Pinoy pop group 1st.One at their press conference at BurJuman Mall in Dubai on June 6, 2026. EXPAT MEDIA

For rising P-pop group 1ST.ONE, performing before more than 60,000 Filipinos at Kalayaan 2026 was about more than music. It was an opportunity to showcase a distinctly Filipino value that the six-member boy group believes deserves a global audience: family. The group arrived in Dubai on Friday (June 6) and headed straight to a press conference at BurJuman ahead of its highly anticipated performance at Kalayaan 2026 the following day. For members Ace, Max, Alpha, J, Joker and Jayson, the trip marked both their first visit to the UAE and their first opportunity to perform before one of the largest Filipino gatherings outside the Philippines. The excitement was evident as the group spoke about exploring Dubai and experiencing the Emirates for the first time. Their appearance at Kalayaan 2026 came as part of a busy year for the group, which has been steadily expanding its international presence through new music releases, major performances and an upcoming Asia tour. While fans packed the event to see some of the Philippines' biggest performers, including actress and singer Arci Muñoz, and P-pop groups ALAMAT and G22, the young artists said they also wanted to represent Filipino culture through their music and actions. During the press conference, Expat Media asked the group what Filipino trait they would be most proud to export to the world. For member Ace, the answer was immediate. “Being familial,” he said, speaking for the group. “We always go back to the roots of family. Kapamilya. Kapatid.” The response reflected not only the group's identity but also the journey they have shared together since their debut. “1ST.ONE is going into its sixth year this July 31. We've been through ups and downs, but for me, the thing that united us the most and kept us alive instead of disbanding is that we treated each other as family,” Ace told Expat Media. “That is what we want to show on stage. Not just as performers but also how we are united as brothers and family.” The sentiment resonated strongly with many overseas Filipinos in attendance, for whom family remains a powerful connection to home despite living thousands of kilometres away.

Performing before 60,000 Filipinos

The group's Kalayaan appearance placed them before one of the largest audiences of their career. A sea of Philippine flags filled Dubai World Trade Centre on Sunday (June 7) as organizers said more than 60,000 people attended the celebration marking the Philippines' 128th Independence Day. The event brought together Filipinos from across the UAE alongside senior UAE and Philippine officials. Among the dignitaries in attendance was UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who praised the Filipino community's contributions to the Emirates and described Filipinos as an important part of the UAE's success story. Presented through Emirates Loves Philippines, Infinite Communities and The Filipino Channel, the celebration featured cultural performances, community activities, Filipino-owned business exhibitors and live entertainment throughout the day. For 1ST.ONE, the event offered a chance to connect directly with overseas Filipinos who have supported the group's rise from afar. Managed by FirstOne Entertainment and Warner Music Philippines, 1ST.ONE has built a reputation for powerful choreography and polished performances influenced by rigorous South Korean training. The group made history as the first Filipino act to perform at the Seoul Music Awards, helping raise the profile of P-pop on the international stage. As the group approaches its sixth anniversary, it continues to build momentum through new music and overseas performances. Recent releases include the singles Paalam Na and Wala Ng Iba, while members have teased additional projects in the coming months. The group has also continued appearing on major stages in the Philippines, including the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Finals halftime show and national television programmes. In the UAE, fans will not have to wait long to see the group again. Following their Kalayaan debut, 1ST.ONE is set to return to the stage alongside fellow P-pop group ALAMAT for a standalone concert in Dubai, giving Middle East fans another opportunity to experience the growing global movement of Filipino pop music. For the six performers, however, the trip to the UAE will likely be remembered not only for the music but for the chance to share a message they believe defines Filipinos everywhere. No matter where they perform, Ace said, family remains at the heart of who they are. And for a group entering its sixth year together, that bond may be the secret behind its continuing success. PIA/Expat Media
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