MANILA, Philippines — The idea behind pop group Now United being a bunch of performing teenagers coming from various countries is obviously a sure-hit among social media-savvy Filipino youth. Add in the allure of having in the mix a half-Pinoy officially carrying the Philippine flag and no doubt a recipe for an exciting Manila visit is well-cooked.
Pinoy Big Brother alumnus Bailey May is back here in Manila leading the pack of international talents he now belongs to and which is glued together as the latest assembled pop unit eyeing for world domination.
“I still work very closely with ABS-CBN. They will always be within my heart and I will come back to the Philippines every now and then for trabaho (work),” he told the pool of bloggers and entertainment journalists he and his group chatted with at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas last Tuesday.
It sounded like he was putting emphasis on Tagalizing the word work because as he also informed, “I am trying to show my pagka-Filipino (being Filipino) by speaking in Tagalog. I wear our flag in my pants.”
That Bailey, a Filipino-British born in Cebu City 15 years ago, was vocal in expressing his Filipino lineage made the gathering extra special at least for pure-blooded Filipinos covering inside the conference room. As a spokesperson outside of the group noted, “We want them to face the people and youth of the world being themselves and pursuing their dreams and passion.”
Acknowledged as the first-ever global pop group, Now United, which debuted just this year, will perform today at Eastwood Central Plaza and tomorrow, July 22, at Venice Piazza in Grand Canal Mall. Both shows start at 6 p.m.
The group, fast-being known for their aggressively pretty dance showcase, is currently working with top choreographers WilldaBeast and Kyle Hanagami while recording songs with Grammy-winning producer Red One. It was created by Simon Fuller, the man behind the formation of the now iconic Spice Girls, and managed by XIX Entertainment.
“Simon just told us to be organic so it’s pretty easy,” rationalized one of the members.
Another described their admiration for fans all over the world, “We appreciate them so much we won’t be here without them. We see and interact with them a lot of the time on social media.”
This group is definitely making use of fan interaction 21st century-style. Yet, if there are opportunities, they fly country to country to see them up close. They recently shot a music video in South Korea.
Now United banks on strength in numbers, having 14 members representing some of the most notable nations in the world, including China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and the United States. The names are as follows: Any Gabrielly, Diarra Sylla, Heyoon Jeon, Hina Yoshihara, Joalin Loukama, Josh Beauchamp, Krystian Wang, Lamar Morris, Noah Urrea, Sabina Hidalgo, Shivani Paliwal Sina Deiner, Sofya Plotnikova and, of course, the country’s own Bailey who recorded an album here with Star Music and collaborating singer Jamie Rivera. When asked about the food from their home country they’re proud of to tell the world, Mexican Sabina insisted that nothing beats like real Mexican tacos.
The ensemble performed at Lucky Chinatown Atrium yesterday.