P-pop girl group G22 during their first Dubai appearance on June 6, 2026 in BurJuman. EXPAT MEDIA

The members of G22 may be known as the "Female Alphas of Philippine Pop", but behind the fierce performances, powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence is a friendship that has grown stronger through years of working, travelling and chasing dreams together. Fresh from their Dubai debut, the popular P-pop trio sat down with Expat Media for a Q&A, giving fans a glimpse into the close bond that has become one of the foundations of the group's success. Composed of leader and main rapper AJ, lead vocalist Alfea and main vocalist-songwriter Jaz, G22 has quickly become one of the Philippines' most recognised girl groups since its launch under Cornerstone Entertainment in 2022. The trio has built a loyal fanbase through songs that celebrate confidence, empowerment and female strength. Their first visit to Dubai came as part of Kalayaan 2026, one of the UAE's largest Philippine Independence Day celebrations, where they performed before a crowd that exceeded 60,000 people, according to organizers Infinite Communities and Emirates Loves Philippines. The event at Dubai World Trade Centre also featured actress and singer Arci Muñoz, along with fellow P-pop acts 1ST.ONE and ALAMAT, in a celebration of Filipino culture, music and community spirit.

'We always find time for each other'

During Expat Media's Q&A with G22 at BurJuman in Dubai on June 6, the group reflected on the sisterhood that fans often see both on and off stage. Asked about their strong bond, Jaz said their friendship has been built through spending so much time together while still respecting each other's individual lives. "I think because we are always with each other every day. We see each other and we work together. When we have free time, we don't necessarily have to meet, but we'll say, 'Hey girls, do you want to hang out tonight?' It doesn't have to be somewhere popular. Sometimes it's just in one of our condos so we can catch up with each other," Jaz said. She explained that despite having their own families and personal circles, they make a conscious effort to stay connected. "Because we also have our own friends and our own families, that's how we stay connected," she added. AJ revealed that part of maintaining a healthy relationship is occasionally giving each other space. "We actually allow ourselves to miss each other sometimes. It's important to have moments where we say, 'Wait, let's take a timeout first.' Then when we come back together, we talk about what happened and catch up," she said. For Alfea, years of working side by side have created a level of understanding that goes far beyond friendship. "We really know each other now. After spending so much time together, how could we not? We even know the little details, the nooks and crannies of what each person is thinking," she told Expat Media.

Taking P-pop and girl power to the world

While their chemistry is evident during interviews, it is even more apparent on stage, where the trio has earned a reputation for delivering energetic performances and strong live vocals. G22 told Expat Media that one of its continuing goals is to help bring P-pop to a wider global audience while championing messages of female empowerment. The group's appearance at Kalayaan 2026 marked a major milestone in that journey, introducing them to thousands of overseas Filipinos and international audiences in the UAE. Despite a packed schedule, the members said they were excited to experience more of Dubai after their first performance in the emirate. For G22, the trip represented more than just another overseas show. It was an opportunity to connect with Filipino communities abroad and continue showcasing the growing influence of P-pop on the global stage. PIA/Expat Media
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