When Filipinos find their footing in the global idol industry, fans can expect a whirlwind of surprises that unite them as a community through sheer support and dedication. Whether it’s their unmatched humor, their “OA” energy that sets off chains of memes and viral moments, or their arsenal of talents that ceaselessly shine bright, Filipino idols are breaths of fresh air in the modern music scene that you’ll never catch lacking in performances, variety skills, and star power.
As soon as these game-changers step into the spotlight, the world becomes a stage they were born to grace. When Filipino idols take a brave step from being trainees to modern-day hitmakers, they transform into the pinnacles of their passion, aspirations, sacrifices, and the artistic identities they fought for along the way.
Photo: UNIS, AHOF/X
It takes guts to make your mark and put the Philippines on the map of a highly competitive phenomenon like K-pop. But even the treacherous journey to debuting was no match for Elisia, Gehlee, Hyeon-ju, and JL, the Filipino K-pop idols of F&F Entertainment who rightfully earned their spots in their project groups, UNIS and AHOF. After besting their fellow trainees on their respective audition programs, Universe Ticket and Universe League, these four total performers have their hearts set on making their dreams a reality and opening doors for Filipino talent all over the world.
Elisia Parmisano
Photo: UNIS/X
This 16-year-old singing sensation has “superstar” written all over her. Elisia captured fans’ hearts with her bubbly personality and consistently excellent performances on Universe Ticket in 2023. There, she made history as the only trainee to secure her debut ahead of the show’s finale. Fans of the audition program who went on to stan the eight-member multinational girl group UNIS never doubted Elisia’s capabilities for a second. Not just because her extraordinary vocals sealed the deal, but because she remained humble and supportive towards her fellow contestants, too, despite back-to-back high ranks and praise from her mentors.
Back in the Philippines, Elisia had an early start in entertainment through teleserye bit roles, commercials, and song covers, where she proudly flaunted her theater kid colors. She emerged as one of Universe Ticket’s must-watch contestants before the show aired when K-pop and P-pop fans discovered that she and HORI7ON’s Marcus are cousins. With him in the K-pop industry’s first all-Filipino boy group, and Elisia in UNIS, there’s no question that talent runs in the family.
Gehlee Dangca
Photo: UNIS/X
Did somebody call for an “it girl” in the making? No introductions needed—the world loves Gehlee, and the feeling is mutual. She carefully curates her classy, elegant style and owns her idol status in every era, with great wit and eloquence to boot.
On Universe Ticket, Gehlee emerged as one of the most improved trainees with an elevated sense of confidence. Despite language barriers and culture shocks, she committed to building a disciplined routine and kept up with her fellow contenders throughout every mission. Maybe it’s the pageantry and modeling experience talking, or her goals and manifestations that she never lost sight of. Either way, Gehlee has stayed booked, blessed, and busy as one of UNIS’ standout vocalists, even almost two years after the audition program. When the group released their second comeback song, Swicy, Gehlee and Elisia became the first full Filipino idols to win on a Korean music show.
Jin Hyeon-ju
Photo: UNIS/X
Hyeon-ju’s Universe Ticket experience was nothing short of inspiring, persevering, and hopeful. The half-Korean, half-Filipina idol first debuted in 2017, but had to endure multiple trials and setbacks—including changing groups and stage names—that eventually landed her in the audition program. While Universe Ticket allowed her to turn a new leaf and start anew, the show was her fighting chance at staying in the K-pop industry and fulfilling the idol life she spent years training for.
Experience is the best teacher, and Hyeon-ju is a shining example. She rose above every challenge on Universe Ticket, standing tall as a reliable and encouraging leader to her co-trainees. Now, she’s thriving as the leader of UNIS, and their fans, EverAfters, will have the girls’ backs no matter what.
JL Gaspar
Photo: AHOF/X
It’s official: the nine rising stars of AHOF are coming to Manila for their Rendevous fan concert on August 30, 2025, at the Araneta Coliseum. While we prepare our wallets for another intense round of fan-girling and ticket-selling, let’s look back on the journey that’s been for the group’s Filipino member, JL.
Before dominating the competition on Universe League, JL started as a P-pop idol in the boy group, PLUUS. They debuted as a team of six in 2023 with their mini album, PLUUS+Y.M. JL and his co-members shared a bittersweet goodbye when he left the group in 2024 to participate in Universe League for a chance at K-pop stardom. Still, JL’s PLUUS teammates and fans, as well as Filipinos around the world, never left his side throughout the competition, pouring in votes that helped him earn his well-deserved spot in AHOF. JL’s consistent performances, top ranks, and go-getter mindset made him one of the audition program’s immensely talented and well-rounded contestants.
On June 6, 2025, JL released Alon, a special song for the Tagalized version of the hit K-drama, The Lovely Runner. The song has gained over one million streams since its release. One month later, on July 1, AHOF debuted with Rendezvous, the lead single of their six-track EP, WHO WE ARE. The boys’ debut earned them three music show wins in South Korea.
For JL, AHOF’s international achievements are a reminder to stay grounded and true to his Filipino roots no matter where the idol life takes him. We can’t wait to welcome him warmly to the group’s much-awaited first fan concert (of many, we hope!) in the Philippines.
ALSO READ: K-pop Group AHOF, Featuring a Filipino Member, Reveals Debut Date
Who are your UNIS and AHOF biases? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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