megumi said their “chaotic” differences do work in their favor: “What unites us is our love and passion for what we do.”
Dominique said despite their on-stage angas, they find strength in their shared vulnerability: “It’s what makes us human… it’s what grounds us.”
They’re also all “outspoken,” especially when it comes to standing up for themselves.
During their debut, members, especially Eurekah, shared that they don’t subscribe to “Filipino time,” often arriving two to four hours early for training. They also embrace spontaneity, like Namie, who entertained fans with her knock-knock jokes.
‘TABI’
XONARA debuted with “TABI” on May 15, with all seven members credited as songwriters. RADKIDZ’s Joshua Daniel Nase and John Caleb Vidamo produced the track, while SB19’s Pablo helped in the mixing.
The title plays on the phrase used to ask someone to step aside—while also inviting listeners to come closer. It serves as a bold introduction to XONARA’s arrival.
The high-octane track blends chant-like hooks, velvety pre-choruses, and gritty rap verses over groovy synths and upbeat percussion. It carries urban, Y2K influences. Aside from whistles and DJ scratches, it’s also defined by the contrast between the maangas “Move, tabi, tabi” and malambing “La, la-la, la-la.”
Namie shared that “TABI” began as a training assignment. Eurekah recalled how the songwriting process went through multiple revisions: “Umabot sa point na umiiyak na talaga kami.”
The “makin’ our wave” line came later. For Namie, the idea is that like life, XONARA may go up and down but will surge forward: “Sana na-feel ng listeners ang sincerity namin.”
The music video dropped at 7 p.m., right after their debut. It features the members in streetwear in XONARA’s signature red and black. It also has analog elements, including flip phones, camcorders, scrapbook aesthetics, glossy magazines, and a Windows Media Player edit.
It ends with the members dancing under the rain on a rooftop.
XONARA is set to perform “TABI” on the popular mobile radio station Wish 107.5 this month. The momentum mirrors its music video’s closing image: them being soaked, unbothered, and much aware of exactly where they want to be.
Their name draws from ‘sonar,’ ‘Sora,’ and ‘narra.’ They aim to create a sound that goes beyond the tangible; embody the courage and compassion of Filipino revolutionary Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora; and reflect the national tree’s resilience and strength.
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