ALYSON’s blue era explained: The 15-year journey behind OPM’s ‘Guys in Suits

Their suits changed color, but their mission stayed the same: make music that lasts. Here’s how ALYSON got there.

Before they became the internet’s favorite “guys in blue suits,” ALYSON first introduced themselves in beige.

When the band formally debuted, the five-piece from Quezon City embraced a clean, understated look: coordinated beige suits that matched the warmth and sincerity of their music. The palette was fitting for a group still introducing itself to the world. Soft, fresh, and full of possibility.

But ALYSON’s story began long before the tailored outfits.

The story began in 2009, when Miguel Erfe, Marcus Mababangloob, and Luis Uy were sixth-grade classmates. What started as after-school jam sessions gradually evolved into a serious musical pursuit. Years later, Pio Ligot and Easel Manes joined the group, completing the five-piece band now helping redefine modern OPM.

For a band now more than 15 years in the making, the foundation has always been friendship.

“There’s no set way in terms of the creative process,” Pio says. “It’s more of just finding something you’re happy playing with.”

That playful approach led to a sound that fuses Japanese city pop, jazz-funk, and modern OPM—music that feels like a sunlit drive with your favorite memories riding shotgun.

Their debut album, “Definitely Love!,” was released in 2023 under Offshore Music, the label founded by Ely Buendia. The record surpassed one million streams and introduced listeners to tracks such as “Kiliti” and “Feels So Good.”

Red suits and a growing reputation

As their audience grew, ALYSON’s visual identity evolved.

The beige suits gave way to bold red ensembles, signaling a band no longer testing the waters, but stepping confidently into the spotlight.

They released their own city pop version of “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong,” and opened an era with larger stages, more listeners, and stronger recognition in the local music scene. Their songs circulated widely on social media, where fans used them as soundtracks for kilig edits, road-trip videos, and nostalgic posts.

Behind the polished image, however, was a band obsessing over every note.

“Apart from just the writing, it’s very important to really get every single detail of it in line with your vision,” Marcus says.

The members record and produce much of their work themselves, refining every bass line, synth texture, and harmony.

“It’s just one of the freest ways of creating in our lives,” Marcus adds.

The red suits symbolized confidence, but also a deeper commitment to artistic precision.

Enter the blue era

Today, ALYSON is most recognizable in blue.

The look has become synonymous with the band’s current chapter: polished, cohesive, and unmistakably their own. More than a fashion choice, the blue suits represent the maturity of a group that knows exactly who they are.

Their latest single, “Ikaw Lagi,” offers a glimpse into their forthcoming sophomore album, “AFTER OURS.”

In 2025, ALYSON earned international recognition through Billboard Georgia’s NEXT GEN campaign. Their songs now generate millions of streams across platforms, while their social media following continues to grow, with over 100,000 followers on Instagram and devoted listeners that fill venues and sing every word.

Still, their mission remains unchanged.

“We have to make something that will really leave a mark,” the band says. “Something that will express what we truly want and what we’ll enjoy for a very long time.”

Their aspiration is to “make music that will last way beyond.”

Marcus sums up the mindset that has carried them from sixth-grade classmates to one of OPM’s most exciting acts.

“We actually kind of see music as not just a passion, but also a profession, a job.”

From beige to red to blue, ALYSON has worn many colors. But through every era, one thing has remained constant: five friends creating music with the hope that it will outlive trends, outlast moments, and stay with listeners for years to come.

 

 

For a band now more than 15 years in the making, the foundation has always been friendship.

 

 

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