From aswang to engkanto: New P-pop girl group FINA channels Philippines folklore in music, performances

From aswang to engkanto, the newly launched P-pop girl group FINA takes inspiration from Philippine folklore to portray the modern Filipina, weaving these mythical elements into their identity, music, and performances.

Members of the group were dressed as the mythical creatures they represent during their media launch at the Noctos Music Bar in Quezon City. Anika appeared as the shape-shifting creature (aswang) in a red outfit. Nala wore a fur ensemble as the wolf (lobo). Chill embodied a fairy-like engkanto. Cia donned a mermaid-inspired (sirena) look, and Heaven wore a white dress representing a nymph (diwata).

The concept was also featured in the music video of their debut single, Paramdam, released under CreaZion Studios, Universal Records Philippines and GLXY Talent Management.

“I say we connect that modern theme into mythical creatures,” Chill explained, “because modern Filipinas often always give back to history. They take history with them, we learn from our past, then try to recreate it and own it, and that’s what we do. We try to pay tribute to Philippine folklore and mythology and make it our own — (in) our performances and dance.”

FINA members underwent three years of rigorous training before making their debut. The group does not assign fixed roles, such as leader and main dancer. Their fandom is called Finest.

Anika hails from Cavite. Nala is of Chinese descent but was born and raised in the Philippines. Chill is from Cagayan de Oro, while Cia is from Cabanatuan City. Heaven is from Quezon City.

Asked what sets them apart from other girl groups, Nala said it is their authenticity as individuals and as a group.

“For FINA, when it comes to arts and creatives, we’re all very collaborative and hands-on to our music, and we really make sure to bring out that authentic side of us sa art po namin.”

“We’re very different from each other as individuals, but we want to feel empowered by that,” added Chill.

“We want to show that there’s harmony and diversity and that’s our strength and our differences. Because, as we say, ‘fine as you are,’ (you) just (have to) be authentically and unapologetically yourself, and you will always belong. So that’s what makes us stand out, and that’s what makes us shine.”

The girls cited artists they hope to collaborate with in the future, including Sarah Geronimo, KZ Tandingan, Arthur Nery, Parokya ni Edgar and juan karlos.

Universal Records Philippines executive vice president Ramon Chuaying and managing director Kathleen Dy-Go, CreaZion Studios’ Jon Verzosa and other executives were also present at the launching event of FINA.