Pinay group Calista launched; sets sights on breaking into international market
Members of the female group Calista are ready to showcase the Filipina talent on the global stage as they carve their way for international stardom.
Honed by talent manager Tyronne Escalante and Merlion Events Production Inc., the team behind Miss Teen Philippines, they are going to make sure the girls will hit it off big on the global market. From an audition of over a hundred girls of all ages, the batch was narrowed down until the five ladies, who would be known as Calista, were found.
Composed of Laiza Comia, Elle Pascual, Anne Tenorio, Denise Pello, Dain Leones, and Olive Bihag, Calista members are being specifically trained to introduce Philippine pop music in the global market and elevate it to the level of their international counterparts.
In their grand media launch on March 8 at the Novotel in Cubao, Quezon City, Calista showed members of the entertainment media a glimpse of the world-class talent they are set to showcase in the international scene.
Calista did a performance of their infectious carrier single "Race Car" which has now made 29K views on YouTube at this writing. They also wowed with their stage time with Tiktok personality Niana Guerrero and international RnB superstar Billy Crawford.
According to Tyronne, he has always dreamed of having a girl group that would ambitiously go international. Having tried out managing one in the past which unfortunately did not succeed, Tyrone is steadfast at going all out for Calista this time.
"May inaayos na po kaming second single nila, i-lo-launch din po namin very soon. Meron na rin po kaming kinakausap abroad for possible opportunities. Aside from that marami pa kaming plano," he said.
As Korean and Japanese acts enjoy a huge chunk of the global pop music audience, they have set high standards for girl groups when it comes to music, fashion, and overall makings of a killing pop act.
According to the group, while they are inspired by Asian acts, they are bent on making an identity for P-pop.
The overall approach to their image and music has to keep up with global standards as well. This is evident in their music video for "Race Car," which features sports cars, helicopters, building rooftops, and a show stopping fashion.
The management admits to spending a staggering Php8.7 million on the music video, but more than the expense, the team is looking more on the opportunities that would open up for the group.
"Race Car" is a direct reflection of their personality as a girl group. Dynamic, edgy, and innovative, the song makes for the perfect track to launch their identity as Calista.
“'Yung 'Race Car' po, it's all about speed, for us ang meaning po nun is Calista is here, Calista is coming and para sa'min, sobrang ganda ng message ng 'Race car' and nagsisimula pa lang kami and we want to prove we are here,” said Elle.
“Also, 'yung music po namin is hindi po katulad ng iba. We're more on the modern side and we want to reach the international audience as well. We describe it po as international sound,” said Anne.
As for their first big gig, Calista is set to headline the “Vax to Normal” concert on April 26, 2022 to be held at the Araneta Coliseum. As the name suggests, the “Vax to Normal” concert is a tribute to the country's frontliners, especially healthcare workers who have been fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.