Filipino girl group 4th Impact moves to US in pursuit of bigger dreams

4th Impact is set to make a breakthrough and become the first Filipino girl group to proudly represent the Philippines worldwide. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK CITY—Filipino girl group 4th Impact was in town over the weekend to headline the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration here. The all-female sibling group, who shot to fame after their memorable run on The X Factor UK in 2015, captivated the audience at Madison Square Park. Having recently relocated from Isabela to the US, they are now aiming to showcase their talent and determination to break into the American music market.

I met the girls (Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina Cercado), along with their endearing mom Erlinda and handler Elvira, who is also a nurse and their eldest sister, through their manager Vic Perez during a celebratory dinner in Korea Town. I must say that they are all very sweet and kind.

Almira, the group’s eldest member, described their journey so far as a tale of perseverance and enduring family ties.

Their story began in 1997 when the family relocated to Manila in pursuit of a better life. “Life was hard,” they remember. Erlinda, their mother, sold Tupperware, while their father, Doming, gathered recyclable materials under the scorching sun to fund their education. Almira recalls, “Simula bata pa kami, nakita namin ang paghihirap at pagsusumikap nina Mama at Papa para mapalaki kami ng maayos.”

Filipino girl group 4th Impact headlines the annual Philippine Independence Day parade in New York City, accompanied by manager Vic Perez. Photo by Elton Lugay

Driven by a desire to alleviate their family’s hardships, the sisters began singing at school events, family gatherings and local contests. Their first big break came in 2005 when they joined a family singing contest on QTV11, finishing in third place. This led to their participation in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, where they won 16 gold medals and were crowned the 2006 Junior Grand Champion of the World for Vocal Group.

Despite these early successes, the group encountered multiple rejections from different talent shows in the Philippines. Undeterred, they continued their journey by participating in South Korea’s Superstar K6 in 2014, ultimately making it to the Top 8. Although feeling discouraged, they contemplated quitting until their mother encouraged them to persist in pursuing their dreams.

Their biggest break came when a fan suggested they audition for the X Factor UK. Despite the odds, Almira sent an audition video, and three months later, they were invited to London. Their performance of “Bang Bang” became the most viewed audition in the X Factor UK history, with over 192 million views. “God has the best plans for us. And X Factor UK literally changed our lives 360°,” said Almira.

Reflecting on their experience, Celina (the youngest of the group) agreed, “It was the most unforgettable experience of our lives and we will always be grateful to our X Factor family, especially to Simon Cowell.” Despite not reaching the finals, they learned valuable lessons, particularly from Simon’s advice to “enjoy every moment.”

Fast forward to 2024 and now based in California, 4th Impact is pursuing their dream of making it big in the global music scene. Their move to the US was motivated by their mantra to “DREAM BIG.” “Being here in the US is a huge risk and a big leap for our career,” they admit. They hope to raise the flag for Filipinos in the global music scene and appreciate the support of the Filipino American community.

The group’s dynamic is deeply rooted in their familial bond. Almira describes her sisters:

– Mylene: “Funny. She’s the most hilarious human I know and the arranger of the group, yet she’s the comedian too.”

– Irene: “Strong. She’s the swagger of the group with a strong character, always fighting for us.”

– Celina: “Demure. The beauty queen of our group, handling our social media and ensuring everything is aesthetically pleasing.”

When asked about how they envision themselves five years from now, the group did not hold back, “In five years, 4th Impact will be one of the biggest girl groups in the world, representing Filipinos on the global music stage. We dream of having a successful sold-out world tour, winning the biggest awards like the Grammy and Billboard Music Awards, headlining major festivals, and selling millions of platinum albums,” they said. They aspire to be the first Filipinas to perform at the Super Bowl, proving that “DREAMING BIG is possible.”

So how did they come up with the name? “4th Impact” was inspired by the four sisters’ powerful voices and the significant impact they aim to make. “Our voices don’t only give impact but more of our stories of how we persevere to achieve our dreams,” explained Almira. They hope their audience perceives their music as a harmonious blend of individual talents working together as a family. “We don’t outshine one another; we support one another to give an IMPACTFUL performance,” said the group.

What sets 4th Impact apart from other girl groups is not just their vocal prowess but their genuine bond and story of perseverance. Their music is a reflection of their journey, filled with passion, resilience and the deep connection they share as sisters. “We have our natural God-given talent in music with our voices and harmonies that can melt your heart.” This authenticity resonates with their audience, creating a unique and powerful impact.

As 4th Impact forges ahead, the words of their mother remain a guiding light: “Hold on to your dreams… I know that God has perfect timing for your dreams. And never give up.” This belief has carried them through their toughest times and will undoubtedly guide them towards many more successes in the future.

The story of 4th Impact is far from over. With their unwavering determination and the support of their family and fans, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the global music scene. Their journey serves as a reminder that no dream is too big and no obstacle insurmountable when driven by passion, faith and the unbreakable bond of family.