In the bustling landscape of P-Pop, where new groups emerge with the rising sun, one name is currently echoing louder than the rest: WRIVE.
Composed of five distinct individuals—Asi, Ishiro, Russu, Drei, and Mathew—this group isn’t just another boy band; they are a self-produced, DIY-spirited force that has spent years grinding in the shadows to earn their spot in the light.
In a fun and revealing three-part interview with LionhearTV.net’s RAWR Mag, the members of WRIVE opened up about their journey from ‘Dream Maker’ hopefuls to a united front under ABS-CBN Polaris-Star Magic. Their name, a play on the phrase “We have arrived,” serves as both a statement and a mission.
As Russu explains, “Yung goal po namin is to always arrive to a new goal, a new milestone… we want to arrive to a better version of ourselves lagi.”
The Five “Arsenals” of WRIVE
What makes WRIVE a formidable “puzzle” is the unique “arsenal” each member brings to the table.
Drei : A former backup dancer for industry biggies BINI and BGYO, Drei realized he wanted more than just being behind the scenes. He decided to “mag-add pa ako ng bagong arsenal sa sarili ko,” transitioning into a total performer who sings while executing complex choreography.
Asi : A former soloist, Asi found that performing with “brothers” provided a richer experience. He believes that “napakasarap na mag-perform kasama yung mga kapatid mo sa stage,” noting that their collective energy helps translate their message more effectively to the audience.
Ishiro : With a background in acting, Ishiro’s passion was ignited by the world of K-Pop. His determination is fierce: “Abutin natin yan! Abut-abutin!” he says of his goals, expressing pure joy at finally being part of the group he prayed for.
Mathew : Despite having a “cool” exterior, Matthew admits to being the “baby” of the group when it comes to his soft, clingy side. A natural introvert with stage fright, he realized he didn’t want to perform alone: “Gusto kong mag-perform ng may kasama. Kasi di ko kayang mag-perform na mag-isa”.
Russu : Russu has been dreaming of this since he was two years old. He prefers the group dynamic because “parang may energy ka makukuha sa ibang mga tao… mas masaya pag may kasama ka.”
Their creative process is a melting pot of genres. From rock and pop to K-pop influences, they write and arrange their own music, even extending their “wisdom” to other artists like BINI and Mika Salamanca. Matthew describes their synergy as biological: “The DNA is the cell… the identity of WRIVE”.
A Brotherhood of Success
The “DNA” of WRIVE—which Matthew describes as a complex cell where different microsomes (members) come together—is what keeps them grounded. They handle conflicts through open communication and “open forums,” ensuring that pride never gets in the way. For them, teamwork means being “considerate and sensitive” to each other. As they put it: “Kailangang matuto kang mangamusta kung okay ka lang ba.”
Beyond their music and choreography, the career journey of WRIVE is defined by a “DIY” grit and a series of deep personal sacrifices that began long before their official debut. From their roots as Top 16 finalists in the survival show Dream Maker to becoming a “self-produced” group, their story is one of persistent effort in the face of uncertainty.
WRIVE maintains their harmony through a culture of radical transparency. When “clashes” or “miscommunications” occur, they rely on open forums and group conversations, often gathering at Russu’s house to talk things out. They have learned that pride has no place in a team. Matthew highlights the importance of being “considerate and sensitive” to each other’s feelings, noting that their lives now revolve entirely around the group.
Personal Sacrifices and Mental Hurdles
Each member shared a piece of their personal life for a chance at this dream:
- Matthew put his college education on hold just two years before graduating, stating, “Pinili ko muna dito muna lahat ng time and attention ko”
- Drei walked away from a chance to compete internationally with his former dance crew, TPM, to prioritize WRIVE’s pre-debut training.
- Russu has battled deep insecurities regarding his past on PBB, fearing that his previous “issues” might negatively impact the group’s reputation. His way of dealing with this is by putting in “ten times” the effort to prove his growth to himself.
- Ishiro had to learn how to break out of his shell. He openly admitted that he is naturally introverted and found being in front of people overwhelming, but he treated being on stage as a battle where he can give his all.
- Asi, coming from a soloist background, initially struggled with his confidence in dancing. He admitted, “Ang daming beses talaga na pinanghihinaan ako ng loob.” He eventually found the strength to continue through the motivation of his “brothers”
Beyond the physical toll, the mental weight was heavy. However, the group’s bond proved unbreakable. There is one episode in their journey that they spent months overthinking while waiting for updates. They described a constant state of anxiety, never silencing their phones in hopes of receiving a Viber notification from management about their future. WRIVE continued to practice and refine their routines while waiting for the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents. As Russo puts it, “Kahit walang taong nakatingin sa amin… gagawin namin siya kasi kami yung nangangarap eh.”
Training Through “Darkness”
Success didn’t come with a silver spoon. During their pre-debut days, the group lacked official coaches and dedicated studio space. They would rent their own studios, film their own dance practices, and push each other through “intense” mental and physical conditioning.
One of their most talked-about training techniques is the blindfold training. Aimed at mastering “spatial awareness” and “blocking awareness,” the members practiced their choreography while completely blindfolded.
It was a grueling process that often resulted in minor injuries and disorientation. During their first attempts, they frequently felt like collapsing from dizziness but eventually, the rigorous method paid off and the group improved their stage presence and awareness of each other’s spaces while performing.
“Kahit hindi naka-blindfold, mas master na namin kung gaano kami kalayo sa isa’t isa,” Drei proudly utters.
A Future in Focus
Today, WRIVE’s dedication for excellence is yielding success. From captivating audiences at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 to trending on charts after performances on ASAP Natin ‘To, the group is proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
@lionheartv WRIVE dances to the trending Spongebob Brazil and the Corgis want to join… #WRIVE #RAWRMag #RAWRMagxWRIVE #LionhearTV #RAWRNation @WRIVE PH @Mollie’s World Cafe
With hits like “Hollywood” and “Color Clash” now in their repertoire and a growing fanbase following their every move on TikTok and TV, WRIVE is no longer just young trainees waiting for a Viber notification. They are a self-produced powerhouse that has arrived.
As they continue to level up, they are committed to thrive harder and remain rooted in authenticity. The learning process never ends, but they are comfortable and confident than ever to take center stage.
WRIVE hasn’t just arrived; they are here to stay.
RAWR Mag with WRIVE
Location: Mollie’s World Cafe, Quezon City
Camera/Editing: Van Telebrico, Arnold Real, and Noel Macatalad Jr.
Make up: Crish Marfil (Crish Marfil Glam Team)
Admin: Denisse Erikka
Creative Director: Cassiopeia Janelle Calamaya
Writer: Richard Mamuyac
Publisher: Mc Richard V. Paglicawan
Special thanks to Aaron Domingo of ABS-CBN Corp Comm PR, Pawi Lectura of Polaris, Ruby Adiao of Mollie’s World Cafe and Staff Pau Buo, Jhade Arizala, Franz Arellano, Azio Bardaje, and Dave Bautista
Special Participation of the Corgis: Tabee, Brooke, Pheebee, Wanda, Sage, and Frida. (Plus 5 puppies)
