Lance Joseph Martinez

UNIS Elisia Opens Up on Representing Filipinos in the K-pop Scene

Article (news)

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985365604OMG_2914.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Elisia Parmisano, as photographed by Edward Dela Cuesta</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Filipinos have long taken pride in seeing individuals with Filipino roots make waves on the global stage—from singers like <strong>Jessica Sanchez</strong>, to athletes such as<strong> Alex Eala</strong>, and acclaimed actors like <strong>Dolly de Leon</strong>,<strong></strong> among many others.</p><p>With the continued rise of the <strong></strong>Hallyu Wave<strong></strong> in the Philippines, one Filipina has brought that same sense of pride into the K-pop scene: <strong>Elisia Parmisano</strong>, who made history as the first Filipino trainee to rank first in a major Korean survival show.</p><p>In January 2024, Elisia was officially announced as the top placer of <strong><em>Universe Ticket, </em></strong>securing her spot in the debut lineup. Following her win, she debuted on March 27, 2024, as a member of South Korean girl group <strong>UNIS</strong> alongside fellow Filipina <strong>Gehlee Dangca </strong>and Filipina-Korean <strong>Hyeonju</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>Her achievement quickly made headlines in the Philippines, marking a historic milestone as the first Filipina to top a K-pop survival show in South Korea. Since then, the 17-year-old K-pop star has steadily built a growing global fanbase, extending far beyond her home country.</p><p>As Elisia and UNIS recently returned to the Philippines for the <strong>Otaku Pop Fes 2026</strong> at Okada Manila, <strong>METRO</strong> scored an exclusive interview with the rising Filipina star. </p><p>In the interview, Elisia opened up about representing the Philippines in a global girl group and shared what fans can look forward to as she continues her journey with UNIS, alongside her personal aspirations.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985454622OMG_3067.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On her early beginnings in the Philippine entertainment industry</strong></div><p>Long before she topped <em>Universe Ticket</em> and secured her debut in the South Korean girl group UNIS, Elisia was already quietly building her career in the Philippine entertainment scene through small acting roles.</p><p>Many may not know that she previously appeared in the <strong>ABS-CBN</strong> daytime television series <strong><em>Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> </em></strong>where she had a guest role alongside stars like Sophia Reola, Cristine Reyes, RK Bagatsing, Enzo Pineda, and Shaina Magdayao.<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>In an interview with METRO, Elisia opened up about how her early exposure to showbiz began with people noticing her resemblance to well-known actresses, an observation that would later spark her interest in performing.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985471982OMG_3014.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>“This is actually a really interesting story, because ever since I was younger, I was told that I looked like a lot of different,<em> mga ates sa</em> entertainment industry,” she shared, recalling how she was often compared to<strong> </strong>Andi Eigenmann, Liza Soberano, and Kathryn Bernardo.<strong></strong></p><p>“I would see their projects like <em>Dolce Amore</em> and other projects. And <em>nakita ko,</em> I was like, ‘Oh, <em>sana ako rin</em> I would appear in a movie like that or a project like that,’” she added.</p><p>That early inspiration eventually led her to explore different paths in entertainment before ultimately pursuing her dream of becoming a K-pop idol, an ambition that once felt out of reach but has now turned into reality.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985488303OMG_2929.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On carrying Filipino pride into the global K-pop scene</strong></div><p>Elisia’s journey into the K-pop scene began at just 13, when she made the bold move to South Korea to train under an agency, an experience that would eventually lead her to compete in <em>Universe Ticket.</em></p><p>Now, more than two years since her debut with UNIS, the young idol has checked off milestones she once only dreamed of. From performing across different countries to meeting fans worldwide, and even releasing both Korean and Japanese tracks, Elisia is fully embracing life as a global artist.</p><p>“Of course, being a UNIS member is absolutely amazing. I’m having so much fun. Me and the members are really close with each other, especially now that we’re able to communicate with each other much, much better than when we were first formed,” she shared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985522362OMG_2903.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Reflecting on their growth, she added, “Since then, we’re also growing together as artists and as people together. And so it’s just really a memorable experience. And it’s such a time period that would stay in a really treasured place in my heart.”</p><p>But beyond the bright lights and global stages, Elisia carries something even more meaningful with her—her identity as a Filipina. She revealed that instead of pressure, what she feels most is pride.</p><p>“Instead of pressure, it’s more on pride <em>na</em> I get to bring every time I stand on stage or every time I sing and dance on stage,” she said, emphasizing how every performance becomes a representation of her roots.</p><p>She further expressed, “<em>Parang</em> while singing and dancing, it’s like I’m raising my flag for everybody to see.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985541424OMG_3031.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On the challenges she faced while adjusting to the Korean entertainment industry</strong></div><p>Elisia opened up about the challenges she faced early in her K-pop journey, pointing to language barriers and cultural differences as some of her biggest hurdles upon moving to South Korea. “It’s really inevitable <em>po kasi </em>I was born and raised in the Philippines<em> po talaga</em>.”</p><p>She shared how adjusting to a completely different environment proved overwhelming at first, especially after having initial exposure to the entertainment industry in both countries. </p><p>“So <em>parang</em> just going there, the overall atmosphere is so different. I had my <em>parang</em> taste of experience here <em>sa</em> entertainment industry in the Philippines and Korea,” she added.</p><p>Despite the challenges, Elisia remained determined to pursue her dream, even at a young age, noting that she had some awareness of what she was stepping into. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985566624OMG_2972.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Elisia also found comfort in having fellow Filipina member <strong></strong>Gehlee<strong></strong> by her side, whom she fondly considers her “<em>ate</em>.”<strong> </strong></p><p>“We got to adjust to the culture much quicker because we have each other. That’s a very big part of our relationship. I think <em>na</em><u></u> besides that, as people <em>po talaga,</em> we get along with each other really well. Like our personalities <em>po talaga</em>, we’re really <em>nagkakasundo</em>,” she revealed.</p><p>Gehlee, also a Filipina member of UNIS, has been someone Elisia has looked up to since their <em>Universe Ticket</em> days. “I really mean, I always mean it when I call her <em>ate</em> Gehlee because she’s really like a big sister<em> po talaga</em> to me.”</p><p>Elisia also shared how they support each other both on and off stage. “We just help each other a lot when it comes to dances, singing, <em>or minsan parang kapag </em>when we don’t know a Korean word, she would ask me what it means, and I would translate for her<em> parang ganun. Parang </em>magkapatid <em>po talaga kami.”</em></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985588444OMG_2959.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>On her future plans for her career</strong></div><p>Despite her growing list of achievements, Elisia is keeping her focus firmly on her activities as a member of UNIS, seeing her journey in the entertainment industry as something she intends to pursue for the long haul. Still, she admits there are a few personal dreams she hopes to check off along the way—including landing a shampoo commercial.</p><p>While her schedule remains centered on group promotions, Elisia shared that her passion for acting has quietly found its way back. After recently working on a music video that gave her a chance to perform again, she found herself reconnecting with that side of her artistry.</p><p>“I was really happy because I got the chance to act, and<em> parang nabuhay ulit &#x27;yung parang</em> desire <em>ko</em> to act again. So, if ever I do get the opportunity, I would like to try maybe a rom-com or a horror project. Two very different genres, but I think it would be really fun to film.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777985612244OMG_2938.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Looking ahead, the young idol also revealed her dream collaborations closer to home. She expressed her desire to share the screen with <strong>Marian Rivera</strong>,<strong> </strong>while musically, she hopes to team up with <strong></strong>OPM<strong></strong> acts like <strong>Maki</strong> or her longtime favorite band, <strong>The Ridleys</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>At just 17, Elisia remains grounded, acknowledging that her journey is only beginning. “There’s still a lot of room for me to grow as a person and as an artist <em>po</em> in general. So I’m looking for a lot of ways to improve myself <em>pa rin po</em><strong></strong>. But I’m already thankful for all the achievements that I’ve had ever since then.”</p><p>With her eyes set on growth and her heart open to new opportunities, Elisia continues to prove that she’s not just chasing dreams, she’s steadily building a future filled with them.</p><div><br/></div><p>Photographer: <strong>Edward dela Cuesta</strong></p><p>Creative Director: <strong>Chookie Cruz</strong></p><p>Stylist: <strong>Bea Guerrero </strong></p><p>Asst Stylist: <strong>Miguel Quilang</strong></p><p>Make-Up: <strong>G</strong><strong>ery Penaso</strong></p><p>Hair: <strong>Angel Jamelarin</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Special thanks to<strong> Star Magic</strong></p>

<p>In an exclusive interview, UNIS member Elisia shared her pride in representing the Philippines in a global girl group and what fans can look forward to as she continues her journey with UNIS and her personal aspirations.</p>

In an exclusive interview, UNIS member Elisia shared her pride in representing the Philippines in a global girl group and what fans can look forward to as she continues her journey with UNIS and her personal aspirations.