Leadership comes in many forms—but the kind that endures is the one built on quiet sacrifices, unwavering vision, and a deep-rooted love for the craft. FELIP, known to many as Ken of SB19, is not the loudest voice in the room—but he is undeniably one of the strongest forces shaping the present and future of P-pop. His story is not just about rising to fame—it’s about the grit, discipline, and courage it takes to pursue a dream no one else believed in at the time.
Betting on a Dream That Didn’t Exist
Before there was a P-pop industry, before there were sold-out arenas and global tours, there was a young man from Pagadian City who chose to walk away from a more stable path. FELIP was studying architecture—already on a defined trajectory with the full weight of his parents’ expectations behind him. But he made the choice to go to Manila and chase something far less certain: a career in music.
It was a difficult decision, not just logistically or financially, but emotionally. At that time, idol culture in the Philippines was still a vague concept. P-pop wasn’t considered a serious profession. There were no guarantees. No roadmaps. No industry structure to fall back on. FELIP risked everything—his future in architecture, the approval of his family, even his youth—for something that lived only in his heart: music.
A Life of Discipline and Sacrifice
Manila wasn’t glamorous. He moved in with his aunt and took on domestic responsibilities: preparing breakfast early in the morning, bringing his cousins to school, and then commuting long hours to the studio for training. It was a grind—physically, mentally, emotionally. He wasn’t just learning how to become an idol; he was learning how to survive in the city while nurturing a dream that hadn’t yet taken form.
To support himself, FELIP modeled on the side, using any opportunity to earn extra cash. He never complained. Never made noise about the struggles. Instead, he chose consistency. Persistence. Quiet discipline.
His addition to SB19 came later—he was the fifth and final member selected after rigorous training. But FELIP didn’t let the timing define him. He let the work speak. And when the group debuted, the results began to show.
“The path to greatness isn’t always seen—until now.”
In his most honest interview yet, FELIP shares the unseen struggles, quiet sacrifices, and personal pain behind SB19’s debut. This is FELIP—raw, real, and resilient.
Growth in Silence, Impact Out Loud
In the early years of SB19, FELIP was often described as the “quiet one.” But anyone truly paying attention saw something deeper: a constant evolution. While others chased attention, FELIP chased growth. He trained harder. He moved differently. There was a fire that didn’t need to shout to be felt.
His role in the group continued to expand. As SB19 started gaining traction, so did FELIP’s presence—as a performer, as a dancer, as a voice. But more than that, as an artist in his own right. While the world celebrated the group’s milestones, FELIP was laying the groundwork for something more personal, more daring.
Going Solo: A Leader’s Leap
In 2021, FELIP became the first member of SB19—and one of the first idols in P-pop history—to officially debut as a solo artist. His first single “Palayo” was raw, sonically unique, and deeply personal. It wasn’t just a vanity project. FELIP was involved in the songwriting, composition, and production—proving that his artistry went beyond performance. It was vision. It was storytelling.
This wasn’t a common move in P-pop. At the time, there was no blueprint for going solo while still being in a group. But FELIP has always made bold choices—and once again, he was willing to lead by example.
His solo projects didn’t exist in competition with SB19; instead, they reflected the depth and diversity of his creativity. From Palayo to Bulan, Straydogs, and his conceptually rich COM•PLEX and 7sins eras, FELIP’s solo work elevated what a P-pop soloist could look and sound like. He brought a genre-fluid, high-concept style rarely seen in the industry—and fans, both old and new, took notice.
A New Kind of Leader for a New Kind of Industry
What sets FELIP apart as a leader isn’t just that he creates; it’s that he builds. He builds opportunities, possibilities, and new standards in an industry still defining itself.
He founded and launched his fashion line, SPS (Superior Sons), marrying his lifelong love of fashion with entrepreneurship. For FELIP, style isn’t just about appearances—it’s an extension of identity, culture, and creative expression. By launching SPS, he didn’t just start a brand—he set an example of how artists can move beyond music and into enterprise.
His leadership is not loud or performative. It’s grounded. Measured. He leads by doing—by showing that you can chase your dream, stay true to yourself, and still break boundaries. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his work always ends up there.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
FELIP’s story has now become a beacon for aspiring idols and young creatives in the Philippines. He proved that success doesn’t have to be immediate to be real. That dreams are valid—even when they’re unconventional. That you can start with nothing and still make something unforgettable.
He is proof that being a leader doesn’t require grand speeches or constant visibility. Sometimes, it’s about being the first to step into the unknown so others can follow with a little more courage. FELIP made space for experimentation in P-pop. He pushed the boundaries of sound, language, and visual storytelling. And he did it all while staying grounded, focused, and true to his vision.
FELIP Today: Always Becoming
Today, FELIP is still actively creating—both as a solo artist and a vital part of SB19, which continues to break barriers on the global stage. His solo identity has only grown stronger, his fanbase broader, his artistry more refined. Whether he’s on stage, in the studio, or behind the camera directing his own visuals, one thing is clear: FELIP is always evolving.
He represents a new kind of artist for a new era of Filipino music. An artist who leads not with ego, but with depth. One who risks, builds, and quietly inspires—knowing that leadership isn’t just about being followed. It’s about being remembered for the path you dared to take.
As FELIP, he’s raw, fearless, and creatively unbound—an artist who dares to disrupt. As KEN of SB19, he steps into discipline, harmony, and structure. One ignites the fire, the other holds it steady. Together, they show the duality that defines his power.
None of this would be possible without the people behind the scenes. Kudos to Team FELIP and every single person who has walked with him—from his early training days to his solo milestones. Their dedication, creativity, and belief in FELIP’s vision have helped shape not just his projects, but his entire journey. From stylists and producers to directors, dancers, designers, managers, security teams, fellow artists, dedicated fans, and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes—each one plays a part in this unfolding story. Their collective effort reflects the same passion FELIP carries: a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Together, they prove that it truly takes a team to build a legacy.
5 Responses
This was a great article of our Superior Rock ⭐️ FELIP’s background & career. Thank you & hoping more people can discover him & ultimately be a loyal & real supporter!
Thank you for this 🌸
What an amazing way to describe the path that FELIP carved for being a soloist in PPOP while actively maintaining his space in a group.
He is an artist worthy of our admiration and support.
I love this article. thank you for this
🎯🎯🎯
Grabe!👏👌✨️
Thank you for this! 💟