ONE of the things I love about girl pop groups is the styling, which is always very dynamic. The styling usually depends on the group’s concept. For the new girl group Calista, the vibe is that of an empowered woman.
“The look is adventurous but still youthful and aspirational. So we patterned the looks from each of the girls’ branding while highlighting also their personalities,” said stylist Myrrh Lao To, who worked with the six-member Calista for the group’s grand launch and the release of their debut single.
For their debut “Race Car” music video and the group’s official launch, the girls wore red and black and bold-hued outfits. For the launch’s question-and-answer portion, they were in lovely pastels. I loved how strong their makeup looks were for the bold-hued outfits and how this was toned down when they changed into pastels.
Calista’s lead vocal is Anne Tenorio, a former Viva talent who competed in It’s Showtime’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan.” Anne has released two singles and also appeared in movies. She looks best with a bold lip and feathered brows.
Seventeen-year-old Olive May Sophia, who is known for her bright personality, has over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 17,500 followers on Instagram. She has taken acting workshops, and also has pageant experience. Olive’s best facial feature are her beautiful eyes.
Denise Pello is 18 and has had extensive dancing experience. She’s a dance scholar who has also competed internationally. She has full lips that stand out in red lipstick.
Dainiel is a beauty queen, model and brand ambassador. At 21, she’s ready to conquer the world. Dain has soft and dainty features.
Laiza is a former Star Magic artist who has appeared on TV shows, movies and TV commercials. She’s excited about her Calista journey. Laiza has movie star looks.
Elle is only 20 but she was recognized at the Navotas Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actress for her work in the film Iris. Elle has lovely cheekbones and beautiful eyes.
“They [the six members] all have inputs with regards to their looks so it was easy for us to pattern from their personal style, so it’s safe to say that each girl has her own signature style,” said Myrrh Lao To.
Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM) and Merlion Events Production Inc. had to search all over the country for unique and talented individuals in order to form the multi-talented group. The six members were chosen from a field of over 100 aspirants.
“It’s incredible how Calista was formed and how these girls have endured—training and studying in the midst of this pandemic. They’re tough and we’re all proud of them. With all their hard work, we’re sure they’re ready to wow the Philippines and the world,” said Escalante.
The group was formed within three months in the midst of the pandemic. Olive, the team leader of the group, 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. They 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 and when they are not training, they study online.
Calista recently unveiled the music video for their hit single “Race Car.” The group will headline the upcoming “Vax to Normal” concert produced by Merlion Events Production Inc. The concert on April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, will be telecast on TV5. The event also features special performances by Yeng Constantino, AC Bonifacio, Elmo Magalona, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto and Ken San Jose.