SOMETIMES, people can’t help but mask their true feelings. Maybe it’s because they do not want to get judged by others, they don’t want to get hurt, or they just want to protect themselves.

But for whatever reason they may have, P-pop girl group G22 wants them to know that it is okay to be honest with themselves every so often. 

This is what Gen Z members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz showed in their new single “Loka,” which is part of the official soundtrack of the 2023 “Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme” movie.

Released on November 17, the upbeat single speaks about fighting one’s inner demons. The second verse of its lyrics goes: “Binitawang mga liriko sa utak asintado; Ito ang delikado, ‘wag hayaan at mapa’no; Oy, oy, oy, saklolo;’ Wag na ‘wag ka magpapain sa bulong na nang-aakit; Ibaon ako sa lupa baka matuluyan nang praning.”

In an exclusive interview with republicasia, AJ shared the creative process in making “Loka,” which tested her as a songwriter.

“The creative process of making the song [is] hindi siya actually madali kasi kita niyo naman po sa lyrics nung kanta,” she said.

The member said that coming up with the single was something she did not expect she would make. What pushed her to write the song was when she started to be honest with herself.

“Ang sinabi lang kasi sa’kin non ay speak for yourself and just write whatever with no rules, no boundaries, kung anong nararamdaman mo, go,” AJ said.

“During that time, I was still in a very dark place. I was fighting my inner self kaya yung na-translate doon sa kanta is yung nagiging reality — finding yourself, minsan nilalamon ka ng self mo, minsan din nilalabanan mo siya, nalilimutan mo siya, and then she’s gonna come back,” she explained. ”It’s a full circle moment and basically, ‘yun yung meaning ng kanta.”

“Loka” is not just about being true to yourself, but it can also be a motivation for others to overcome challenges.

“It’s normal to be uncomfortable with the feelings that you have. Lahat tayo may nilalabanan sa sarili natin and this song, para syang pampatibay loob na kayang lagpasan ‘yun eh,” AJ said.

Jaz also reminded their fans, known as Bullets, that they are stronger than their inner selves.

“Loka” is the third single that G22 released in 2023, following “Boomerang” and “Musika.” The group debuted in 2022 under Cornerstone Entertainment, with the song “Bang.”

‘Be real’

As P-pop’s “Female Alphas,” G22 is known to break boundaries in gender stereotypes through their discography. And if there is another factor that sets them apart from other groups, it is the fact they are never afraid to show their genuineness to the public.

This characteristic is something that the trio want their listeners, especially members of the Generation Z, to have. Through their music, they encourage them to not hide behind “a perfect image.”

“Just be real and honest. [We’re] not saying that’s who you are or how it defines you, but that’s a stage in your life na malalagpasan mo rin,” Jaz said.

She added, “Let’s embrace what we have in reality to move on.”

Being true to their image as a “very vocal group,” G22 members said they hope to touch on more topics in the future with their forthcoming songs.

AJ teased Bullets that each member has written their own songs where they showcased their individualities.

“Iba’t-iba ang meaning, iba’t-ibang messaging kaya ‘yun ang aabangan [ng] Gen Z Bullets,” she said.