With their debut single, ‘Race Car’, climbing the digital charts, Calista is fast-becoming the next big international pop (I-Pop) girl group of multi-talented six members: Olive, Laiza, Anne, Denise, Elle, and Dain. Showcasing girl power with their powerful vocals and body movement, Calista aptly launches the music video for their debut single on March 8, International Women’s Day celebration, at Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel in Quezon City.
A well-received, highly-applauded program and grand production number, the girls got support through performances with dancer, singer and top social media personality Niana Guerrero and musician, actor/TV host Billy Crawford. The press launch was hosted by DJ JhaiHo of MOR 101.9.
According to Escalante, TEAM and Merlion worked together to bring to the international scene a girl group that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the industry. In March 2021, over 100 girls of all ages held their first round of auditions. The number was cut down to 50 percent, then 25 percent until the final 6 members were chosen. All of this occurred at breakneck speed and the group was formed within three months in the midst of the pandemic. It was Olive who came up with the name ‘Calista’ which she said meant ‘the most beautiful or feminine.’ Since the group’s formation, the members have undergone extensive skills enhancement activities. The members spend their day training under globally-renowned choreographer Nesh and vocal strength with voice coaches Arnie Mendaros and Marnie Jereza. The girls also underwent body conditioning to build their stamina and personality development and public relations classes with world-class coaches and experts. To accommodate their daily training, the members live together in one place. When they are not training, the members study online.
“It’s absolutely incredible how Calista was formed and how these girls have endured—training and studying in the midst of this pandemic. They’re exceedingly tough and we’re all very much proud of them. With all their hard work, we’re sure that they’re ready to wow the Philippines and the world,” Calista manager Tyronne Escalante shared.
‘Race Car’ Music Video
The music video, released on YouTube, was shown at the media launch of the girl group. Written and composed by sought after music producer Marcus Davis, “Race Car” is all about Calista’s race to the top of the industry. “These girls are on the rise and they’re getting there fast. Calista promotes women empowerment and ‘Race Car’ is meant to be an anthem. It’s for all girls who have a strong drive to reach the top and aren’t afraid to get what they want,” Escalante said. shared. “We launches the video today, very aware that it’s ‘International Women’s Day.’ Calista represents all women that are claiming their space. They’re here and they’re ready to prove themselves.”
Shot in the span of three days, the impressive, expensive music video was filmed in the Asian Aerospace airplane hangar in the NAIA Complex, Pasay; I’M Hotel’s rooftop bar Antidote in Makati City; and Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The music video features a helicopter and sports cars. “It’s a symbol of what you can achieve if you work hard. Our production team took the song to heart and worked tirelessly for days to ensure the success of this music video,” Escalante added.
“Vax to Normal” Concert
The group will headline the upcoming “Vax to Normal” Concert produced by Merlion Events Production Inc. on April 26, 2022 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and will be telecast on TV5. The event will also feature special performances by Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto, and Ken San Jose. Nico Faustino will be directing the event. Dance icon Nesh Janiola choreographed the production numbers with the help of musical director Soc Mina.
“Vax to Normal” is a tribute concert for the country’s frontliners, especially healthcare workers who are in the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. The concert heralds the return of the country back to normal. “We’re slowly working our way back to how things were before the pandemic. And this wouldn’t have been possible if not for our brave frontliners. They deserve all the praise, and this is our way of saying thanks. It’s been a tough two years, and we think it’s important to hold events like this concert to spread hope,” shared Anne, the team leader of Calista.
To know more about Calista, check out calistasocials.com and follow them on Facebook (Calista PH), Instagram (@calistamusicofficial), Twitter (@calistasocials), TikTok (@calistamusicofficial), and YouTube (Calista PH).
Business Mirror is the media sponsor for “Vax to Normal.”