Banking on the continuous rise of P-pop music on the world stage, a new girl group has been introduced aiming to get global attention with the release of its debut single, “Race Car,” written and composed by renowned music producer Marcus Davis.
Called Calista, the group is composed of six members: Olive, Laiza, Anne, Denise, Elle, and Dain.
Billed as the next big international pop (I-Pop) girl group, its management, Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM), and Merlion Events Production Inc. had to search all over the country for unique and talented individuals in order to form the multi-talented group.
“We have been working together to bring to the international scene a girl group that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the industry. At the moment, we are just focused on how we’re going to introduce their music to the world,” manager Tyrone Escalante said during the group’s grand launch held at Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.
The press launch was hosted by DJ Jhai Ho and featured performances by Billy Crawford and Niana Guerrero.
During the grand media event, which coincided with International Women’s Day celebration, we learned that in March 2021, over 100 girls of all ages held their first round of auditions. The number was cut down to 50 percent, then 25 percent until the final six members were chosen.
All of this occurred at breakneck speed and the group was formed within three months in the midst of the pandemic.
Olive, the team leader of the group, came up with the name ‘Calista’ which she said meant the most beautiful or feminine.’ Since the group’s formation, the members have undergone extensive skills enhancement activities.
The members spend their day training under globally-renowned choreographer Nesh and vocal strength with voice coaches Arnie Mendaros and Marnie Jereza.
The girls also underwent body conditioning to build their stamina and personality development and public relations classes with world-class coaches and experts. To accommodate their daily training, the members live together in one place. When they are not training, the members study online.
“It’s absolutely incredible how Calista was formed and how these girls have endured training and studying in the midst of this pandemic. They’re exceedingly tough and we’re all very much proud of them. With all their hard work, we’re sure that they’re ready to wow the Philippines and the world,” Escalante added.
To further introduce its music, the group will headline Vax to Normal concert happening on April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. The concert will feature special performances by Yen Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto, and Ken San Jose.
The concert will be telecast on TV5 at 9:00 p.m. Merlion Events Production Inc. will be producing the concert while Nico Faustino will be directing the event. Dance icon Nesh Janiola choreographed the production numbers with the help of musical director Soc Mina.
“The concert will also serve as our tribute concert to the country’s frontlines, especially healthcare workers who are in the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. The concert heralds the return of the country back to normal,” the group said.
“We’re slowly working our way back to how things were before the pandemic. And this wouldn’t have been possible if not for our brave frontliners. They deserve all the praise, and this is our way of saying thanks. It’s been a tough two years, and we think it’s important to hold events like this concert to spread hope,” ended Anne, the team leader of Calista.