How UNIS’ Elisia Parmisano carries Pinoy pride on her sleeves

Elisia Parmisano is one of two Filipina members of K-pop girl group UNIS

UNIS member Elisia Parmisano expressed hope that the group will one day perform at major international festivals, including global stages such as Coachella.

The 17-year-old main vocalist of the K-pop girl group was in Manila on vacation and met members of the local entertainment press for the first time since joining the act.

“We want to expand our exposure and perform on the world stage,” the teen idol told Manila Standard Entertainment. “It would be an honor for us to perform at something like Coachella, when the right time comes.”

On the growing visibility of Filipino talent abroad, she shared that she feels both pride and a sense of responsibility as one of the faces of Pinoy pride on the international stage.

The 17-year-old dreams of performing on the world stage and representing her Filipino heritage 

“It’s really something to be proud of,” she said in Filipino and English. “Together with other Filipino artists performing globally, we’re able to open doors, especially for younger dreamers. I hope more Filipinos will have the opportunity to stand on the global stage.”

Looking back, she said her childhood goal was simple: to make people happy. That mindset, she added, still anchors her work today as a performer.

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“My biggest dream was really to make people happy,” she chimed. “Now that I’m here doing what I love, it feels fulfilling. I’m proud not just of myself but of the people who support me.”

Elisia also spoke about joining the group and adapting to its multinational setup, saying shared goals helped bridge cultural differences.

“What really united us was our shared dream. Even if we come from different cultures, our passion brought us together. In a group, you have to move as one,” Elisa explained.

She noted that the group performs in multiple languages and is open to exploring Filipino music in the future.

“We did a cover of a Filipino song before, and if the opportunity comes, we’d love to do a Tagalog song.”

Elisia also named actress Marian Rivera and singer Regine Velasquez as her artistic inspirations.

She began acting at age eight and later trained as a K-pop trainee in South Korea at 13. As part of UNIS, formed through SBS’s Universe Ticket, she said her Filipino identity plays a key role in her artistry.

“I think Filipinos are really dedicated and loyal to their work,” she said. “We’re also brave when it comes to taking risks. Even auditioning in another country, I carried that Filipino courage with me.”

She also pointed to Filipino warmth and friendliness as traits that stand out internationally.

“There’s a charm in how friendly Filipinos are. We’re always happy, always bright. In a good way, we don’t go unnoticed.”

Beyond training, she said her performance style is influenced by Filipino icons and family traditions.

“Singing with feelings is something I learned at home. It’s not just about the voice, but putting your heart into it.”

While she continues individual activities, she emphasized her focus remains on the group’s growth and future opportunities.

“I would be super glad to take new opportunities if they come,” she expressed. “We’re always looking forward to what’s ahead for us.” — Nickie Wang