As a standout member of the multinational group UNIS 유니스, Elisia Parmisano (born April 18, 2009) made her triumphant return to the Philippines for the Otaku Pop Fes 2026 held at Okada Manila. Her presence at the festival on April 25 and 26 was a powerful reminder of her journey from a local child actress to a global K-pop idol.
Life in South Korea
Moving to South Korea at a young age, Elisia has spoken about the challenges of adjusting to a new culture. She often credits her fellow UNIS members for helping her adapt, noting that their shared passion for their dreams bridges any cultural gaps. Despite her success abroad, she remains vocal about her love for her home country, frequently mentioning how she misses her grandmother’s cooking and the support of her Filipino fans.
With UNIS gaining significant traction in Asian markets and winning awards such as the Asia Model Awards’ Popular Star Award, Elisia continues to solidify her position as a leading voice in the fifth generation of K-pop.
A Historic Debut
Elisia’s journey to stardom reached a turning point on the SBS survival show Universe Ticket. Her consistent talent led her to place 1st overall, earning her a position as a core member of UNIS. The group officially debuted on March 27, 2024, with the EP We UNIS.
As one of the two full-Filipino members in the group—alongside Gehlee Dangca—Elisia represents a significant milestone for Filipino talent in the South Korean music scene.
Skills and Artistry
Known for her impressive vocal range and stable live performances, Elisia serves as the Main Vocalist for UNIS. Her background in the entertainment industry began long before her K-pop debut; she was a child actress in the Philippines and worked as a trainee under Starship Entertainment.
While UNIS as a group has garnered international acclaim for its multicultural synergy and high-energy performances, this particular visit was a deeply personal homecoming for the 17-year-old vocalist, who has spent the last four years honing her craft in the rigorous training environment of South Korea.
Beyond the flashing cameras and the promotional schedules, Parmisano found her greatest joy in the simple, grounded activities that define her life in the Philippines. Despite the physical demands of being a global performer, she prioritized reconnecting with her roots and the people who supported her long before she stepped onto the international stage.
“I got to do a lot of activities here, and I actually came here for the reason of performing as a group for the Pop Fes last April 25 to 26, but now I’m here in the Philippines promoting, and I’m just really happy. It’s really fun,” she shared.
This sense of identity is something Parmisano carries with her even when she is miles away in Seoul. As one of the group’s main vocalists, she remains acutely aware of Filipinos’ reputation for their singing prowess. She treats her position in UNIS as a career and a point of national pride, often practicing extra hard to ensure she lives up to the vocal standards associated with her heritage. This dedication is fueled by a desire to bridge the gap between the formal, disciplined culture of the Korean industry and the warm, communal spirit of the Philippine entertainment world.
“Well, actually, yung mga Pinoys, they are known talaga for their vocals. So, syempre, I practice a lot as a Filipino, like sa karaoke, and then I would just try to sing a lot more,” the UNIS vocalist said, adding, “With that main vocal title, it also comes with the Filipina main vocal. So, syempre, I have to bring the country’s pride wherever I go.”
Parmisano’s growth since her debut is evident not just in her vocal range, but in her mindset. Having entered the industry at a young age, she has developed a resilient outlook on the challenges of fame, including the inevitable pressures of public criticism. In focusing on the positive and maintaining a close connection with her family through nightly calls and their frequent visits to Korea, she has found a way to navigate the complexities of stardom while remaining remarkably relatable to everyday dreamers.
“I feel like me and the other Pinoy who got to stand on that global stage were able to open doors for new, younger Filipino dreamers. So, it’s super duper, and I feel like more Filipinos can have the opportunity to stand on the global stage,” she said.
Despite her positivity and determination, the UNIS vocalist also wells up with pride and inspiration in seeing many other Filipino talents dominate the global stage, as Parmisano eyes performing at Coachella.
“Never give up and always remember, we’re all rooting for more Filipinos, for more kababayans to be able to stand with us on the stage,” she advised.
As she prepares for future global exposures and the possibility of performing on even larger stages like Coachella, Parmisano remains a symbol of courage and kindness. Her visit to the Philippines was a celebration of her achievements, but more importantly, it was a message to every young Filipino that no stage is too big and no dream is too distant as long as one remembers what they are fighting for.
Key Facts about Elisia:
- Vocal Prowess: Praised for her volume, timbre, and accurate Korean pronunciation.
- Creative Input: She designed her own representative animal character, a Bunny with a Dumpling Headdress.
- Multilingual: She is fluent in Filipino and English, and is proficient in Korean.
Watch Elisia’s interview here.
Interview/Photo by: Jeman Villanueva
Article by: Patricia Bianca Taculao
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