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Calista believes comparison among P-pop groups should be discouraged.

At the launch of their new EP album FOUR (Finding Our Unique Rhythm) on Tuesday, January 28, the four-member pop group was asked about being compared popular P-pop groups such as BINI and SB19.

“Sa amin po kasi, we don't want the mindset po na nako-compare kami sa iba,” Calista leader Anne said.

“We want po na parang kami lang po ang kalaban namin, wala po kaming kinakalaban na iba. Kasi, sa industriyang ito, mayroon po kasing sinasabi na 'P-pop Rise.' Naniniwala po kami na lahat po ng P-pop na nandito ngayon, gusto po namin talaga na mas patibayin pa po yung saying na yun, which is 'P-pop Rise.'”

She also mentioned, “Kapag po kasi nagko-compare ka sa iba, nahi-hinder po yung growth as an artist. So, might as well kalabanin mo na lang ang sarili mo and gawin po yung motivation to improve pa for the craft na ilalabas pa po in the future.”

Denise seconded, “Hindi po natin kailangan mag-compare sa other kasi darating din po yung time namin.”

While they don't want to be compared to fellow P-pop groups, Calista expressed gratitude to BINI and SB19 for showcasing Pinoy talents here and abroad.

Anne said, “We're very, very grateful po sa in-open na doors ng BINI and SB19 for the P-pop world. Sila po talaga 'yung nag-open nito, hindi lang sa P-pop fans but also sa casual listeners, mas lumawak po ang market ng P-pop. Kaya po nakikita natin mas dumarami pang umuusbong na P-pop groups because they know and they are hoping na someday mare-reach din namin 'yung ganun na stage po ng P-pop.”

Likewise, Dain said about other P-pop groups, which some of these are close to them, “Sinusuportahan po namin sila. Kapag may nakikita po kaming P-pop na umaangat po, mas nai-inspire po kami na maglabas pa po ng music and mga hinihiling po ng mga tao. Ayun po, support po kami sa P-pop rise.”

Related gallery: Rising P-Pop groups to watch for

The Final Four

From six members, Calista is now down to four members. Former member Laiza left the group in 2023 to focus on her studies. Olive, on the other hand, parted ways with her co-members in 2024 after accepting a management offer from GMA Sparkle.

Although they've lost two co-members, Calista members Anne, Dain, Denise, and Elle remained close and continued to create music for their fans, thus, the creation of their first EP.

Anne said, ““Nakakalungkot pero it's also a blessing po kasi I have these three members with me. Hindi po siya naging madali na journey. But it's a fulfilling journey for me kasi masasabi ko na nakaya namin lahat ng challenges.

“Sobrang laking blessing po na malalakas yung co-members ko kasi, ako po, pinanghihinaan ako ng loob. Pero kapag nakikita ko silang positive, malakas, parang nahihila po nila ang energy ko. So, masaya dahil may panibago kaming bagong EP. Dati naghihintay lang kami ng panibagong single. But now it's a whole EP, it's brand new opportunity for us.”

The group also worked hard in preparing for their comeback.

Dain related, “For this comeback, sobrang nag-prepare po kami when it comes to dancing and singing. Hindi lang po 'yun, siyempre, sa mga ideas din po, nag-research po kami kung ano ang magagandang theme, tunog, kanta.

“Siguro pati na rin po sa mindset namin kasi mas kailangan pa po naming tatagan ang mga sarili namin kasi alam namin na mapapagod kami sa comeback na ito. Thankfully naman po, nairaos namin ang lahat and naging maganda naman po ang result.”

The five-track album features Calista's artistic evolution since they were launched in 2022.

Elle described Four, “Ang ginawa namin sa EP na ito is talagang iba-iba yung songs, iba-ibang flavors, kasi ayaw po namin na mag-stick lang sa isang genre. Gusto naming mag-explore ng iba-ibang genre para naman mas marami kaming maibibigay sa fans.”

Four includes songs such as “Alas Dose,” “LMK (Let Me Know),” “Bongga Ka, 'Day,” “Oops My Bad,” and bonus track “Wag Na.”

Meanwhile, watch Calista reveal their BIGGEST SECRETS! | ATM Online Exclusive