PULP Group launches its first idol act as more groups chase the trail blazed by SB19 and BINI
The Philippine pop landscape continues to grow more crowded—and more exciting.
The latest entrant is MEI MEI, an eight-member girl group launched by Groovy Garden Records, the newly established music label of PULP Group, one of the country’s most influential names in live entertainment and concert production.
Composed of Alexa, Jhamayka, Ada, Aerise, Thea, Jessie, Yuni, and Dina, MEI MEI officially debuted with the novelty-pop single “Telebong (Hello Po),” a colorful track that combines contemporary pop production with references to Filipino childhood memories and cultural nostalgia.
But beyond the launch itself, the group’s arrival raises a bigger question: Can MEI MEI attract the same level of public support that fans have shown newer P-pop acts such as XONARA, the sister group of P-pop powerhouse SB19?
A changing of the guard
The success of SB19 and fellow phenomenon BINI has transformed the local music industry’s perception of idol groups. Once viewed as a niche market dominated by K-pop imports, P-pop has evolved into a thriving ecosystem of homegrown acts, passionate fan communities, and increasingly ambitious entertainment companies.
Recently, audiences have seen the emergence of groups such as KAIA, ALAMAT, YGIG, G22, and VXON, among many others. While not every group reaches mainstream popularity, industry observers view the growing number of debuts as a healthy sign that the sector is maturing.
Much like the early days of K-pop, a larger pool of groups creates more opportunities for experimentation, competition, and audience growth. It also gives aspiring performers more pathways into the music industry and expands the variety of sounds and concepts available to Filipino listeners.
The “Little Sister” identity
MEI MEI hopes to stand out by leaning heavily into Filipino identity. The group’s name references both the Chinese term of endearment for “little sister” and the Filipino tradition of repeated nicknames such as Jojo, Janjan, or Mai-Mai. Their debut release similarly draws from local experiences, positioning the group as what they describe as the “alter ego of every Filipina.”
The launch also represents a major change for PULP Group. After more than 27 years producing concerts and bringing international artists to Filipino audiences through PULP Live World, the company is now investing directly in artist development and music production.
“What began as a passion for music creation has evolved into a commitment to artist development and cultural storytelling,” PULP Group chairman and president Vernon Go said during the group’s launch.
Whether MEI MEI becomes the next major P-pop success remains to be seen. But their debut reflects a larger reality: the genre is no longer defined by just one or two groups.
The more artists entering the scene, the healthier P-pop becomes. And for an industry seeking its next generation of stars, that may be the most encouraging sign of all.
