Wherever you place Filipino talent, it is always bound to stand out and shine bright. And if there’s one thing that Gehlee Dangca and Elisia Parmisano of UNIS have done, it’s become living proof of this very fact. 

From UNIS’ formation on Universe Ticket to their present-day stardom, the two homegrown artists have consistently showcased top-tier excellence, proudly wearing their Filipino heritage while doing so.

Whether it’s facing headfirst the realities of being in a K-pop group or adjusting to a totally different culture, Gehlee and Elisia have boldly taken on every challenge that has come their way, backed by the support of their fellow members and their fans, the EverAfters. Together, the two young idols are opening new doors, confidently showing the rest of the world exactly what Filipino artistry is made of.

In this Billboard Philippines-exclusive interview, Gehlee and Elisia look back on their journey with UNIS so far, discuss what they hope to achieve as Filipina artists in the South Korean music industry, and look towards what lies ahead for them and the rest of the rising K-pop girl group.

Billboard Philippines: Hi Gehlee and Elisia! It’s been one year since UNIS made its official debut. For both of you, how would you describe your journey so far with the group? 

Gehlee: If I were to compare who we were when we first debuted to who we are today, I’d say the biggest difference is how much more comfortable we’ve become with one another.

Within all this time, we’ve just gone through so much together plus over time, Elisia and I have been steadily improving our Korean, and thanks to that, the language barrier between us and the others has almost completely disappeared! It’s made our bond even stronger, and it feels a little more natural being together now.

Elisia: And for me, I think so far so good! The members have got to know each other much better and are close now! And honestly, it’s really fun! Actually, it came to a point where we would have late night conversations in which the topic changes every five seconds and it’s really amazing.

Looking back on your time before and during Universe Ticket, what was the experience like for both of you, especially as two homegrown Filipinas who were joining this reality competition show in South Korea? What were the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Gehlee: During Universe Ticket, Ellie and I really tried to stick together whenever we could. I think we both felt that one of the biggest challenges was keeping up with uniformity, as well as how fast everything moves in Korea! 

But even with all the cultural differences and little moments of feeling overwhelmed, whenever I was with Elisia, it reminded me of why we were there: to boldly represent the Philippines and to make everybody proud!

Elisia: For me, I found the experience so challenging, yet so fun. Completely different from what I was used to! Honestly, I’m not actually a competitive person, so even just joining a survival program that’s out of the country was already a huge step out of my comfort zone for me. And being with ate Gehlee too, it definitely gave me a sense of comfort too.

From being selected to be part of UNIS to the success you’re experiencing today, is there anything that you can credit to your Filipino heritage?

Gehlee: But of course! I strongly believe that a big part of who I am today comes from my Filipino roots. 

Growing up in such a warm, family-centered culture taught me to always be confident but to stay grounded, work hard, and to face the people around me with love and light. That mindset really helped me throughout this journey. Whether it was adapting to a new environment, greeting fans, or stubbornly not giving up even during difficult times, I’d like to say that I carry my heritage with me in everything I do.

Elisia: I have a lot of things I think I can credit my Filipino heritage for. Like my pakikipagkapwa-tao (companionship), my confidence, and of course, our loyalty to my job! And I think having these Filipino traits help me and us during our journey here a lot!

Speaking of your Filipino heritage, after a year of being with UNIS, how does it feel to be representing the Philippines internationally, especially in a big music industry like South Korea’s? Do you feel any sort of fear or pressure doing so?

Gehlee: Whenever I really stop to, like, think about it, my heart, it honestly starts to race but like, not from the pressure but from pure excitement. It means so much to me that my mere presence alone in the group, as well as Elisia’s, can represent the Philippines on such big stages. 

Whenever I really stop thinking about it, my heart honestly starts to race. Not from pressure, but from pure excitement! It means so much to me that my mere presence alone, as well as Elisia’s, can represent the Philippines on such big stages. 

I feel super proud and hopeful about being able to share everything I’ve learned, not just through training, but through the beautiful culture I was raised in. It’s a part of me that I’d like to celebrate every chance I get!

Elisia: Of course, there’s a bit of fear and pressure but all the fear and emotions that I’m feeling seem to just disappear when I’m on the stage. Because when I’m on stage, I just enjoy myself and have fun! It’s because I really love what I am doing and I’m sure that ate Gehlee thinks the same too.

On that note, do you consider yourselves as “trailblazers” or setting the stage for more Filipinos to make it in the K-pop industry? Why or why not?

Gehlee: Yes! Along with our fellow Filipinos in the industry, I do feel like we’re helping to open doors. One thing I’m really humbled and touched by is the fan letters I receive, especially from young Filipinos. So many of them share how Ellie and I have become their biggest inspirations, and reading their words sincerely brings me so much joy. 

It means the world knows that through our journey, we’re able to bring K-pop a little closer to home, even inspiring some to dream of performing on the very same stages one day! Getting to leave that kind of impact is something I’ll always be grateful for.

Speaking of your fellow young Filipinos, you have a lot, especially aspiring artists, who look to you for inspiration. What advice would you give to them, especially those who also want to aim for the global stage?

Gehlee: I would like to say to sweet children that write those letters, that there’s absolutely nothing you cannot achieve. Dreams like these do take a lot of patience and heart, but if you stay true to who you are, be grateful, and keep pushing forward, I assure you that the most wonderful things are bound to happen. 

Of course, always remember where you come from, lean on the people who support you, and don’t ever be afraid to dream big. I believe in you!

Elisia: Like ate Gehlee said, of course, don’t forget to dream big, believe in yourself, and always see the good in things! Because I think seeing the good in things, it really helps me with overcoming hard times! It makes what you do even more fun!

Lastly, for both of you, as artists, what do you hope to achieve individually and with the group during the rest of your time with UNIS? What sort of impact do you hope to leave behind, especially as Filipino artists?

Elisia: Since I was younger, my goal for myself is to make other people happy! I’m happy that I’m already doing it right now somehow, but I love it if in the future I get to make a larger range of people happy with what I do and by being myself! 

And as for my goals with UNIS, I hope we meet more EverAfters and grow together as mature and respectable performers that people can look up to.

Gehlee: Individually, I hope to thrive and keep growing! Not just as a performer, but as someone who can bring comfort and inspiration to others through music and being myself.

As for UNIS, I dream of us continuing to reach more hearts around the world, creating moments that we will always remember together. 

And as a proud Filipino artist, I’d love to make more friends in the industry and maybe work on some collaborations! 

I also hope the path I’m walking now helps show that it’s possible that someone from where I come from can stand on these stages, shine, and still carry their roots with pride. Just like the many Filipino artists I look up to who have made it big in the industry, I want to leave behind a message of hope, especially for all the young Filipinos who dare to dream big.

Listen to UNIS’ latest mini-album SWICY below:

A version of this story originally appeared in the Vol. XI issue of Billboard Philippines dated June 15, 2024.