Elisia: Living Her Dreams
Some kids grow up dreaming beneath bedroom lights that feel like spotlights, holding imaginary microphones and pretending that one day, the world might finally hear them sing. For most, those dreams remain simple childhood wishes. But for Elisia, that dream slowly became reality through years of hard work, sacrifice, and passion. From starting as a child star in the Philippines to becoming the first Filipina and first Southeast Asian female to win a Korean survival show, Elisia continues to prove that Filipino talent deserves to be seen worldwide.
Now standing on global stages as one of the rising faces of K-pop, Elisia’s journey reflects more than personal success. It represents the growing presence of Filipino talent in the international scene.
From local to Global Stage
Elisia started her journey in the Philippines as a child star, making television appearances in the entertainment industry. She appeared in local acting projects and became familiar with the fast-paced environment of show business at a very young age.
While some children were still discovering what they enjoyed, Elisia was already stepping onto sets, learning scripts, and performing in front of cameras.
“I actually started when I was seven or eight,” she shared. “I was doing a lot of acting and I was able to be part of a series here in the Philippines.”
Those early experiences became more valuable than she realized at the time. Working in the local industry taught her discipline, professionalism, and how to work closely with directors, writers, and producers. Skills that would later help her adjust to the highly demanding world of K-pop.
Her background in acting also became useful in filming music videos. More importantly, it helped build her confidence and shape her attitude, preparing her for an even bigger platform.
The Filipina Who Made History in K-pop
Elisia’s name became part of history while bearing the Philippine flag after placing first in Universe Ticket, making her the first Filipina and first Southeast Asian female contestant to top a Korean survival show.
With this great opportunity and one in a million chances of happening, some artists might feel the pressure. But for Elisia, the bigger emotion was pride.
“Yes, there's an expectation po, I think. Pero yung main na na fe-feel ko po talaga is pride.”
Rather than focusing on the burden of expectations, she embraced the responsibility of representing Filipinos internationally. Her historic achievement became a symbol of how far Filipino talent can go in the global entertainment industry. Explaining that becoming the first Filipina to achieve such a milestone motivates her even more to continue giving her best in every performance.
“It wasn't really just like my achievement, it was for the Philippines po talaga.”
More than an idol
With her amazing vocals, powerful stage presence, and impressive dancing skills, one of the greatest things Elisia continues to carry on stage is her Filipino pride.
“As much as possible, I’d love to carry the Filipino pride and flag with me whenever I perform,” she said.
For Elisia, having the chance to perform on major music stages means representing Filipino talent, something that matters deeply to her.
Every performance becomes an opportunity to show the world what Filipinos are capable of achieving. More than simply being an idol, she has become a source of inspiration for young dreamers who now see international success as something possible for them.
Having started her career in the Philippines as a child actress, Elisia hopes her journey reminds aspiring performers that there is no limit to how big they can dream.
“There’s no such thing as dreaming too big.”
At home in the Philippines
After holding a fancon in the Philippines last year and returning once again in April 2026, being welcomed so warmly by Filipino fans continues to feel like a special gift for Elisia.
Even after performing for international audiences, Elisia admits that nothing compares to the energy of Filipino fans.
Whenever UNIS performs in the Philippines, she says the crowd’s passion feels different. Filipino audiences sing loudly, cheer endlessly, and create an atmosphere that instantly feels like home.
“Super grabe sila mag-sing along,” she shared with a laugh. “Sometimes we couldn’t even hear our own voices on stage.”
The loud cheers and fans singing along became a testament to how far she has come, reaping the rewards of everything she has worked hard for since she was young.
For Elisia and the members of UNIS, seeing fans sing their songs fluently despite Korean not being their first language remains one of the most heartwarming parts of performing.
That kind of overwhelming support from Filipino fans constantly reminds her why she loves what she does. Elisia said,
“When I hear the fans cheer… kapag nag-pe-perform especially when they sing along to our songs.”
Dreaming Big Without Limits
It is never easy to leave home, fly to another country, and find your footing while chasing a lifelong dream. Yet for Elisia, taking that leap became one of the most fulfilling decisions of her life. Through years of hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance, she proved that even the biggest dreams can become reality.
If there is one thing people can learn from her journey, it is the importance of never giving up.
“I just want to say never, never give up,” she shared. “Of course, that may be a little bit general na sinasabi, pero talagang never give up and always remember what you're fighting for and what you're dreaming for.”
While the phrase “never give up” may sound cliché to some, Elisia understands why it continues to resonate with so many people. She knows firsthand the challenges, doubts, and pressure that come with pursuing dreams that once seemed impossible. But through her own experiences, she hopes young dreamers realize that perseverance and self-belief can open doors they never thought possible.
“I really want to show aspiring dreamers kung how big you can dream and how far you can come if you just believe in yourself and keep on going,” she said.
As UNIS continues its journey worldwide, Elisia hopes people who hear her story will feel inspired, motivated, and proud to be Filipino. More than the awards or milestones, she wants her journey to become proof that dreams—no matter how impossible they seem are always worth chasing.
From a young girl performing in the Philippines to now proudly standing on international stages, Elisia carries not only her own dreams but also the hopes of countless Filipinos who see themselves in her story. Through every performance, she reminds young dreamers that there is always a place for those brave enough to believe that the world may one day hear them too.
ELISIA’S TEAM
Philippines Team:
Photographer: Edward dela Cuesta
Creative Director: Chookie Cruz
Stylist: Bea Guerrero
Asst Stylist: Miguel QUilang
Make-Up: Gerry Peñaso
Hair: Angel Jalmerin
South Korean Team:
CEO: Choi Jaewoo
Business Division, Director: Kwon Woomi
Management, Header: Kim Jaehyun
Management, Team manager: Lee Jeonghoon
Management, Staff (UNIS Manager): Seok Hyunjin
Marketing, Team manager: Jeong GoEun
Global Marketing, staff: Lim Taeyeon
THE PIPOL TEAM
COVER STORY BY: Hailie Jade Cruz
Publisher: Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica
Creative Director: Devon May Seron
Communications & Partnership Manager: Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Interns: Hailie Jade Cruz & Adrian Bonita
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ms. Thess Gubi
AUTHORS
Hailie Jade Cruz
Hailie is a writer who enjoys all things pop culture and entertainment, bringing this passion into writing heartfelt stories that resonate with people and today’s generation. Her work centers on heartfelt storytelling that celebrates the moments, people, and passions that inspire her.
