BGYO (EP)

BGYO is the self-titled debut extended play by Filipino boy band BGYO. It was released on March 13, 2025, through ABS-CBN Music. The five-track record was the group's first major release since their second studio album, Be Us (2022), and includes the previously released singles "Trash" and "Andito Lang".

The EP combines pop, R&B and dance-oriented production. BGYO referred to the style developed for the project as "fresh pop". "Divine" was released with the EP and promoted through an accompanying music video.

Background and development

BGYO began developing the record after experimenting with different genres on their first two studio albums. In an interview with Billboard Philippines, the members said that they wanted the EP to have a more cohesive musical direction while still allowing them to explore different styles.

The group chose an eponymous title to represent what they considered a clearer musical identity. Gelo Rivera said the project was intended to carry themes of authenticity, love and support, while the other members described themselves as being more involved in decisions concerning the record's genres and overall direction.

The EP also marked one of the group's first experiences working closely with international producers. Some recording sessions were conducted remotely, with vocal recordings and revisions being exchanged online between the group and the producers. The song "Trash" was developed during a music camp in Davao attended by local and international songwriters and producers.

Music and lyrics

BGYO contains four English-language songs and one Filipino-language song. Its lyrics largely address romantic relationships, personal connection and emotional support.

The opening track, "Divine", has a dance-pop arrangement with a string-led introduction and a tropical quality. Akira Morishita described "Light My Fire" as an R&B track, while Mikki Claver and Morishita characterised "Heartstrings" as pop rock with a slight country influence.

"Trash" incorporates elements of pop, neo-soul, disco and funk. Its lyrics concern a person being willing to abandon everything for love. The closing track, "Andito Lang", was written by Claver and Christopher James Moore Lopez, professionally known as Moophs. It was inspired by the members' friendship and their experiences of being away from their families.

Release and promotion

"Trash" was released as a pre-release single on August 22, 2024. It was followed by "Andito Lang" on December 5.

The five-track EP was released digitally on March 13, 2025. A music video for "Divine" was released on the same day.

BGYO held a launch showcase titled BGYO: The Party at Super Hydro Club in Quezon City on March 14. During the event, the group showed behind-the-scenes footage from the Los Angeles recording sessions for "Divine" and "Trash". They also announced a physical edition of the EP containing a CD, booklet, poster, stickers, and randomly selected photo cards.

On May 3, BGYO opened the first day of the Aurora Music Festival at Clark Global City in Pampanga. Their set included "Light My Fire" and "Andito Lang" from the EP, as well as "Magnet" from their second studio album, Be Us.

The group also promoted songs from the EP through several live sessions. Their performance of "Trash" on the Wish 107.5 Bus was released in November 2024, while their performance of "Divine" was released in May 2025. Citations about BGYO's Wish Bus Performances of Trash and Divine, as follows:

• BGYO later performed "Trash" and "Divine" in a Billboard Philippines Studios program featuring the publication's P-pop Rising Class of 2025.

At the group's first major solo concert, held at the New Frontier Theater on October 4, 2025, "Trash" and "Divine" were performed during the opening sequence alongside "Gigil".

Reception

Writing for Billboard Philippines, Gabriel Saulog described BGYO as a "genre-fluid" record that represented a more confident and creatively involved version of the group. He regarded the EP as a cohesive release despite its exploration of several styles and called it a step into musical territory that BGYO had not fully explored in their earlier work.

Cris Aguasvivas of EnVi Media wrote that the EP elevated BGYO's sound and artistry, and highlighted its treatment of romantic yearning and the different stages of love. She described "Divine" as a feel-good song with warm tropical production, "Light My Fire" as a sultry, slow-groove track that presented a more mature side of the group, and "Heartstrings" as a melancholic song whose rock elements gave it a danceable quality.

Paolo Chua of L'Officiel Philippines characterised the record as a collection of fresh pop and R&B songs led by "Divine".

Track listing

Release history

See also

• BGYO discography
• List of BGYO live performances