Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
The P-pop scene has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but ASTER has swiftly emerged as a group in a league of their own. Under AsterisK Entertainment, this 12-member boy group—comprising Kean, Charlie, Tatin, Gee, Alas, Laurence, Wayne, Loyd, Kiel, Gem, Miguel, and Cray—is raising the bar for rising stars in the local music industry.
The name ASTER is inspired not only by the stars but also by the aster flower, symbolizing growth and grounding. This dual meaning embodies their vision: to shine brightly while remaining true to their roots. Their official color, Aster Purple, and dedicated fandom, known as Twinkles, further strengthen their identity and foster a sense of community.
ASTER officially debuted on July 7, 2024, with their first single, “BINGO.” The track, paired with their energetic performances, immediately captured attention and set the tone for their journey. By December 2024, they released “A STAR,” which showcased their artistic development and their ambition to establish a formidable presence in P-pop.
Even before debuting, ASTER had already gained recognition. As trainees, they earned the Top Performing Group of the Year award at the 8th PPOP Awards. Since then, they have received additional accolades, including New Artist of the Year at the 9th PPOP Music Awards and multiple honors as a Promising P-pop Group from respected industry bodies.
Dedicated to connecting with fans nationwide, ASTER has performed across the Philippines through events like PPOP Fiesta and PPOP Caravan, with stops in Cebu, Pampanga, and Cavite. They’ve also visited academic institutions such as UP Diliman, Arellano University, and Jose Rizal University. Beyond that, they have performed on major stages, including GFest 2024 alongside BINI, SunKissed Lola, and Jason Dhakal, as well as at cultural festivals like Panagbenga in Baguio and Masskara in Bacolod.
The group is now gearing up for their biggest milestone yet—the release of their debut full-length album, TALAYAG. The title combines the Filipino words tala (star) and layag (sail), symbolizing their journey toward their dreams. Unlike many groups, ASTER maintains full creative control, writing, composing, and arranging every track. With producers Køii, Arte Eneri, and Stephen Tan, the album explores a diverse soundscape of Pop, R&B, Afro House, Electronic, and Hip Hop.
This hands-on approach is a conscious choice for ASTER. As Tatin shared, “Natutunan ko po talaga from SB19 after they became an independent company. I saw how hands-on the members were with everything. So, we told our manager to let us be involved because we’re willing to contribute to ASTER and AsterisK Entertainment.” From editing their own vlogs to preparing content for TALAYAG, they have harnessed their generation’s strengths and integrated diverse perspectives to elevate their artistry.
Their teamwork and chemistry extend beyond music creation—it’s woven into their relationships as a group. Kiel explained, “One thing I’ve learned from older P-pop groups is that support is key. You have to back each other up and be kind, even when disagreements happen. As a large group, it’s natural to have conflicts and different ideas, but we learn to balance them.”
The album’s leading track, “LAYAG,” is a vibrant Afro House-inspired song. Other highlights include “Munting Tala” and “Isang Minuto,” heartfelt ballads that celebrate their OPM roots. Sub-units like AKLAS (ASTER AXIS) and OTW (ASTER ZODIAC) also showcase their versatility. Additional notable tracks include “Veronica” and early fan faves “BINGO” and “A STAR.”
With TALAYAG, ASTER isn’t just releasing an album—they’re sharing their story of perseverance, resilience, and courage in pursuit of their dreams. Their growing accolades, festival appearances, and dedicated fanbase prove that ASTER is more than a boy group; they symbolize a movement, an inspiration, and a testament to the global potential of Filipino talent.
For ASTER, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s only the beginning of what’s beyond the stars.
