YGIG is louder and realer than they’ve ever been
Before their comeback, YGIG were known as a promising P-pop girl group that debuted in 2022, as the industry was still finding its footing after the pandemic. They were young, energetic, and clearly talented, but like many groups launched during that uncertain time, they were still searching for a clear sonic and visual identity.
Then, quietly, they stepped away. Member changes followed, and for nearly three years, YGIG were absent from the scene. No releases, no performances, no clear timeline for a return.
Now, they’re back as four: sharper, more self-aware, and armed with a double single that swings between chaos and confidence. Beyond new music, this comeback proves they finally know who they are—not trying or guessing, but knowing.
For nearly three years, the P-pop girl group disappeared from the public eye. Now, they return with a new lineup, a double single, and a stronger identity.
Before stepping into this new era, the girls had to confront an uncomfortable truth: they didn’t fully know who YGIG was yet. The break, longer than many expected, became a period of reckoning. YGIG member Jewel admits, “We didn’t know who YGIG was because we didn’t really have a set identity or concept that makes everyone think, ‘Oh yeah, that’s YGIG.’”
Time away from the spotlight gave them space to sit with those questions. Individually and as a group, they reflected on what kind of artists—and people—they wanted to be. “Na-release namin ‘yung more confident side namin,” Vien shares. That clarity now fuels their two-song comeback: the loud, unapologetic Chicka-chick-a and the softer, reassuring lyk that, which reflects the full emotional range of who they have become.
This era marks their most hands-on chapter yet. From music and choreography to styling and concept-building, the members were deeply involved in every step. “Lahat po ng members, may input,” Hazelyn says. While they worked closely with their team, the direction came from the girls themselves. Jewel recalls feeling that shift clearly: “I’m really amazed na our boss, Tatang Robin, was able to trust us with this comeback.”
Chicka-chick-a and lyk that sit on opposite ends of an emotional spectrum. One is loud and messy; the other is reassuring and intimate. But this duality reflects the complexity of how they discovered themselves during the quiet period away from the public eye, and it lies at the heart of YGIG’s evolution. Maeg puts it simply: “Even baddies have their bad days.”
YGIG had already tasted major milestones before stepping back. They had performed on the Billboard Mainstage, shared stages with industry legends, and received recognition early in their career—yet still chose to pause and reassess. Coming back now, the weight of that decision is clearer. Performing again, especially abroad, became a quiet validation of that choice. Their shows in South Korea, including Waterbomb Incheon, brought nerves and excitement in equal measure. “Nung una, kinakabahan kami since it’s a new environment with new faces,” Hazelyn recalls. “Pero nung nakapag-perform na kami, very welcoming sila,” Jewel remembers being surprised by the crowd’s reaction: despite being unfamiliar with the group, people cheered. “When we performed our first song, I could see people running into the crowd just to see us perform. That was heartwarming.” But what stood out was seeing a large Philippine flag in the crowd.
Back home, moments felt just as surreal. Maeg laughs as she recalls fangirling backstage after meeting Gary Valenciano. Jewel, meanwhile, treasures a moment of quiet encouragement from Dingdong Dantes during their Family Feud guesting. “He shook our hands and told us, ‘You guys are gonna make it big.’ That stayed with me.” For Vien, these moments were grounding reminders of why they chose this path at all. “Sumugal kami sa pagiging artist na hindi namin alam kung ano mangyayari sa future,” she says. “Seeing people like them support us, it’s inspiring.”
Recognition followed them into this new era as well, having recently won the P-pop Potential Award from the 10th P-pop Music Awards. Still, they continue to be intentional about what they do. Maeg reflects, “Gusto lang po namin gumawa ng music at mag-build ng art that speaks to us and will resonate with a lot of people.” Vien also adds that every recognition validates their hard work, even if they don’t release music as often as other P-pop groups. It encourages them to keep improving. Still, they don’t see this as their peak. As Hazelyn says, “This is just the beginning.”
At its core, this comeback is an ode to the fans who stayed, even when the future felt uncertain. During the hiatus, doubt lingered. Maeg admits they worried about whether people would still be there when they returned. That fear shaped how they approached this release. In lyk that, reassurance is a prominent theme: “Asahan mong dito lang ako,” they sing, “puso kong ito’y para sa’yo.”
Aside from their double single, YGIG also stepped into a new milestone last year: they were part of the soundtrack for the Filipino-Korean film Finding Santos, in which Maeg also appeared as the lead alongside Theo Jang of Single’s Inferno.
Their inspirations remain wide-ranging: Tate McRae’s performance-driven pop, the unapologetic experimentation of Lady Gaga and Rihanna, Olivia Rodrigo’s vulnerability, Sabrina Carpenter’s theatricality, and the emotional honesty of SB19’s Pablo and Felip. But now, with a clearer sense of self, the group doesn’t see them as blueprints to strictly follow, but as simply references.
Looking ahead, the girls talk excitedly about exploring pop-rock, emotional ballads, and even heavier sounds, half-joking about saving their rock era for their 30s. Still, the intent is real; this time, experimentation comes not from uncertainty, but confidence.
As they begin this new era, they’re simply grateful to be back, stronger and more united. “Matagal po kaming nawala sa scene. Ito talaga yung nag-pioneer ng lahat—lahat bago talaga from the YGIG before,” says Vien. This is why Chicka-chick-a feels like a celebration, while lyk that feels like a sigh of relief. YGIG’s boldness and softness come from the girls’ lived experience. It’s the story of four girls figuring out who they are, away from the chaotic world, and finally returning ready to say: This is YGIG, finally.
***
Listen to Chick-chick-a and lyk that on all major music streaming platforms. Follow the group at @ygig_official.
