Original interview by Magic 92.3 Cebu
Interview highlights by Sinking Fish
Original interview upload: February 4, 2023
Felip Reveals Pride in Bisaya Roots, Meaning of ‘COM.PLEX’
DJ: Today’s best music, Magic 92.3. Oh yes, he’s a rockstar and he’s joining us this morning! Everybody, sisiws, give it up for Felip!
Felip: Good morning to you all! Sisiw, A’TIN, and to everyone else listening, good morning! Beautiful people, hello!
DJ: Good morning. I love it. Felip, can you also say good morning to the people outside?
Felip: Oh. To the beautiful people outside, thank you so much for coming here. I love you guys! Thank you so much, I appreciate it.
DJ: I wonder if they’ve had their breakfast.
Felip: Yes, please have your breakfast already! You’ve been here since 6 am!
DJ: Felip, is a member of a very popular P-Pop band here in the Philippines. I think you guys know SB19. But now, he’s here as Felip. He’s here as a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and a “ROCKSTA,” of course!
You talked about that song, Felip, that it energizes you all the time.
Felip: You know, as an artist, moments of disappointment are inevitable. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. So it (“ROCKSTA”) serves as a reminder to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going – because growth can’t be achieved if you remain where you are; you have to move forward. The song is a personal motivation, reminding myself to stand up again.
DJ: Yeah, because it’s kind of scary, you know? There’s a saying that for a dancer, the greatest tragedy is losing the passion to dance.
Felip: Yes, that’s true.
DJ: So are you trying to say that you have actually encountered times like that?
Felip: Yeah, absolutely. There will be times when you lose all motivation, which is exactly why the song uses such powerful symbolism: roar, rise, pick the mic up, hold it tight. It’s a call to action to not lose your passion. Without it, life becomes utterly dry, like losing half of yourself. So hold onto that passion, whatever it may be, and never let it go.
DJ: I can imagine how many people were inspired by that song.
Felip: Hopefully so.
DJ: Has anyone come forward and told you [something along the lines of] “Man, ‘ROCKSTA’ really means a lot to me”?
Felip: Yes.
DJ: Wow.
Felip: They were actually inspired by the song. They got the message that I wanted it to convey. It was completely unexpected – all I did was put my thoughts to paper. Now, I hear a lot of people say that I inspire them, that I’m doing something important, and that I should keep going.
That, for me, is the highest praise. Knowing people appreciate what I do is truly gratifying. So yeah, I’m incredibly grateful.
DJ: I remember you mentioned in an interview that you were so shy the first time you were in Manila you couldn’t even order at a fast food [restaurant]!
But now, [you’re a] rocksta! You’re revealing yourself – naked, in a way. Where did all that come from? When did you switch to becoming so confident?
Felip: I just realized that staying inside my comfort zone won’t lead to any growth. Take interviews, for example, they’re my least favorite thing. But I know it’s a valuable experience to help me hone my speaking skills – how to hold conversations effectively. They’re a great way to push myself and improve.
DJ: Yeah! And you’re inspiring a lot of people. They like seeing you being interviewed.
Felip: Thank you so much.
DJ: I can tell that you’re a very passionate guy, and that you’re very passionate about your being Bisaya.
Felip: Yes.
DJ: In one of your interviews – shoutout to DOUGBROCK, I love that interview – you said that you’re so proud of being a Bisaya without batting an eyelash. Man!
Felip, you are living the life now… of a lot of musicians here in Cebu and even in Mindanao. You’re a Bisaya but you became so famous. What have you learned from it? What can you share about it? I’m sure you’ve had your struggles too, so what’s an important lesson that you can share with everybody?
Felip: There’s nothing to be ashamed of, wherever you’re from. Whatever blood runs in you or whatever status you hold, as long as you strive to do your best in all things, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
So I’m really proud to be a Bisaya in the level that I’m at now. I’m so thankful to my friends and family who continue to support me, and to the Bisaya folks who proudly acknowledge me. Thank you all so much.
DJ: You’re very welcome. To all the sisiws out there, let’s say it together: You’re welcome!
I’m wondering, is there a Bisaya word that you like?
Felip: You’re welcome?
DJ: No, I mean, is there any word in Bisaya that you like saying?
Felip: Puhon. (A bisaya expression that essentially means: Hopefully or in God’s time)
DJ: Puhon! Really?
Felip: Yeah, my dad always says, “Puhon na”. (‘Na’ is a particle that can be used in different contexts; In this scenario, it essentially means ‘soon’. Therefore, ‘puhon na’ can be translated to: ‘Hopefully, soon’ or ‘Soon, in God’s time ’)
So yeah, it just feels good to hear it from my dad.
DJ: That’s cool.
Felip: I miss you, dad.
DJ: Aww. I wanna cry! Okay, I’ve got a question. You’ve also been to the US?
Felip: Yes.
DJ: My goodness! That is really living the dream. Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Redwood City, Dubai. Wow! How was it? Any lessons you learned from that? Is there something you wanna share with us
Did you even experience Asian hate? Good if you didn’t. I hope.
Felip: Yeah. We’re lucky to not have encountered that.
The tour did a lot for us as an artist. I’m sure it’s an artist’s dream to perform in those places. Even smaller stages present an opportunity that many of us would grab.
The desire for spotlight is innate among a lot of aspiring artists, which makes us incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to tour those locations.
DJ: Multiple cities too!
Felip: Yup, multiple cities. It’s the experiences and the lessons we learned during the tour that truly matter.
DJ: How is it meeting the fans in another country?
Felip: It’s so interesting. Did you know that there are A’TIN from other countries too, of all different races? It’s amazing to think they can sing along with us – the effort they put into learning the lyrics is crazy.
DJ: That’s crazy! You are living the dream.
Felip: And of course, the Filipino fans who were there were also incredibly supportive.
DJ: Yeah. You know what? I feel like we should play one of your songs right now, Felip. At first I thought it was /Pā · lā · yō/ but apparently, it’s /Pa · la · yû/ (Pa – a popular prefix in Bisaya added to the beginning of a verb root in order to convey the meaning of ‘to be’ or ‘in a state of’; Layo – far, distant; Therefore, Palayo could literally mean ‘to distance’).
What is it about?
Felip: This is about self-love. Have you ever been in a relationship where you’re the only one putting in all the effort? It’s a feeling many of us can relate to, right?
DJ: Probably all of us.
Felip: Yeah, so the song is about putting yourself first.
DJ: So this is a song of healing, in a way.
Felip: Yeah.
DJ: All right. I’m sure you guys have heard this, so if you’d like to sing along, feel free to join in. And for the ladies outside, you will want to sing along because Felip is here to listen to you.
This was an early single when he started as a solo artist. Let’s listen and enjoy. You’re on Magic 92.3.
(Palayo plays on the radio)
DJ: There are 77 people on Facebook Live right now.
Felip: Oh, really? Hello to the 77 people.
DJ: Let’s talk about fashion, and then COM·PLEX.
Felip: Yeah, okay.
DJ: Is there a local artist in Zamboanga that [you know of]?
Felip: I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but I do know some songs from Bisaya artists. I’m just not great with remembering their names. It’s all interesting though.
DJ: You should collaborate with someone from here.
Felip: Yeah, that’s the plan. I’ll be collaborating with Bisaya artists soon.
DJ: Yeah, because your music is of international standards. It’s great.
Felip: We can’t let our music fall behind. We should step up.
(Out of topic conversation)
Felip: I’m really glad that there are Bisaya artists who are stepping up their music. Plus, the fact that they’re Bisaya is amazing.
DJ: I don’t know if you’ve heard the song “Summoning Eru”?
Felip: Summoning Eru!
DJ: Have you heard of it?
Felip: I memorized that [song]! (Starts singing)
I find it so amusing! I know there are similarities between the syllabication of Bisaya and Japanese [but they actually executed it so well that] I couldn’t distinguish whether it was in Japanese or Bisaya! He’s a genius.
I made Pablo (Felip’s co-member as a part of SB19) listen to it and we laughed so hard.
DJ: Can I ask you about that [later on live radio]? Because you’re an anime fan.
Felip: Yeah! What’s their name again?
DJ: Juan Paasa.
Felip: He was also wearing a Naruto Shippuden costume. That was amusing.
JM: Yeah, we also thought it was Japanese at first.
DJ: Okay, we’re going back in. Today’s best music, Magic 92.3! Say hi to Miss Bea who says this is a great song, Felip.
Felip: Yeah, thank you!
DJ: Okay, say hi to everybody on Facebook Live.
Felip: Hello, everyone! Good morning to you all. Is it still morning?
DJ: Nope, it’s- Oh! It’s still morning. It’s 11:30.
Felip: I hope you all fueled up for the day with breakfast and coffee. Especially for those of you outside, make sure you’ve eaten too because I heard some of you have been there since 6am!
DJ: Oh my goodness. Felip, I have to tell you that in all my 20+ years on the radio, I’ve never had an artist with such dedicated fans waiting outside. ‘Sisiws’ camping out – that’s insane, bro!
Felip: Yeah, that’s how they are. They put so much effort into supporting me. I can’t imagine just waiting outside all morning. I get antsy myself if I have to wait too long. But for them, just seeing me, even for a moment, is worth it – even if I have to get in the van and leave right away.
So I really appreciate that. If you think about it, [getting here is not easy because] it’s a steep climb yet they’re still here just to see me… And in this heat! Sisiws, A’TIN, thank you so much!
DJ: Oh, I heard you’re a fan of anime.
Felip: Yeah, I’m a huge anime fan.
DJ: You’re such a big anime fan, that you’ve read everything and now you’re out of materials to read.
Felip: Yeah, that’s true. I’m so sad. I’ve been reading so much manga, I’m all caught up.
DJ: Maybe I have something to cheer you up. Are you familiar with Juan Paasa?
Felip: Yep! I’m a fan.
DJ: You’re a fan! [I asked] because they came up with a song and I was thinking about you, [since] you’re Bisaya. They came up with “Summoning Eru,” and it’s become a big hit here in Cebu. Since you’re such an anime fan, I had to ask – what did you think of it?
Felip: It just popped up on my feed! Maybe because the comments mentioned anime and that he was wearing a Naruto costume. Since the algorithm knows I’m into anime, it recommended the video on my feed so I watched it.
“What is he speaking?” I wasn’t sure what language it was at first. The way he pronounced the words sounded strangely similar to Japanese, which actually intrigued me. It’s really cool, man!
So that’s how Bisaya works, huh? Not only can we add a Western touch, but the pronunciation can even sound Japanese. It’s amazing! I knew the syllabication of Bisaya and Japanese were similar, but I still found it amusing. Great job!
DJ: Exactly! [Now] let’s get to why you’re here. You’re here because of something so COM·PLEX. What is COM·PLEX for you, Felip? Love? Money? Life? Or are you, yourself, COM·PLEX?
Felip: COM·PLEX talks about the complexities within each of us. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and insecurities that come with being human, so the message I wanted to convey is that we can use these insecurities and work on them to turn them into something great in the future. You never know, it’s actually going to be an asset.
Like me, I used to hate my deep voice. But now, I use it so often that it’s become my signature. When people think of Ken or Felip, they think of my deep voice. What I once hated, I’ve grown to be proud of.
DJ: Hold on, let me interrupt you for a bit because we have the exact same experience! Growing up, I’ve always had a deep voice. All the girls in my class had these cute voices, and here I was sounding like this.
Felip: I think your voice is so cool! It’s perfect for this field (DJing).
DJ: That’s exactly why I was gonna ask, has anyone ever told you you’d make a great DJ?
Felip: No! I don’t talk much, and I’m still working on it. Do you think I have a good [speaking] voice?
DJ: Yes! Has anyone ever told you? You can have a late night show, or it can be anything you like – maybe read poetry for an hour. Your voice is as captivating as your looks. Listening to you is also a different kind of experience. Has no one really told you that you could be a great DJ?
Felip: Well, there are, but I don’t know how to talk.
DJ: You can be in a world where you can just be yourself and say whatever you want. That would be cool!
Let’s go back to COM·PLEX. What’s the deal with the dot in the middle? Is it intentional? Is there a deeper meaning, or just a cool design?
Felip: Because it looks cool.
DJ: Oh yeah. So is Su·Perior·Son, right?
Felip: Yeah, it’s my branding.
DJ: Does it mean anything to you? I can tell you what it means to me if you tell me.
Felip: It’s to highlight Suson.
DJ: Oh! So that’s what it is. To me, it could represent starting small, like a dot.
Felip: Wow! It’s open to interpretation, for sure.
DJ: Exactly. So the EP has 6 tracks, right? It’s available on Spotify. Please, guys. Give it a listen! It’s unique, very Felip, and a fresh experience.
Please tell us about the EP, the tracks. How should we listen to it?
Felip: If you want the story, just go chronologically. But mostly, just enjoy it! It’s out there, so just listen.
DJ: Let’s jump to Facebook. We have some people who painstakingly sent some questions.
Do you plan on making another Bisaya song?
Felip: Yes!
DJ: When you perform and the audience sings along, how does it make you feel?
Felip: From 0 to 100 [real quick]. [Imagine] you’re in mid-performance, giving it your all, dancing, singing – it’s tiring! But then the crowd starts singing along, and boom, your energy just goes back to a hundred.
DJ: Do you still get stage frights?
Felip: Yeah. Every single time I step on stage, it feels like my first. The chills and palpitations are always there.
DJ: But that’s a good thing, right? Like adrenaline, it pushes you [to perform].
Felip: Yeah.
DJ: Nice. Why change hairstyles? From polka dots to lines?
Felip: (Shows his hair)
DJ: Oooooh! Any particular reason behind it? It kind of reminds me of a brain!
Felip: Really? It’s a maze. I can’t think of anything else to say. It’s just a maze.
DJ: You can come up with your own theories, sisiws, and just tag Felip so he’ll know.
Okay, when did you discover your love for fashion?
Felip: Since high school. We weren’t well off, so I had to wear the same clothes repeatedly. But I had crayons and paints – it’s actually my uncle’s, he likes to paint his motorbike – so I started painting my outfits. I’d cut and paint them, experimenting with what I had. That’s how I got into fashion, and to this day, I appreciate all kinds of designs.
DJ: Okay. We got some questions from Twitter: Besides the songs from your EP, what was the last song you listened to?
Felip: (Sings “Players” by Coi Leray)
DJ: Okay. Why don’t you read the next question, JM?
JM: Sure. This question is from Twitter: Since Felip has Bisaya lyrics in his songs, I wanted to ask, what’s his favorite part of being Bisaya? What part of Visayan culture is he most proud of?
Felip: Hmm. All of it? Even if sometimes our expressions are kind of silly and exaggerated, I still find them pretty cute.
DJ: Okay, we’re going to play another song called “Bulan.” This is interesting – this one’s got some mythological references, right? Bulan, Haliya, and Bakunawa. I’m particularly curious about Haliya – you mentioned she represents you?
Felip: Bulan and Haliya are both me.
DJ: Oh, so a different part of your personality?
Felip: Yeah, but it could also be anybody. [The song has a broader message] – it’s a warning against getting consumed by your own thoughts and insecurities. That’s it. I’m sure you understand.
DJ: Alright so let’s play “Bulan” everybody. This is Felip and you’re on Magic in 92.3.
(Bulan plays)
Are you still okay?
Felip: Yep! I just didn’t want to get much into [the topic of] mental state.
(Out of topic conversation)
DJ: Wah, your music’s really good! It’s different. Did you expect to be able to make music like that? Is that a stupid question?
Felip: I’m a fan of metal bands so I made something similar and mixed it up with hip-hop and some tribal elements – there’s a tribe called Subanon (An indigenous group to the Zamboanga peninsula area) where I’m from. I used to watch them play as a kid, and that sparked my interest. You might not hear it as prominently in the song because the guitar is much louder, but it’s there.
DJ: That’s beautiful.
Okay, let’s go back.
Today’s best music, Magic 92.3! We’re hanging out here in the booth with Felip, the solo artist, entrepreneur, singer, songwriter who could play the piano and the guitar.
Are we gonna have an acoustic version of your existing songs?
Felip: Possibly.
DJ: You know what’s it gonna be like, Felip? A serenade to the sisiws.
Felip: We’ll see.
DJ: Aaahh, relax guys. Anything else we can look forward to from you in the future?
Felip: Yes. Tomorrow, February 5th, I’ve got a mall show at Manila Bay Ayala Malls in Pasay. On February 10th, my music video called “STRAYDOGS” drops, so keep an eye out for that.
And just the previous day, my 6-song EP, COM·PLEX, was released! If you haven’t heard it yet, please enjoy it. For anyone who doesn’t know me, just search for @felipsuperior on all social media. My songs are available on all streaming platforms, so go check them out and have fun!
DJ: We definitely will. Do you have any questions JM?
JM: Yeah, I have one. Felip, since this is your last radio show here in Cebu, are you planning any future showcases or events here or in other places outside Manila?
Felip: I would love to.
DJ: Yaay. Can you sing us a few lines, Felip? Is that okay?
Felip: From my song?
DJ: It doesn’t matter which song.
Felip: Okay, this one’s gonna be interesting. I played around with my voice. (Sings “CRIMINAL” by Felip)
DJ: (Cheers)
Felip: It sounded weird, didn’t it?
DJ: No. It’s trippy and different. It sounds amazing. Imagine being in a room with like-minded people, singing this acoustically. Everyone would go nuts! You probably have so much more to discover about your voice. Maybe you could share a story about your EP? That would be so trippy.
Felip, please invite everyone. You got a new EP, right?
Felip: Yes, my COM·PLEX EP just dropped a day ago. Check it out if you want to listen. I also have an upcoming music video that you can watch on my YouTube channel, FELIP, on February 10. And if you wanna know more about me, just search for @felipsuperior on all social media. Thank you so much!
DJ: Yes, let’s support his clothing line as well!
Felip: Yes, please.
DJ: Is it available here in Cebu?
JM: Online.
Felip: Yes, it’s online.
DJ: We’re used to [shop] online so it shouldn’t be too difficult.
Felip, thank you for enjoying our instant coffee!
Felip: Thank you so much. You even got my favorite one.
DJ: (Laughs) Great! Now, we’re playing “STRAYDOGS.” This is so interesting because in Bisaya that translates to Irong Buang (Literally means crazy dog in English), right? Someone told me one time, that if you want to forget someone you love, you should get chased by a crazy dog. That’d definitely take your mind off them!
Felip: (Laughs) Whaaaat. I’ve never heard that before.
DJ: I know, right?
Felip: I feel like putting that in a song.
DJ: I mean, you’d be too busy running for your life to think about anything else.
Felip: Self-preservation first.
DJ: Exactly.
But this isn’t Irong Buang. This is “STRAYDOGS.” Can you quickly tell us about it?
Felip: As an artist, I understand that not everyone would like you. Some people just won’t connect with your vibe. But whatever negativity they throw your way, just keep doing your thing as long as you’re not being inconsiderate of other people’s feelings. Be yourself and don’t worry about their opinions.
DJ: Wonderful. We promised you could ask JM a question.
Felip: JM?
DJ: Yes, you were gonna ask her a question because she’s a sisiw.
Felip: Oh! One question?
DJ: One question. Let’s see if she can answer. Fans always ask you questions, so here’s your chance to turn the tables.
Felip: Of course you already know about my birthday? This is going to be tough.
DJ: Just try if she knows. You’ll be surprised what a fan knows about you.
Felip: How many months did I train?
JM: Four months?
Felip: Hmmm?
JM: Sorry, I’m a fake fan!
(Everyone laughs)
Felip: Nah, I know you’re pretty new. But yeah, close.
JM: Oh, six!
Felip: Yeah, at least you took a guess.
DJ: Okay, we’re gonna ask you a question. What’s the [radio] frequency of Magic?
Felip: 92.3!
DJ: 92.3! You get a 92.3 shirt! Alright, we’re going to play a song from his EP while he enjoys his shirt. This is “STRAYDOGS,” and you’re on 92.3.
We can stop now.
Felip: Thank you so much!