VXON, G22, AJAA bring P-pop unity to ‘Gen Z Live in Cebu’

CEBU, Philippines — P-pop groups VXON and G22 couldn’t hide their excitement about returning to Cebu after two years to perform at the “Gen Z Live in Cebu” concert tomorrow, July 26.

They are among the three headliners set to perform at Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino in the concert produced by L-Squared Productions. Before taking the Waterfront stage at 7 p.m., they will first appear at a free meet-and-greet mall show at the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside Cebu at 2 p.m.

“One thing that I like about Cebu when we perform there is their energy,” VXON main vocalist Franz said during a virtual press conference yesterday alongside fellow members C13, Sam, Vince and Patrick. “We feel the warmth of Cebuanos whenever we perform. I hope we can feel that warmth times two when we come back.”

“We will always remember the first time we performed in Cebu because of the overwhelming support and warmth from the locals,” added G22 leader AJ, who forms the trio with Aflea and Jaz. The group affectionately calls their Cebuano fans Cebullets, a play on its fandom name, Bullets.

Joining them is fellow Cornerstone Entertainment P-pop group AJAA, which will be making its Cebu debut and is equally eager to perform alongside their peers. “Knowing that some of our Cebuano fans would fly to Manila just to watch us, now we get the chance to perform for them in their hometown,” said Ash, the group’s leader, alongside fellow members Ash, Alex, and Axl.

The concert comes as P-pop continues to reach new milestones on the global stage. BINI became the first Filipino group to perform at Coachella in April before headlining the inaugural concert at SM Seaside Arena, while SB19 is set to make its Lollapalooza debut in Chicago on July 30.

VXON leader C13 hopes that one day, their group and fellow P-pop acts will achieve similar milestones. “I hope the three of us will perform at the new Seaside Arena one day,” C13 said. “We are not always in Cebu physically, but the support they give us is overwhelming. When we perform this Sunday, we want to treasure this moment with our supporters and make it unforgettable – not just for the three groups, but for the audience as well.”

VXON Franz hopes concertgoers will leave the show with a deeper appreciation of P-pop and the camaraderie among its artists. “I hope the audience will feel the unity among the P-pop groups,” he said. “Even though our branding, style, and music are different, our common goal is to bring P-pop to a bigger audience. I hope those who watch the concert enjoy it so much that they get PCD (post-concert depression) and won’t be able to move on for at least a month. We want to make an impact so they’ll keep playing our songs again and again after the concert.”

VXON is also entering a new chapter in its career after signing with Japanese entertainment company PIA Corporation, a partnership expected to help the group expand its fanbase in Japan. While the group’s promotional activities there are still in the planning stages, the members are eager to introduce P-pop to a wider international audience.

"”his means a lot to us because it allows us to promote Filipino music to more people and help them discover P-pop not just in the Philippines, but also in Japan,” Franz said. “We always say that whenever we’re with other P-pop groups, we’re willing to uplift our community.”

Tickets are available through SM Tickets, with prices ranging from P1,500 for general admission to P5,500 for VIP. VIP ticket holders may also purchase a P1,999 upgrade that includes a group photo opportunity with G22, VXON, and AJAA, along with a 12-piece photocard set featuring all the artists.