VP/Spotlight | X8 REBORN: The Hymn of Nostalgia in Today’s Sound

Philippine pop continues to soar high and break its horizons towards the path of world domination, penetrating the international scene and breaking into countless music charts. Groups of diverse individuals, talents, and stories have their share of keeping the world of P-pop revolving in its full vibrance. And while the world hails this trajectory of true Filipino talent, another group rises anew: X8—reborn in an era to reclaim their sound and spotlight.

More than a decade after exploring themselves beyond the glitz and glamour of their group formerly known as XLR8, which debuted in 2010, members Caleb, Carlo, Kiko, and MM rekindled their passion for music in an unexpected moment, forging a renewed path for X8. “It started with a surprise performance during Hazel Faith’s Concert. I invited the boys to join me and sing for Hazel on stage for old times’ sake,” Caleb, the group leader, shared as he reminisced about that special moment with his wife that eventually led to opportunities. After the buzz about the unexpected reunion circulated, they guested on a special live segment for P-pop, solidifying the big comeback of X8 on stage with a renewed purpose and sound.

“Fans can look forward to an exciting blend of nostalgia and a fresh take in PPOP music. We’re diving deep into retro sounds that defined an era while infusing a modern twist of electronic pop.”
—Caleb

True enough, the promise of the hymn of nostalgia fused into today’s sound resonated in their comeback single “ENCHANTRESS,” dropped on May 15th. Easily captivating anyone in the spell of their music, this song brings its listeners into the perspective of a lover discovering the powerful force of affection and attraction intensified by its lines, such as “Ako’y nabihag niya… Nabighani na” and beats that scream Filipino pop.

Meanwhile, as X8 enters an era of a strong resurge into the dynamic world of Philippine pop music, Caleb, Carlo, Kiko, and MM introduce versions of themselves that played on the strings of evolution—the very hymn of the X8 reborn.

Caleb Embraces Change

Throughout the years of navigating their lives apart from their group, change has been the constant reward of life, pushing them into their perceived boundaries, maximizing their potential, and consistently presenting their refined forms as individuals. For Caleb, the group leader, main vocalist, rapper, and music producer, his past and present versions seem to exist in extreme polarities, comparing it to night and day. “Before, I was struggling to navigate my way around showbiz because I was a newbie, but now I have found my path, my passion, and the confidence in my capabilities.“

On the other hand, going through an evolution also meant facing life with resilience to persist through and through. It required him to have a brave and faithful heart to let life experiences shape him into his best form, allowing him to be more open in approaching life than letting the rigid idea of perfection and standards suffocate him.

“If you constantly strive for perfection, you may miss out on valuable learning experiences. Embracing change is essential, as it helps shape you into the person God has destined you to become.”
—Caleb

True enough, Caleb is now more than ready to introduce a version of himself with a renewed purpose, refined dedication, and a heart aflame with passion for music and the arts, echoing through their new era as a group. “We’ve grown so much, and I honestly can’t wait to share this new journey with the boys and our fans eXist,” he excitedly shared, specifically looking forward to dropping the tracks they have been working on while also revealing how workout and diet personally played a part in his preparation for this comeback.

While he wants to enter this season of X8 in high spirit and dynamic energy, as the group leader, Caleb also sees its depth rooted in the years-long gap of rising anew. “This means a great deal to me. We’re doing this not just for ourselves, but also to meet the people who believed in us and have been eagerly waiting for a comeback all these years,” Caleb shared as he also recalled the consistency of eXists’ love and support.

“We love you, eXist. Without your support, we might have gone our separate ways. You are the glue that holds us together. Thank you for believing in us.”
—Caleb

The Reinvention of Carlo

Being the main rapper and vocalist of X8, relentlessly spitting powerful rhymes on rhythms has been the element of Carlo. And in the lenses of conventional standards, individuals who hold the same title as him usually give angst and swag on and off the stage, and sometimes even an intimidating energy. On the other hand, he revealed that he used to be “shy, cautious, and almost antisocial” back then when he entered the group, emphasizing the crucial part of the pressure that comes with entering the world of entertainment in shaping that version of himself.

While he has gone through a series of evolutions and constantly welcomed new and better versions of himself, the gap between his past and present remains a vague distance, which, for sure, only his journey towards maturity could tell. “The passage of time has not been kind to all, including me. And all that pressure can make even the darnest carbons into diamond… eventually,” Carlo shared, filling in the space and telling a story of vulnerability and strength in approaching life.

“Alas! Instead of fighting chaos, I have learned to embrace it, knowing that all obstacles lead to a wiser version of ourselves… so bring it on!”
—Carlo

Slowly, he learned this principle as he navigated his way into different areas of his life. Throughout the years of focusing on his life as an individual, he has explored his horizons, studying game development focusing on its creative aspect, acting on screen and in musical theatre, and discovering his potential writing. Along the way of encountering all these experiences, he steadily evolved towards his present version that faces life head-on with the vibrant energy of a soul liberated from the chains of pressure.

“Today, with growth and maturity, everything feels lighter. We’re grounded, pressure-free, and finally just enjoying the ride! That’s the real win.”
—Carlo

As Carlo steps into this new era with X8, he looks forward to fulfilling the promise of “bringing their magic back, but this time bigger” as an expression of their love and appreciation to their fans and supporters. The main rapper also recalled the days when the comeback was still just an uncertain idea, and now that they are coming back and rising anew in the art of reinvention as X8, he’s got a warning to all their eXists: “Buckle up coz we’re just getting started!”

Kiko on Rediscovering his Authenticity

Excited to set the stage alight again with his swag and groove as the main dancer and vocalist of X8, Kiko is thrilled that the group is heading down a path that fuses the familiar sound of nostalgia and the dynamic vibe of modern Filipino pop music. He revealed that the initial preparation for their major comeback began more than a year ago, going through countless sessions of producing demos and composing lyrics for their song lineup.

Through the process, Kiko had an introspective realization of his evolution as an individual, rediscovering the authenticity in his identity. “Comparing myself from before to now. I’ve definitely come a long way. I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself. Also, learning to accept and be comfortable with my sexuality truly helped me be a more confident and better version of myself,” Kiko narrated. And on a more general perspective, the group’s main dancer was certain of one thing: “We aren’t the same kids we were back then.”

“I’m happy that I found my way back into performing again, which is truly my passion.”
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—Kiko

Resurging with his group into the vibrant world of P-pop and rising anew on a personal level, Kiko redeemed himself and rekindled his passion back into performing, sparking inspiration among others. Moreover, Kiko cherishes every opportunity to work with the other members while also maintaning the bond to even strengthen their relationship as a team and real-life friends. He also dedicates their comeback to the fans, who he thanks for believing in them from the start, and lastly to himself whom he has set free, braving the expectations and breaking boundaries.

“I remember being a scared kid trying to hide who I really was from everyone. I put on so many masks just to fit the standard of an artist back then. Now, I’ve learned to embrace my true self no matter what other people think. What matters is that I am happy and content with myself. That to me is a big win on my end.“
—Kiko

MM Lets Passion Fuel the Flames

With X8 entering the new era in their musical career, MM, the group’s visual and one of its vocalists, steps into this period with a blazing passion similar to what drove him years ago when he was just starting. On the other hand, flames must have gotten bigger in his heart, considering the support for Philippine pop these days, where he takes pride in carrying on what they have sparked back then. “I am very proud, because the sound that we introduced before is very much appreciated now, and I just want to continue what we have started,” MM shared as he explained how he feels about the X8 comeback with their newest single, “ENCHANTRESS.”

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
—MM

Moreover, each version of MM has shown itself in every music he created, guesting on television shows, and living his mundane life as an individual, and now as a member of X8, rising anew with their sound. The group’s visual also expresses his excitement towards sharing with their fans and supporters everything that they have prepared as they enter the new era for X8.

“I am excited to try [doing music and performing] again with the boys, and show our loving supporters, active or inactive, that we are still here.”
—MM

Preparing for their comeback, MM revealed that he exerted efforts into keeping his body fit and healthy, which he perceives as essential to giving their fans and supporters the performances they deserve, years after wishing for a comeback and a reunion of the boy group. Now that their eXists looks forward to the upcoming milestones of X8, MM cites a line from their song more than a decade ago, “I’ll Be There,” reminding them of the beautiful journey both for the boys and their fans that lies ahead. “We belong together, always and forever, call my name and I’ll be there.”