With former Star Hunt trainees formally launched as new boy group BGYO last January 29, members Gelo Rivera, Akira Morishita, JL Toreliza, Mikk Claver Jr., and Nate Porcalla are ready to create more content for their fans here and abroad starting with the world premiere of their single “The Light” this month.

With their weekly performances on ASAP Natin ‘To last year, BGYO slowly became introduced to Kapamilya artists and they caught the attention of Gary Valenciano.

“Yung unang beses na napanuod ko yung BGYO, hindi pa BGYO ang tawag sa kanila. But that was the first question I had, ‘Sino itong mga ‘to? Anong pangalan nila?’ They said wala pa silang pangalan kasi bago pa lang sila. Tapos napansin ko nung unang beses ko silang nakita, tumingin ako sa tabi ko kasi parang feeling ko, ‘Ako lang ba ang may feeling na iba, iba ang grupong ito.’ I look to my right, I saw Inigo Pascual and he was also wowed. Parang yung feeling na ‘What did we just see? Are we looking at something that’s about to explode? or something that’s about to take off or something that’s about to carry our banner across the world?’ I know these are bold statements but that’s what I felt. And I looked at Inigo and we both felt the same way. Since that time nakakatuwa dahil pag mag-re-rehearse na sila, rehearsal pa lang, lahat ng buong staff ng ASAP, pati na rin yung mga artista na nasa loob ng studio, talagang inaabangan na sila para mapanuod mga performances nila because the commitment and the passion that they have sobra. And my initial reaction was like, ‘Wow, I think they have a diamond in the rough,” he recalled.

READ: BGYO’s debut single ‘The Light’ has finally been released

During the BGYO official launch event, the OPM icon also known as Mr. Pure Energy also shared some words of advice for the new group.

“What I like about BGYO is that , and it’s a message that I want to share with everybody out there who has the desire and the dream to reach certain status of popularity and fame because talent is one thing, it also has to be diligent, being hardworking, being willing to work hard. You will have challenges. You know it’s very hard to manage one artist, take it from me. Eh ako isa lang ako nahirapan din yung management ko sa akin kasi siyempre ang dami kong mga ideas. Ngayon i-multiply mo yun by several, so when they perform they all have their ideas. So they all have to be one in mind and in heart. Ang gusto ko sa kanila is that nalaman ko para ma-master nila ang isang dance, it’s one month in the process. Ngayon dito sa industriya natin kung saan most of the time it’s fast. The reason why they are the way they are is because parang natuto na sila na hindi lang basta sige sige gawin natin ito, sige sige gawin natin yan. I like seeing this bunch of young guys na madami namang puwedeng ibang gawin, may itsura naman sila, puwede sila pumasok sa television or movie industry. But they are here. Music has a different way of getting to people. I think they are on the right track and that’s what I like about BGYO,” he explained.

Having been a judge on shows like X-Factor Philippines, World of Dance, Tawag ng Tanghalan, and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Gary said he always enjoys meeting aspiring artists.

“I always get excited seeing talents that I really admire. And sa BGYO yung excitement parang nasa ibang level because it’s not just dance, music, it’s the ability to sing and I pray and I’m hoping na I’m really foreseeing that they have years ahead of them, but ngayon na bata pa kayo BGYO, pero yung kabanatang ito sandali lang eh, panandalian lamang ito. I hope that you maximize this time, I hope that you make the most of this time. Yeah you will be popular, yes you will have fans left and right, but make the most of it. And remember that every person that comes up to you, whether they love you because of how you look or how you sound or how you dance, tao pa rin yan. May puso yan. So always make sure that after you perform, the people that you reach, the people that love you and scream for you, sana ang epekto sa kanila ay hindi lang isang image na maiiwan dito sa isip nila kundi isang memory na lagi nilang mauuwi sa puso nila,” he said.

READ: Gary Valenciano says test reveals he is ‘all good’

Before ending his message, Gary shared how optimistic he is about BGYO’s future in showbiz.

“You guys are great. I think you guys are fabulous. I’m looking forward to seeing your success. I may not be a direct mentor but the word mentor is there. I’d be more than happy to sit with you, talk with you, share with you my stories of when I was given the chance to go around the world and perform and when I also encountered frustration and discouragement and failure. It happened. It’s an uphill climb. Pero okay lang kasi pag nakikita niyo yung target sa itaas, keep on going. Keep your feet on the ground and remember, your talent could have been given to anybody else. But God chose you for a very specific reason. And it’s not just to become popular. Kahit ba nandiyan na yan, there’s a lot more that will come your way. Stay humble. Stay grounded and stay in touch with the one who’s going to take you higher,” he added.