More than just a girl group: XOXO advocates representation, body positivity via music career

XOXO is far from your mainstream girl groups, and they mean it that way.

XOXO is composed of Riel Lomadilla, Dani Ozaraga, Lyra Micolob, and Mel Caluag, all powerful contenders from the first season of The Clash. While they weren't fortunate enough to grab top spots at the all-original Filipino singing competition, they were given a big break to form the newest all-female quartet of GMA Network.

READ: GMA Network introduces XOXO, a new generation of divas

“Girl power, women empowerment, and inspiration” were the words Lyra spoke of when asked about what they want XOXO to be known for. And they believe they can epitomize this through representation and embracing all kinds of beauty, and body positivity.

Representation

The four members of XOXO come from different parts of the Philippines.

Mel hails from Bulacan, Dani is a proud Cebuana, Riel comes from Cagayan de Oro, and Lyra is from Davao.

For them, it is important to show that real talent may be found far from urban Manila. Moreover, these ladies make sure that their different backgrounds do not get in the way of their chemistry and that they intend to make their hometowns proud.

Body Positivity

Riel, Dani, Lyra, and Mel make a singing quartet but they see no need to conform to the society's expectations and standard of a girl group. Instead, they want to highlight their uniqueness.

Unlike the usual girl groups who already made a name on the local and international stage, the members of XOXO intend to draw attention to their different sizes, their unalike skin tones, and distinctive looks.

Riel explained, “Iba't-iba kami ng character, iba't-iba kami ng individuality. May isa sobrang sexy, may isa sobrang payat, may isa chubby, may isa sobrang chubby. Pero pag pinag-isa kami, nagke-create ng harmony. Group kami pero nakikita mo 'yung individual characters namin.

“Hindi kailangan na you have to be this kind of payat or this standard para masala ka sa girl group or para maipakita mo 'yung talent mo sa buong mundo,” she added.