Miss mo na ba maging bata?
Ako rin.
For me, the thing I missed the most about being a kid was when my parents would ask me, ‘Iya, what do you want to be when you grow up?’ because I would often reply with the most random ideas. My favorite pitches have been princess, ballerina, flight attendant, and at some point, ‘…tagasulat ng mga kanta sa TV.’
I was seven years old at the time and I didn’t know what a jingle writer was. All I knew was that I was heavily inspired by a certain toothpaste brand’s commercial, wanting to recreate that same attention-grabbing, last-song-syndrome effect it had on viewers like me.
Although these “career options” seemed far-fetched, they somehow made sense to me because that was the best part of being young—having the ultimate freedom to dream endlessly. We were allowed to believe that anything was possible as long as it resonated with us. No matter how cliché it sounded back then, the world felt like a single oyster in the palm of our hand—its hard, bristly shell waiting to be cracked open.
For P-pop boy group CLOUD 7, their debut under PH Entertainment and Sparkle GMA Artist Center in August 2023 was not only a turning point where their efforts as trainees paid off, but it also brought various achievements early in their careers, with the members currently aged 14 to 19.
Some of these milestones include their debut single, “Tara Na,” which garnered one million streams on both YouTube and Spotify—a testament to the growing support for their music. They were also recently honored with the “Citation for Breakthrough Boy Group of the Year” at the 10th Platinum Stallion National Media Awards.
With this, it seems that members Lukas, Johann, Egypt, Gabriel, Miguel, PJ, and Fian are well on their way to achieving their dreams as rising stars in the music industry.
However, since conservatism remains deeply rooted in Filipino culture, being recognized as one of the youngest P-pop groups to debut may be more of a disadvantage than a prestige.
“Ang bata-bata pa naman nila…”
Admittedly, these were the words that escaped my lips when I first discovered CLOUD 7. Coincidentally, they were also the initial reactions of P-pop fans upon seeing the teaser photos of the final seven trainees set to debut in the P-pop scene.
Many have expressed concerns about these young individuals entering the entertainment industry at an early age, with the youngest member, Fian, being 12, and the oldest, Kairo, 17 at the time.
Furthermore, with their fresh-faced, vibrant concept and visuals showcased in music videos, photoshoots, and social media posts—along with their energetic stage presence—CLOUD 7 undeniably appeals more to a younger audience, particularly pre-teens.
Unfortunately, this has led some P-pop enthusiasts to lose interest in the group entirely, with one Reddit user commenting, “They’re too young. Not for me.”
This puts their reputation at risk, as the group is currently associated with a “youthful image,” making it difficult to attract older fans who might otherwise appreciate their refreshing appeal. This poses a challenge for their management to explore and develop new opportunities to enhance CLOUD 7’s public image—positioning them as role models for younger fans rather than pushing them toward the more mature concepts embraced by other P-pop artists.
It’s important to respect their boundaries as minor idols in the industry. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few humble ideas. Hear me out. Ahem. (Cue the projector)
Members can take part in “Back-to-School” brand collaborations for school supplies around June or July. This not only appeals to parents but also encourages fans to study harder—after all, there’s nothing like seeing your bias cheering you on from the cover of your math notebook, Batang ’90s style.
Moreover, aligning with CLOUD 7’s advocacy of producing uplifting songs that inspire listeners to chase their dreams against all odds, the group can bring these lyrics to life by highlighting how they continue their education despite the challenges—not only as rookie idols but also as kids navigating their own journey in life.
This can also help counter the common experience of child stars in the entertainment industry, where education is often compromised due to demanding schedules and overwork. Taking inspiration from BINI Colet and Maloi’s senior high school graduation posts on Instagram, CLOUD 7 can offer glimpses into their school life—sharing experiences, favorite subjects, and study tips to connect with fans through relatability. This can help encourage fans that school can actually be fun (and survivable).
In all seriousness, I truly hope the group gains the recognition they deserve, and the key to achieving this is to further strengthen their presence in the public eye.
Aside from mall shows and fan meet-and-greets, social media can be a powerful tool not only for boosting CLOUD 7’s brand awareness but also for fostering interaction between the members and the P-Pop community nationwide—allowing fans to connect with the group beyond their usual Google profiles.
This can be instrumental in expanding their fanbase, Rainbows, where many may eventually find their own “pot of gold”—a sense of comfort and belonging within the uplifting environment that CLOUD 7 aims to create.
Moreover, providing fans with opportunities to engage on various platforms can enhance their experience in supporting their beloved P-Pop groups.
One platform that comes to mind is JuanCast, an active and growing app in the P-Pop scene. It provides an accessible and engaging community that supports rising P-Pop groups like CLOUD 7 across the country.
By using a voting system, fans can collect “Suns” and “Stars” either by purchasing them directly or watching ads. They can then use these to vote for their favorite groups to be featured at fan events, through booths, or in large-scale promotions like digital billboards and banner ads.
This allows CLOUD 7 to elevate their presence—both figuratively and literally—on the mass marketing stage.
“Bata, pero hindi bata lang.”
With youth comes potential, and as I gradually become a Rainbow myself, I’ve come to realize that CLOUD 7 has so much more to offer than meets the eye. I vividly recall reading Migz’s statement in a photoshoot with Parcinq magazine, where he shared how, since their debut, he and the members embrace every moment as an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow.
This warmed my heart and reminded me of the importance of “trusting the process”—especially as someone who is still trying to find her place in the world.
With CLOUD 7, we’re reminded that getting through life is one of the most underrated achievements, especially when chasing our ambitions. It’s about embracing the journey and rediscovering hope—not just as an idealistic concept we once believed in as children, but as something we can carry with us along the way.
As their song “Silipin Ang Mundo” goes, “Destino na binuo, posible mo mabuo ′pagkat walang nilalang na ‘nila-lang.’ ‘Yan ang dapat na alalahanin sa paglalakbay.”
Hope is what keeps us moving forward when reality starts to set in, reminding us that we are far more capable of achieving bigger things than we often realize. Look up, and you’ll see that the sky is your only limit.
